4 Signs That Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

With today’s lubricants, factories are recommending that you change your vehicle’s oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. While this is the minimum requirement for oil changes, this doesn't mean that you may not need one sooner. Depending on your driving habits and the conditions in which you drive your car or truck, you might need more frequent oil changes. The age and overall condition of the vehicle also affect the frequency of the oil change. Here are 4 signs that your vehicle needs an oil change.

1. Your Oil Looks Dark

If you're not sure about how fresh motor oil looks, a visit to Coffman GMC can help you learn more about the quality of engine oil you should be using in your vehicle. In general, clean motor oil has a bronze or caramel color, and you should be able to see through it. If your oil looks black or opaque, it’s a sign that the oil has been contaminated by dirt, grease, and other debris.

2. The Engine Is Knocking

When motor oil wears out and gets contaminated by debris and gunk, it won't perform well as a lubricant. As a result, the moving components in your engine won't be well-lubricated, which in turn causes friction to build up.

The lack of lubrication makes the moving components rub and knock against other metal components in the engine. This is why you will hear knocking or tapping sounds from your engine. You should take this as a sign that your engine oil should be drained and replaced.

3. There’s an Unusual Odor

The friction buildup caused by contaminated motor oil leads to engine heating. When the engine generates more heat, the oil burns faster than it normally should. If you smell a burning odor coming from your engine, this is usually the reason.

Even if the problem isn't dirty motor oil, you should report any unusual odor from the engine to specialists like Coffman GMC mechanics. They can diagnose the problem and recommend repairs to fix the problem before the condition worsens.

4. Your Vehicle Takes Time to Start

If you don't get your oil changed as soon as you notice the telltale signs of contaminated oil, the condition will worsen. As your engine oil becomes thicker, it won't lubricate your engine properly. This will force the engine to work harder, causing faster wear and tear on your vehicle.

In addition to a vehicle that performs sluggishly, you may also experience frequent stalling. Your vehicle may also take longer to start. While these problems can also indicate blown spark plugs, clogged fuel filters, and other mechanical issues, they can also be caused by poor-quality motor oil. Getting your vehicle inspected will help you repair the problem and restore its performance.

If you’re in Oswego, IL, and you need an oil change, trust the technicians at Coffman GMC to give your vehicle the quality care it needs.