Signs You Need an Oil Change
Do you tend to lose track of when you’re supposed to have your oil changed? As a way to keep our fellow Shreveport, Bossier City, and Stonewall area drivers fully informed when it comes to taking the best care of their vehicles, our Rountree Ford team is providing you with the following guide. Take a moment to scan through the information below to become more familiar with a few of the telltale signs that you need your oil changed.
Why Oil Changes are so Important
Getting your oil changed regularly is vital to the safe and proficient performance of your car. This is because, as oil ages, it starts to weaken and break down. When this happens, it picks up all the debris that may be lying around the inside of your engine. This accumulation continues until it creates a sludgy mass that can cause serious damage if gone unchecked.
Watch Your Odometer
A great way to keep track of when you need an oil change is your mileage. If your car’s engine runs on conventional oil, you should get the oil changed about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or so. If you’re driving a newer car, you’re probably using synthetic oil. If this is the case, your car should be able to go between 6,000 and 7,500 miles before it will need to be changed. Be sure to take a look at your owner’s manual. It will tell you the recommended oil type and oil change interval for your specific vehicle.
It’s always a good idea to keep in mind that such factors as climate, driving behavior, and road conditions can significantly reduce the period of time you should go before having your oil changed. This is because these factors can affect your oil’s performance and cause it to age prematurely.
Dashboard Warning Lights
Depending on the car you have, there are likely to be several useful lights on your dashboard when it comes to giving you a sign you need an oil change. One of these is the check engine light. While the illumination of this one could be an indication of a number of engine issues, having low oil is certainly one of them. If you notice the check engine light come on, be sure to have it looked at by a certified automotive technician as soon as possible to avoid any serious damage.
Your car might also be equipped with warning lights that alert you when oil or oil pressure levels are getting too low. Again, be sure to have it checked out whenever you notice that these are lit.
Unusual Sounds Coming from the Engine
If you notice that your engine has been louder that normal, this could be a hint that your oil is running low and should be changed. Similar indications would be rumbling, thumping, or ticking sounds.
Schedule Your Oil Change with Us Today
If you’re making your way through Shreveport, Bossier City, or Stonewall and you notice any of the above signs, we welcome you to contact our service center here at Group 1 Ford of Shreveport so you can go ahead and set up your oil change appointment.
