When To Book An Oil Change Near Me: 6 Signs You Need Immediate Service
Oil starvation is a serial engine-killer, but it can easily be prevented with timely service. If you have lost track of your oil change schedule, get in touch with our team for a free consultation, or use the following 6+ indicators to know when to book your next service.
When To Book An Oil Change Near Me: Getting Started
The best way to determine when it is time to book an oil change is simply to follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, which will be found in your owner’s manual. Using the manufacturer’s recommended oil type and service intervals will get you:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Reduced engine friction and wear
- Cooler engine components
- Longer engine life
- Improved vehicle performance
- Fewer engine emissions
If you have lost track of your oil change schedule, or you recently purchased a used car without a clear idea of its service history, you can use some basic criteria to evaluate the condition of your oil by eye.
To put some of these tips to use, you will need to know how to check your oil. For most vehicles, the process is simple and DIY-friendly:
- Ensure the engine is turned off and the car is parked on level ground
- Pop the hood
- Locate the dipstick in the engine bay
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag to remove any residual oil
- Reinsert the dipstick
- Remove the dipstick again
- Hold the dipstick horizontally and refer to the following checklist
If you drive a newer vehicle and cannot find a dipstick, you will probably see an electronic oil monitor on your dashboard. If not, check your owner’s manual or contact our team for assistance.
When To Book An Oil Change Near Me: 6 Signs You Need Service
- Your oil change light has come on—This handy feature tells you when it is time to change your oil without you having to even pop the hood.
- Your oil level falls outside the MIN/MAX lines on your dipstick—Too much oil can be just as bad as oil starvation. When the level in the oil pan is too high, the crankshaft hits the oil and essentially aerates it, creating a foamy, frothy substance that can no longer keep the engine cool and lubricated.
If the oil level sits below the minimum line or above the maximum line, contact Brockville Oil and Tires. Whether you need a bit more oil or some help draining back down to the right level, our team of technicians is standing by to help.
- Your oil looks dark and dirty. If your oil looks thick, dark, or tar-black, it is probably time for an oil change. Oil picks up ash and other contaminants as it circles through your engine, and the longer it goes unchanged, the blacker it gets.
- Your oil looks thin or watery. If your oil looks thin or watery, there is a leak somewhere. Contact your local repair centre as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your engine.
- Your oil fails the water test. Oxidized or contaminated oil will lose interfacial tension, which can easily be tested by placing a drop of used oil from the dipstick into a bowl of water. If the oil drop spreads out over the water’s surface, instead of beading up like you would expect with new oil, it’s probably time for service.
- Your car is spewing dark exhaust smoke. This could be caused by an exhaust leak or an issue with the catalytic converter, but it may also be a sign that you are overdue for an oil change. Get in touch with our team to be sure—every consultation is free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Get A Free Quote On An Oil Change: Brockville Oil And Tire
Since 2009, our qualified technicians have been helping Brockville drivers simplify oil change service to maintain their vehicle performance and warranty coverage, and we can do the same for you.
Call (613) 342-3000 or fill out our online contact form to book a consultation and get a free quote on your next oil change.