Two Unmistakable Signs that Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Should you make an appointment?

The modern vehicle is much more intelligent than its predecessors. The lights on your dashboard can tell you pretty much everything you need to know, making it easier to own and maintain a car. However, you should still check your oil regularly, especially if you’ve recently purchased a newer car, as the oil change interval can be different than what you’re used to.

The symptoms of low oil can be scary, like stalling or loss of power. To avoid dealing with these issues, you should remain aware of your car’s oil requirements. Check out your owner’s manual for the recommended oil change requirements, as every vehicle is bound to be a little different.

So, how do you know if your car needs an oil change?

You see a warning light.

Your car has sensors to monitor how many miles you’ve driven. Once you’ve reached a certain threshold, you’ll see a light come on that indicates that it’s time for an oil change. If you don’t drive much, be sure to get your oil changed every six months or so. If you do drive more, the recommended oil change interval is usually between every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Following these recommendations will keep your oil fresh and ready for anything.

Your oil is low or looks dark

Check your oil level regularly by popping open the hood of your car, pulling out the dipstick, and seeing which line your oil reaches. If it’s around the top indentation, and your oil looks clean, you should be good to go. If it’s on or below the lowest indentation, you should definitely add more oil. If your oil is blackish instead of brown, that’s a sign that your oil is old, dirty, and definitely needs to be changed. Always use the correct oil for your car. To find the correct viscosity and weight of oil your car needs, look in your owner’s manual. Some cars even have this information printed on the oil reservoir’s cap, so be sure to check there as well.

Make an Appointment

Regular oil changes are essential to keep your car healthy and in working order. If you need an oil change in Powhatan, VA, give us a call. The personable professionals at Murray Automotive will give your car the clean oil it needs to function safely.