Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

To ensure your new or used ride runs properly on Wheeling roads, you need to recognize common signs your car needs an oil change. On average, your vehicle will need an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, but you may need to bring it in sooner if your car is shaking while it’s idling, has increased engine noise, or there’s thick exhaust coming from your car. Read about how to know when your car needs an oil change with the expert technicians at Straub Nissan today!

Oil is crucial to the overall function of your ride on Moundsville roads as it lubricates the engine components and transfers heat away from the engine block. Maintaining proper vehicle temperature ensures all components are operating as they should and at their best. Take a closer look at the signs your car needs an oil change soon:

• Increased Engine Noise: Oil breaks down as it ages, making it a less effective lubricant as time goes on. If your engine is louder than before, it’s possible that the small components in your engine are not being properly lubricated from old oil.
• Shaking While Idling: If your vehicle is shaking while it’s idling, then the parts in your engine aren’t being properly lubricated. This is caused by increased friction as the engine runs.
• Ticking Sounds When Starting the Car: The oil in your engine begins to circulate as soon as you start your car. If the oil has an improper texture, it may take longer to circulate, which can cause a ticking sound.
• Low Oil Levels: The oil levels in your car will deplete over time, which is why it’s important to have your oil changed regularly and check your oil levels monthly. If your oil levels are consistently low, bring your vehicle in for service, as this may indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
• Irregular Oil Texture/Colors: The oil in your car should be amber in color and free of any contaminants. If you notice your oil is darker in color, thick, or has tiny pieces of debris in it, you should schedule service and have your oil changed as soon as possible.
• Excess Exhaust: Most new vehicles don’t have visible exhaust emissions, so if you notice thick exhaust coming from your vehicle, it could be a sign that the motor oil is too old to work properly. Bring your vehicle in for service as soon as possible.
• Frequent Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is persistent, then it’s signaling to you that there is a problem within your engine or one of its systems. Bring your vehicle to a local service center to have the code read and the issue fixed.

Oil change frequency intervals can differ between new and used models as more recent cars need to have their oil changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, while pre-owned models may need to have their oil changed every six months or 5,000 miles. For drivers that use their car for off-roading, racing, or do heavy towing, an oil change may need to be done much sooner. Monitor oil levels and tire pressure once a month to make sure you have enough of the proper oil and that the oil isn’t an odd color or has contaminants.

Now that you know more about common signs your car needs an oil change, find more helpful service tips and tricks to keep your vehicle at its best on Steubenville roads. Count on Straub Nissan for all of your oil changes and other maintenance needs, and save on your next visit when you take advantage of our service specials and coupons. You can even order OEM parts for sale and have them just in time for your appointment. Contact us today for more details on how to know when your car needs an oil change and stop by our dealership in Triadelphia!