Four Signs You Need an Oil Change

Posted on October 18, 2018 in Oil Change

Has Your Oil Gone Bad?

You can think of engine oil like the lifeblood that keeps your car running and thriving. Without clean oil, your car and its performance may suffer or even fail. Breakdowns are a worst-case scenario for everyone, but luckily there is an easy way to avoid engine failure from dirty oil. It is as simple as having your oil changed regularly at Dave’s Valley Auto Clinic, the experts for all your vehicle’s needs! So how can you tell when it is time to come into the shop? These four signs will help you determine when your oil has gone bad.

1. The oil is dirty.

You can visually inspect your vehicle’s oil for cleanliness using a dipstick. If the oil is dark and black instead of clear, it’s time for a fresh oil change. Dirty oil is no longer effective at cleaning and protecting the rest of the engine.

1. It’s been a while since your last oil change.

An easy way of determining when oil has gone bad is by following a routine schedule for oil changes. If your last oil change was more than three or four months ago, it is probably time for new engine oil. Most vehicles require oil changes every 3,000 to 4,000 miles, or up to 6,000 miles if they run on synthetic oil.

1. The oil smells burnt.

The smell test is simple. Good motor oil should smell like a fresh bottle of oil. If you aren’t sure what to sniff for, know that burnt-smelling oil is bad and needs to be changed.

1. There isn’t enough oil.

Your vehicle may alert you with dashboard indicators when the oil level is low. Even if your car doesn’t have this feature, you can check for low oil levels yourself with a dipstick. Remember that oil is crucial to keep your car healthy and there must be enough of it to fully protect all the engine’s components.

Get Your Oil Changed at Dave’s Valley Auto Clinic!

Does the oil in your car match any of these descriptions? If so, you don’t have to worry. Now that you know you need an oil change the only thing you need to do is call or visit Dave’s Valley Auto Clinic. Once you arrive at our pristine auto care center, our expert technicians will take on all of your car’s needs to get you back on the road!