Common Signs Your Vehicle Requires an Oil Change

 

Motor oil lubricates your engine and helps all of its components operate efficiently together. Routine oil changes keep your car running smoothly so you can enjoy driving it for years. When your vehicle needs an oil change, you should know, and this post is going to teach you what to look for.

Check out the most common signs that your vehicle requires an oil change, and then stop by Central City Toyota where our technicians will get the job done.

Common Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

Oil Level and Appearance

Checking the oil in your vehicle is easy enough to do from home. Pop the hood when the engine is cool, pull the dipstick out from the oil reservoir and wipe it on a used towel or T-shirt. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it back out to examine the oil level and its appearance.

Clean oil is light brown in color and translucent. Dirty, contaminated oil is dark brown or black and has a sludgy consistency. If your engine oil is dirty or the level is low, it’s time for an oil change.

Increased Engine Noise

A functioning engine typically won’t make a lot of noise as you travel. When you notice grinding or rumbling noises coming from under the hood of your car, this might be an indication that your vehicle needs an oil change. Because oil lubricates the engine parts and systems, a noisy engine could signal that the components are bumping and wearing against one another, which can result in a damaged engine.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Both the oil warning light and the check engine light could let you know that your vehicle needs an oil change. One or both of these lights may turn on because oil levels are low or there is a lack of lubrication between the engine parts.

Burning Smell

If your cabin begins to smell like oil or gas, this could indicate that your engine is overheating and burning dirty oil. At that point, you should schedule an oil change as soon as possible.

Get an Oil Change at Central City Toyota in Philadelphia, PA

Stop by or schedule a service appointment at our service center if your vehicle is in need of an oil change, and learn how to check your oil from our technicians.

Don’t forget to redeem Toyota service coupons during your next appointment to receive deals on a number of our services. Call our service center for more information.

Tags: Car Care, Maintenance Tips
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