The New Year is almost here, and for many people, that means a fresh start and new goals and resolutions. When it comes to your vehicle, if you have neglected it in the past year, the new time marks the opportunity to change that and take back control over your car, truck, or SUV’s maintenance. Oil is an essential part of your Phoenix vehicle’s operation. Have you kept up on having your oil changed and ensuring it is where it should be and clean? Is your vehicle’s oil ready for the New Year?
How do you know that it’s time for an oil change?
To ensure that your vehicle’s oil is ready for the New Year and beyond, you need to know the signs that it is time for an oil change, time isn’t the only factor. There are other things you should watch for, such as:
- Check Engine Light or Oil Indicator is on: This is one of the easiest ways to know that it is time for an oil change. If your dash is lit up with a new light, especially one specific to your oil, your car is trying to tell you something. Modern vehicles are equipped to alert you when your oil is low and it is in need of a change.
- Dirty Oil: Having dirty oil can cause major issues for your car, truck, or SUV, and failing to replace your vehicle’s oil, when it’s needed, can lead to wear and tear on engine parts and ultimately total engine failure. Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. If your oil looks sooty and opaque, it is likely time to change it, as it is dirty.
- Ticking or Knocking Noises: Oil provides a protective layer between engine parts, avoiding metal-to-metal brushing and keeping the engine quiet. If your oil isn’t doing its job properly, the engine noise will increase (Machinery Lubrication). If you notice ticking sounds or other noises that sound like metal hitting metal, your vehicle could be trying to tell you that your oil is unclean and needs changed.
- Exhaust Smoke: Your exhaust is known to release vapor and that’s okay, but if it starts to turn into a smelly smokey release, there may be something wrong with your engine, or it could be an issue with your oil. Exhaust fumes indicate that your vehicle may be overheating or having another issue, usually something that is caused by insufficient oil.
- High Engine Temperature: Pay attention to your engine’s temperature. As the efficiency of your oil fades, your engine can generate more heat, so it will run a bit hotter.
- Decrease in Fuel Economy: You may also notice a decrease in fuel economy, as your old oil thickens, losing viscosity and some of its ability to lubricate. If your last fill up isn’t getting you as far as it used to, it could be time for an oil change.
Time may be the biggest indicator that your vehicle’s oil not is ready for the New Year, and you are in need of an oil change. How often you should have an oil change depends on your driving habits, type of vehicle, and type of oil.
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants, most engines today, have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If your car’s engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between needing an oil change. Every vehicle is different, so you should check your owner’s manual to know when it is recommended for you to have an oil change on your specific car or truck.
Is your vehicle’s oil ready for the New Year?
Time and the signs above should help you answer this question. Having your oil changed when it is needed, is essential to your vehicle operating properly. Regular oil changes help with engine lubrication, gas mileage, engine wear, vehicle life, and you safely making it to your destination.
We can help get your vehicle ready for the New Year. Advanced Transmissions & Emissions, is the leader in auto repair and service in Phoenix, AZ. Our team of auto technicians are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified, so you can feel confident that you’re getting the best service for your vehicle. As a Phoenix locally-owned and operated auto repair shop, we make it our priority to ensure to treat our customers with the respect they deserve.
Visit us or contact us today.
