How to Know If Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change?

For many people, maintaining a vehicle simply does not come naturally. And that makes sense, because life continues to get busier and busier for most people. With the several things to accomplish on your checklist, car maintenance is often overlooked. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems. As with anything, a vehicle needs some “TLC” (tender loving care) to continue running properly and to get you from “point A” to “point B” on a daily basis.

One of the most important things you can do for proper car maintenance is to get an oil change. Doing so keeps your car’s engine happy and healthy. When your oil is old, or when you car has run out of oil, your engine can easily overheat, leading to major, and possibly permanent, car damage. Here are some ways to know if it is time to get an oil change.

Your Engine Oil Is Black
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very good with cars, you can easily check your oil. Open the hood of your car and find the oil dipstick. If you are not sure where this is, find the cap (usually black) that will likely have a symbol of an oil can on it. Pull out the stick carefully (which will often have a yellow loop handle, but not always). Take a rag and wipe the dipstick clean. First, notice the color of the oil. Does it look like fresh oil or is it black and smudgy? If it is black, you’re due for an oil change. Dip the stick back in the oil and pull it out again. Compare how high the oil comes to the markings on the stick. Is the oil level as high as it should be? If not, this is another indicator that it is time for an oil change.If you are not comfortable checking the oil on your own, bring your vehicle in to our shop. We will help you know whether or not it’s time for your oil change.

Your Engine Makes Noticeable Noises
Have you noticed that your engine is running more loudly than usual? If so, you may need an oil change. Oil helps your engine run smoothly. When oil has run low, or out completely, the insides of your engine will grind together, creating loud noises that you will likely not be able to miss. This is definitely something to get taken care of immediately, as an engine running without oil can, once again, cause serious engine damage.

Your Vehicle Hasn’t Had an Oil Change in Several Months
If you cannot remember the last time you got your car’s oil changed, it is time for an oil change. To keep your vehicle’s engine running properly, you should get a change approximately every 3,000 miles or every three months, depending on which comes first. Having clean oil can help you get better gas mileage, in addition to keeping your engine healthy, so it is good to stay on top of it. You may have a sticker in the top left corner of your windshield from your last oil change visit, which can tell you if it’s time for a change based on your mileage.

If it’s time for an oil change, give our friendly experts a call at (408) 258-6625. We will make sure you get the best oil change in San Jose.