How often should I change the oil?
An oil change is one of the most vital maintenance services your car needs. Here’s how and why to do it…
The whole point of engine oil is to keep the engine nice and cool and working properly. But it can only do its job if the oil is clean, and that’s why it needs to be changed regularly.
The best way to know when your car needs an oil change is to check the owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. There are also some warning signs to look out for:
1. Black and gritty oil: Clean oil is typically amber in colour. But over time, it’ll turn darker and get gritty from picking up lots of debris. When this happens, the oil won’t lubricate properly and it needs to be replaced.
2. Loud engine: When the engine’s moving parts don’t get properly lubricated, it can cause a lot of friction. You’ll most likely hear lots of knocking sounds from the engine, which will increase in volume the longer you avoid an oil change.
3. Strange burning smell: If you can smell burnt oil inside your vehicle, it means the engine is overheating, or there’s a leak. Either way, it’ is extremely dangerous to keep driving. If you start to smell oil, get it changed as soon as possible.
4. Warning light stays on: If an oil change warning light pops up on your dashboard, it means there’s very little oil left in the vehicle. However, in some more severe instances, you could see your check engine light come on. This means the engine is at a very high risk of damage from lack of fluid or damaged parts. If either light comes on, get an oil change done ASAP.
To see how to change the oil in just ten minutes, click on the link here.
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- Engine
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