
The oil in your engine is an important component of a car. If it’s keeping the lubricating sections of the engine or keeping it cooled, the oil is the lifeline of your car. The engine oil assists the engine in plenty of ways. It helps defend the engine by keeping it clean from dirt, which protects engine operation. Oil reduces friction and wear, which can also improve the performance of the fuel. Lastly, it reduces the heat within the engine and redistributes it to other parts of the engine.
Consistently testing the engine oil level can help the driver ensure oil health and maintain proper oil levels. To start testing, it is best to check the oil when the engine has cooled down to avoid touching hot engine parts. Many dipsticks have guidelines to show if the oil level is too low and needs to be topped off. Also when using the dipstick, you can inspect the engine oil color. If the oil is smooth and a lighter color, it shouldn’t be changed. However, if the oil looks sludgy and dark, then it should be replaced.
If your dipstick constantly shows low engine oil levels then it’s possible that you may have a leak. There are a number of ways to check for oil leakage, which is important because a leak could bring harm to your vehicle’s engine. If there are dark puddles under your car, this could be a result of its oil pan slowly leaking oil. The smell of burning oil or smoke from the engine may also be an important sign of an oil leak. Also, the engine overheating could possibly be a product of an oil leak.
Learning when to change your car’s engine oil is crucial to negate harm to the engine in your car. While some may suggest a short engine oil change interval from 3,000 to 5,000 miles, it’s recommended to have your oil replaced every 5,000-7,000 miles or six months, whichever happens first. However, if you’re uncertain about when you should have an oil change you should reach out to our service department for more accurate information about your vehicle.