How many miles you can go between getting your oil changed depends on the type and the age of your vehicle. A definite way to know if your car is due for an oil change is to check out the paperwork from your last one or give us a call at Schmit Bros where we keep meticulous care of all of your records.
If there are weird sounds coming from where your engine is, it’s pretty obvious that no one wants to hear them coming from their car. If you hear a knocking sound from where your motor is, it could be as simple as an overdue oil change if it’s been a while. If the oil is old or too thin, it doesn’t work properly. This is why you may hear a knocking sound when the car is moving on down the road. But the good news is, this should stop after an oil change. If you hear a ticking sound coming from your engine during ignition, it may also indicate you need to get your oil changed. When you start your car, the oil circulates throughout the engine, but with dirty oil, it takes extra time for the engine to start, which can trigger the ticking sounds.
It’s your oil’s job to lubricate the engine and all the parts for a smooth ride. However, old and dirty oil doesn’t do that as well as clean and fresh oil. Parts can rub together when they shouldn’t and this can lead to unusual sounds like knocking, ticking, or grinding.
When you check your oil, it's important that you pay attention to the texture and color. It should be translucent or yellowish if it’s healthy. As oil moves through the engine, it will darken in color. But darker oil doesn’t mean you necessarily need an oil change. It’s also important to pay attention to consistency. Gritty, thick, or grainy oil won’t lubricate the engine the way that it should. If the consistency of the oil reminds you of yogurt or slime, it’s time for an oil change.
If your oil level is low in your car, you will risk damaging the engine. The best way to check the level is to use the dipstick in your oil tank. Once you’ve pulled it out, wipe it clean, insert it again, and check out where the oil is on the stick. It goes without saying that it should be between the minimum and maximum lines on the dipstick. Checking your oil level regularly is an excellent way to detect leaks and maybe stop a bigger problem in the long run. Bring your vehicle to us here at Schmit Bros for service when the oil is low otherwise you may permanently damage the engine, which is an expensive repair and often times it makes more sense to buy a new vehicle. Checking your oil regularly can stop something like this from happening.
A lot of cars have a built-in warning to let you know when it’s time for your next oil change. Other warning lights can also let you know if you have an overdue oil change. For example, you may notice the check engine light is on and if you’re lucky, an overdue oil change could be the issue.
Modern cars don’t have smoke coming from the exhaust pipe like they did in more classic cars. When the oil is too thin or dirty, you may leave more smoke behind you than normal. If you do see smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it could mean that you need an oil change.
If you notice unusual vibrations or movements in your vehicle, it’s a good reason to be concerned. If your car vibrates while idling, the simple fix may be getting an oil change. It goes without saying that it’s a good idea to mention the vibrations to your mechanic to rule out any other possible problems.
If you notice a burning smell, this is a warning sign that something is not right. It can do with your engine overheating, which can become a serious problem. If you don’t have enough oil or if it’s dirty, it won’t keep your engine cool. A burning smell inside your car could also be an oil leak. Either way, you need to schedule a service appointment right away before there’s any damage to your engine.
If you’ve put more miles on your car because of traveling, you’ll probably need to schedule an oil change sooner. You may want to get an oil change before you go on a road trip just to make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible. As a rule of thumb, the more you drive, the more often you need to get your oil changed.
Whether you drive an automatic or a manual, the gears shift inside the engine for you to accelerate and decelerate. If you notice anything different with the changing gears, it could mean that your oil needs to be changed.
You may be tempted to skip your oil change, but regular maintenance is so important when it comes to your car’s health. It will improve your vehicle’s gas mileage, decrease harmful emissions, extend the life of your engine, and lead to better motor performance. You also want to keep up maintenance to protect your vehicle’s warranty.
If you’re unsure whether you need an oil change, you can always call us to see when your last one was here at Schmit Bros. Most cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles but if you drive a newer vehicle, you may be able to wait 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Getting the oil changed regularly is a great way to prevent pricey car repairs and breakdowns in the future. Call our service center at (262) 284-8844 and we’ll get you in for any and all of your car’s needs!