Getting regular oil changes for your car, truck and SUV is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a healthy, strong-running vehicle. Depending on the make, model and manufacturing date of your vehicle, oil changes need to be performed at 3,000- or 5,000-mile intervals in order to keep your engine and vehicle churning along smoothly.
Why Are Oil Changes Important?
Though some newer model vehicles that rely on synthetic oil may not need to be changed as frequently as older model cars that use non-synthetic fluids, an oil change remains an essential part of auto repair and maintenance.
Clean, fresh oil enables your engine to function at optimal levels. The oil lubricates the engine and its moving parts so that they can churn and move against each other in a smooth manner. Clean oil minimizes friction and the damage it causes so that the engine can produce as much power as it can using as little effort or force as possible.
Over-worked Engines Need More Frequent Maintenance
Over time, the oil in the engine starts to get dirty. This means the engine’s pistons and moving parts need to work harder in order to produce the same output of energy. If the engine has to work harder, it gets hotter faster. This means the cooling system will have to work harder to keep the engine cool and prevent vehicle overheating. In this way, dirty or grimy oil in the engine can start to have a domino effect across all vehicle components so that each of them has to work much harder to produce the same output.
Though it can certainly be helpful to use mileage benchmarks to determine whether or not your vehicle needs an oil change, there are other indications to consider as well.
Non-mileage Related Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change:
- Dirty (and Stinky) Exhaust – The smell coming from your exhaust pipe is rarely if ever pleasant smelling. But if your exhaust is particularly dirty or has that burning oil smell, this could be a sign your vehicle is overdue for an oil change. Can you see blackish exhaust coming from the tailpipe? Today’s cars burn much cleaner than cars of 25 or so years ago so you really shouldn’t see blackish smoke being emitted from them. If you do, there’s a good chance you need to change the oil asap.
- Loud-running Engine – Does your car, truck or SUV make a lot of noise when you’re driving? Heavy revving or racing sounds when you start or accelerate the car are usually a signal that the engine is working harder than it should have to in order to produce the same output. A clunking or knocking sound when you rev the engine could signal a busted cylinder.
- Poor performance and acceleration – If your vehicle is unable to accelerate as it normally does and seems to be stammering ahead instead of driving smoothly, this is a sign that gunky oil is clogging up the oil filter.
- Dark Oil on the Dipstick — Of course, one of the easiest ways to determine whether your vehicle needs an oil change is to check the dipstick. Dark, grubby-looking oil is a sign that it’s time to replace the oil. Oil color should appear yellowish brown or orangey-tan. If it’s blackish in appearance, that’s a clear sign you need an oil change. Many newer model vehicles’ dashboard lights will go on if its sensors recognize an oil change is necessary. However, it is best not to exclusively rely on these signals.
Regular San Diego Oil Changes Can Save You Money
Coupons for oil changes in San Diego can be a great way to save on this routine maintenance service. Unfortunately, some car owners think they can save money by postponing necessary oil changes. This is actually a big mistake because a cheap oil change can actually save you thousands of dollars in auto repair down the road. Few things can extend the life of your vehicle than regular oil changes.
If you opt to “save money” by skipping out on regular oil changes, you are setting yourself up for expensive engine repair much later. Dirty oil will coagulate and clog up within the engine causing it to work harder and harder to function. Instead of acting like a lubricant, which is one of the primary functions of the oil, the dirty oil will congeal and coagulate turning into immobile sludge.
Without lubrication, the friction of the pistons moving against themselves will start to become damaged and break down. Eventually the engine components will seize up and collapse in onto itself and stop working entirely. Major engine repair or replacement will cost you several thousand dollars in auto repair. For older model vehicles, the cost of engine repair of this magnitude is generally not worth it.
So if you can’t recall the last time you had your car’s oil change, check the dipstick and bring it into an independent auto repair shop in San Diego for a look before it’s too late.
