How do u know when u need a oil change

An oil change is the most important maintenance service for your car. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It provides vital lubrication for fast-moving parts inside the motor. If the engine oil is old, it won't work as well. If the oil level is low, it will cause significant problems that could lead to major engine damage. This is why the oil and oil filter need to be replaced periodically to keep your vehicle healthy.

Many of us depend on our mechanic and/or our car's computer system to tell us when each next oil change is due. You may have a little sticker on your windshield with the mileage for your next service, which is usually 5,000-6,000 miles from your previous oil change. For some older cars, that interval may be only 3,000 miles. For some modern vehicles, it may be as high as 10,000 miles between services. However, it's important to understand that mileage isn't everything. You may need to get your oil changed sooner than expected or maybe you don't need it done as soon. It all depends on the vehicle and a number of other factors.

Here are some telltale signs that your vehicle is overdue for an oil change:

1. Low Oil Level

It's a good idea to get in the habit of checking your oil regularly. Use the dipstick under your hood and it should only take a few seconds. If you measure your oil and it is low, then you may have an oil leak or are just due for an oil change service.

2. Dark/Burnt Oil

In addition to the oil level, you will also want to check the quality of the fluid. If it is dark, thick and/or smells burnt, you'll want to get your oil changed as soon as possible to avoid engine problems.

3. Warning Lights

Many modern cars have specific service lights to let you know when an oil change is due. Some are using sensors that are monitoring oil levels or engine performance. Others may just have a mileage set by the mechanic who last serviced the car. A bad oil situation may also trip the check engine light or the oil pressure light. Either way, pay attention to your warning lights and take care of maintenance/repairs as needed.

4. Excess Exhaust Smoke

An increase of exhaust smoke (especially if it's darker than usual) can be a sign that the engine is low on oil. It could also be an exhaust/emissions system problem.

5. Engine Overheating

An engine can start to overheat if it doesn't have enough clean oil running through the system. Again, an overheating engine could also be a cooling system issue worth getting inspected.

6. Engine Performance Issues

Low or old engine oil could cause some noticeable performance issues in your engine. You may find it hard to start up the car and get the engine to turnover. It may stall out when you come to a stop or idle roughly. You might even hear strange ticks and other noises to let you know something isn't right.

7. Burning Oil Smell

If you are driving and smell burnt oil, you may have an oil leak. Oil could be dripping out onto hot engine parts and causing the smell, or low/bad oil may be running through the engine and causing excess friction.

8. Loss of Fuel Economy

Lastly, you may notice that your car isn't getting very good gas mileage. This could be any number of problems associated with the fuel system, exhaust system, wheel alignment, tire air pressure, transmission or engine. It might also just mean you need to get an oil change as soon as possible.

These are some of the most common signs that your car may be overdue for an oil change. If you are in the Northern Delaware area, call Fox Run Auto today at (302) 597-9205 or book online to schedule your next maintenance service. We'll also perform an inspection of the vehicle's vital systems to make sure there aren't any other issues at hand.

There are a lot of variables that impact when to change your oil. Most shops recommend changing it every 3,000 miles, but new cars in optimal driving conditions can sometimes go as far as 5,000 miles, whereas older cars, cars that often tow heavy loads, or cars that often drive in extreme cold/heat might need to replace their oil as often as every 1,000 miles. Drivers also need to consider which kind of oil they use (synthetic oil is good for up to twice as long as conventional oil), how often they are caught in stop-and-go traffic, how many short trips they take around the city, and so on.

So, in addition to keeping track of your mileage and the date of your last oil change, regularly checking your vehicle’s oil level and quality can help a lot in determining when to replace your oil.

To check your oil level, find the oil dipstick in your vehicle (you can look up where it is in your manufacturer’s manual if you are uncertain). After your engine has been off for at least ten minutes, remove the dipstick from its tube and wipe it off with a clean, lint-free rag. Then insert the stick all the way back into the pipe, and pull it out again.

Note how high the oil film reaches on the dipstick (where it falls beneath “full” or “add”). If the residue doesn’t reach above the “add” line, then it is time for an oil change.

Also, check the quality of your oil. Though oil turns black pretty quickly, you should still be able to rub it between your fingers cleanly. If the oil leaves a dirty smudge or if it smells like gasoline, then you probably need to change it soon, as you are running contaminated oil through your vehicle.

How long can you go without an oil change?

Most vehicles will need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you're using synthetic oil, the maximum oil change interval increases to about 10,000 miles. Keep in mind that those numbers are general guidelines and that the actual interval will depend on your car's make and model.

How often do I need an oil change?

On average, vehicles are estimated to need an oil change every 3,000 miles or every six months. This can vary based on your driving habits, your driving frequency, the age of your vehicle, and the quality of the oil you use. If you drive a newer vehicle, you might be able to safely wait a little longer between changes.