Is It Time for an Oil Change?

Getting your regular oil change service is one of the many hassles of car owners everywhere in the world. Your oil change service is also essential when it comes to keeping your vehicle in good shape. Depending on your car, if you don’t change your oil and filter in time, and with the specified products, it could void your vehicle’s warranty.

Knowing the exact time to perform an oil or filter change can be difficult, especially for an inexperienced car owner, so what can you do? While the more natural way is to visit a qualified mechanic such as one from AAMCO Chester, there are a few telltale signs you could watch out for.

Why is Engine Oil Important?

Signs your Engine Oil Needs Replacing

If you are like most drivers, you rely on your mileage readings to determine when it’s time for an oil change. However, there are several factors at play when it comes to replacing your engine oil. Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of signs and symptoms to warn you.

Oil Change or Check Engine Light

The most obvious sign that your vehicle needs an oil change will come from your car itself. Depending on the make of your vehicle, the oil change light will come on, indicating that there’s not enough oil in the engine. In some instances, the check engine light will come on, indicating that the problem has escalated.

Dark or Dirty Oil

We all know how to check oil underneath the hood. To check the quality of your engine oil, all you need to do is remove the dipstick marked “OIL”, wipe it off, put it back in, and finally remove it again. If you can see the stick through the oil, then your engine oil is excellent. However, if the color of the oil is dark and murky, you need to schedule an oil change service at your local AAMCO Chester car center.

Decreased Engine Oil

The primary function of oil is to lubricate the internal components of the engine and ensure all the parts work together smoothly. Overused oil becomes thick with poor texture and will be noticeable when you drive. When you drive your vehicle with overused oil, it may produce a knocking sound when the car is in motion. Problems with your oil will also cause ticking noises from your engine.

Oil Smell in the Cabin

Smelling oil in your cabin is a huge warning sign. It may be due to a leak. Sometimes, this smell will mix with gas and exhaust fumes. It usually means oil is burning into your exhaust area or your vehicle is overheating. An overheating engine will cause extensive internal damage leading to extensive repairs.

Exhaust Smoke

It’s common to have translucent vapor coming from your vehicle’s exhaust tailpipe, especially during the cold season. However, when this vapor changes into smoke, you need to be concerned. The right thing to do is schedule an engine check service with your local AAMCO Chester mechanic. You may have an oil leak or faulty internal engine parts.

AAMCO Chester Oil Change Service

At AAMCO Chester, we offer oil change service for all American licensed vehicles. Depending on your car, our qualified technicians will check your engine and use the correct specified products for your oil and filter change. We will also schedule a regular maintenance service with you to make sure you don’t miss your oil change intervals. Apart from oil and filter change service, we are regional leaders when it comes to transmission service, repair, and car maintenance. We also offer brake service, engine tune-up, service and repair, suspension system service, and many more.

Does your engine produce a knocking sound while running? It could be time for an oil change service. Contact us today, or drive to your local AAMCO Chester location for a quick oil change service.