An important component of your vehicle is the oil in your motor. Whether it’s working to keep the engine cool or lubricating components to not grind against each other, the engine oil is the lifeline of your vehicle. The oil aids the engine in a number of ways. It helps shield the engine by keeping it clean from dirt, which defends the engine’s operation. Oil reduces friction and wear, which can also enrich the performance of the fuel. Lastly, it lowers the heat within the engine and redistributes it to other components of the engine.
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Consistently testing the engine oil level can help the driver ensure oil health and maintain proper oil levels. To start the process, it is best to check the oil when the engine is cooled to avoid touching hot engine parts. Many dipsticks have lines to display if the oil levels are too low and need to be topped off. Also when using the dipstick, you can inspect the oil texture. If the oil is light in color and smooth, it shouldn’t be changed. But, if the oil looks sludgy and dark, then it should be changed.
If your dipstick regularly displays low engine oil levels then it’s possible that you may have a leak. There are multiple ways to check for an oil leak, which is important because a leak could cause harm to your vehicle’s engine. If there are dark puddles under your car, this could be a result of the oil pan leaking oil. A scent of burning oil or smoke from the engine may also be an important indicator of an oil leak. Also, the engine overheating could possibly be a product of an oil leak.
Learning when to replace your vehicle’s engine oil is also critical to prevent harm to the engine in your car. While some may suggest a short oil change interval from 3,000-5,000 miles, it is recommended to have your oil changed every six months or 5,000 to 7,000 miles, whichever one comes first. However, if you are worried about when you should have an oil change you should contact our service department for more accurate info about your vehicle.
