How can you tell when your car needs an oil change?
The oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system, so check the dipstick to see what’s happening. In worse cases, the check engine light will illuminate. This is your car warning you that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.
How often should I change the oil in my car?
In the past, manufacturers recommended changing the oil every 3,000 miles, however with the advancement of synthetic engine oils it is unlikely that your car will need an oil change quite this often. Every manufacturer is different but you should follow the advice regarding oil change intervals in your owner s manual.
What’s the best way to do an oil change?
Make sure the cap, drain plug and oil filter are all secure. Start the engine (outdoors or in a well-ventilated area), let it run a few minutes, turn off the engine, and then let it sit. Check the oil level again. Top-off if necessary and check one more time for any possible leaks. Clean up any spilled oil.
What happens if you don’t change your oil often?
Those who do keep up with regular oil changes will reap the rewards for their car and wallet. According to Fix, keeping up with oil changes helps engines last longer and offers better fuel economy, too. Not changing your oil often enough is one way you’re shortening the life of your car.
What are the signs that you need an oil change?
Here are the most common signs you need an oil change. Presence of Smoke From the Exhaust. When working, a car’s engine should produce a colorless vapor. During cold weather, you may see a translucent vapor coming from the exhaust pipe.
What are the steps in changing your oil?
Change Oil Yourself: The Oil Change Steps Warm up the engine. Find and unscrew the drain plug. Unscrew the oil filter and empty it. Attach the new filter. Screw the oil drain plug. Pour the oil and check the level.
How many miles before changing oil?
Most experts will say that, if you want to know an estimate for how many miles before oil change becomes a must, the safest bet is between 5,000 and 10,000 miles for most newer models.
How can I tell if I need an oil change?
Sometimes it’s easy to tell if you need an oil change from the funky smell alone. If your nostrils are met with a burning smell, that’s a sure sign you need an oil change. This means you have dirty oil and need to seek attention to change it. It’s easy to check your oil level.