How to Know It’s Time for an Oil Change

To ensure your car remains in proper working condition and offers smooth performance, you must pay extra attention to its powertrain system and the important components, including the piston, camshaft, brakes and spark plugs. Moreover, a car’s engine is composed of many mechanical parts that continuously move together and rub against each other, creating heat from friction that may result in engine overheating. Out of many care tips, the one way to ensure each of these components runs efficiently is to make regular oil changes part of your routine auto maintenance. Oil works as a lubricant for all these powertrain elements that add to its seamless performance, as well as durability. Besides that, a routine oil change is also important for the overall health of your vehicle as, with time, the oil gets darker and dirtier, affecting its performance. Follow along to learn some common oil change warning signs from the experts at S&B Keswick, helping you take care of your car for stunning performance all the time. 

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5 Common Warning Signs for an Oil Change 

• Abnormal noise from the engine: When the oil levels are low, you may hear a metal-to-metal knocking or rumbling sound, which means that the engine components are brushing against each other, causing friction that may lead to severe engine damage. Engine oil helps prevent this scenario by providing the necessary lubrication to all the engine components.
• Peculiar smell: If you start to smell gas or exhaust smoke inside the car, it usually signifies an oil leak. This is also a sign of burning oil, which needs your attention immediately, as it may lead to severe engine damage. 
• Excessive mileage: Consider replacing your engine oil routinely if you travel a lot. Every vehicle must have its oil change once it travels a set distance. Usually, you should get your vehicle’s oil changed somewhere between 12,070 km (7,500 miles) to 16,093 km (10,000 miles).
• Check for grime and darker oil: When the oil moves through the engine, it often collects dirt and gets darker, leaving an abnormal smell, as well as affecting the engine’s performance. You can check the colour and condition of the oil by regularly taking out the dipstick.
• Keep an eye on the check engine light: The check engine light is a common sign that indicates potential engine issues, encouraging you to look at all the powertrain components carefully to ensure everything works properly. This can also mean an immediate oil change to keep the engine components lubricated to avoid further damage.   

Need help with an oil change? Visit our Service Department at S&B Keswick Motors to get in touch with our experienced technicians who use OEM recommendations and the best industry standard practices to take care of your vehicles.