5 Ways to Tell if Your Car’s Oil Needs to be Changed

It’s very important to regularly check your oil levels in order to make sure that your car continues to run smoothly. Engine oil’s main purpose is to lubricate the moving internal parts of your engine as well as to clean, cool, and protect these parts from seizing up. The engine oil allows for these parts to glide and slide past one another efficiently and smoothly. Over time, engine oil becomes dirty and it loses its chemical makeup up which causes it to not work as effectively. We compiled some important tips you can utilize to keep a closer eye on your engine oil and preserve your engine’s lifespan.

1. How to check your oil level: The first step is to pop the hood of your car. You’ll then locate the dipstick which should have a ring shape on the end that will be protruding from your engine. Before doing this make sure to grab a clean cloth. Pull the dipstick all the way out and wipe off the oil on the end of it with your cloth. Reinsert the dipstick back into the hole, wait a couple of seconds, and then pull it back out. At the end of the dipstick, there should be a little indicator with a minimum level and maximum level. You’ll want your oil level to be somewhere in between the minimum and maximum level with it erroring towards the maximum level.
2. Check the consistency: For this one, you’ll have to get the tips of your fingers just a little oily. After you pull the dipstick out, rub a little bit of the oil from the end of the dipstick in between your two fingers and feel for the consistency. If the oil is smooth then it is still clean but if it feels coarse then it may be time to have your oil changed.
3. You’ve driven a certain amount of miles since your last oil change: Depending on how much you drive, this will determine how frequently you should have your oil changed. The old rule of thumb was to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles but with the advancement of synthetic oils, many vehicles can have their oil changed around 5,000 miles.
4. Your oil level keeps dropping: If you’ve filled up and topped off your oil and happen to check it soon thereafter and find that your level is low again, then you may have an oil leak and should contact your local repair shop.
5. Your dashboard oil light is on: Most modern cars nowadays have a built-in system that will track when your last oil change was and will monitor your vehicle’s oil level. If the dashboard light comes on it could mean that your levels are low and or it is time for your routine oil change.

If you have any questions on how to monitor your vehicle’s oil level or you’re in need of an oil change in Doylestown, PA & surrounding areas, then contact Bob’s Auto Repair in Warrington at (215) 343-1255 today!