Getting your car’s oil changed is such a simple maintenance task, but it’s crucial. Brown Automotive Repair wants you to be able to recognize the signs that your car needs an oil change sooner rather than later.
Oil Levels Are Low When You Check the Oil
Checking your oil in between oil changes is way more important than you might realize. When you check your own oil, it’s a lot easier for you to recognize when the oil levels are dropping. Because of engine heat and all the abuse that engine oil takes, it breaks down really quickly. When those levels get too low, that can cause engine issues.
The Oil Looks Dirty When You Check It
Something else to look for when you’re checking your own oil is how dirty the oil looks. If there is a lot of gunk or even what looks like metal flakes in the oil, that’s a sign that the oil is doing its job and might be at its limit. Dirty oil can’t clean the engine the way it’s supposed to.
You’ve Spotted an Oil Leak
Oil leaks can happen for a variety of reasons. What’s most important is figuring out what’s causing that oil leak and getting it to stop, because your car’s engine needs all the oil it can hold onto. This is even more important if the oil leak seems to be more than a few drops.
Gas Mileage Is Falling Off
If you’re not already tracking gas mileage, you might want to start. Gas mileage can tell you a lot, including when it might be time to get that oil change, even if it’s “early” according to the date on the sticker or the mileage marker. The worse your gas mileage gets, the harder your engine is working.
You’re Seeing Warning Lights on the Dashboard
Finally, any time you’re seeing warning lights on your car’s dashboard, you need to pay attention to them. Some cars do have an oil light, but many do not. The light you’re most likely to see if it’s been way, way too long since your last oil change is the check engine light.
Finding it tough to stay on track with oil changes? Brown Automotive Repair in Trussville, AL can make that easier for you. Contact us today and we’ll help you to determine what your car needs and how to get the oil changed when your car needs it most.