Four Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

An oil change should be a top priority for car owners looking to keep their engine in good running condition. Fortunately, getting an oil change costs little money in the grand scheme of car maintenance. The key, however, is knowing when your car is due for an oil change. Need some guidance? Precision Auto Service in Langley, has the details about the telltale signs your car is in need of an oil change.

Oil Change Guidelines:

Oil change rule #1 – Get an oil change every 5,000 kilometres…or so.
If you have been a car owner for a while, you have probably heard the once golden rule for getting an oil change: Do it every 5,000 kilometres. Although your car certainly won’t see any adverse effects if you abide by this rule, you may be unnecessarily spending money. Many modern car engines are designed with less oil change maintenance in mind. Because of this, getting an oil change every 6-8,000 kilometres is considered perfectly fine car maintenance. Even so, you’ll still want to check your car’s engine for the telltale signs your car needs an oil change. Keep in mind, as your car ages, it needs service more often, we recommend shortening the oil change interval back to 5,000 kilometres after it passes the 100,000 kilometre mark.

Oil change rule #2 – Dirty or low oil
If your oil level is low, add some to top it up, the fresh oil you add will rejuvenate the existing oil for a short period of time. We frequently see cars very low on oil, don’t try and save a few bucks by thinking you will just get it changed – instead of topping up the oil, add some oil, and then schedule an appointment to get it changed at your soonest convenience.
Every engine comes equipped with a filter that serves to collect debris and contaminants. Over time, however, these filters can become overloaded. Before this point, you’ll begin to see the oil darken from your otherwise honey-colored oil. If you see this, you are due for an oil change. It’s important to get an oil change sooner than later, though, or else this buildup could damage your engine — something no car owner wants.

Oil change rule #3 – Knocking or clattering engine.

If you hear an unusual loud repeating noise when you are driving, check your engine to make sure it’s not something more than the loose change in your cup holder. In the event the noise is coming from your engine, you may be due for an oil change. Why? Oil lubricates the many mechanical components that comprise your car’s engine, and when your engine is low on oil, the parts can begin to bang against each other, the thin film of oil acts as a cushion preventing the parts from touching, preventing the noise. The solution? You guessed it; it’s time for an oil change.

Oil change rule #4 – Maintenance, service or low oil warning light.

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to know your car needs an oil change is when an oil light appears. Many newer cars have these. So, if an oil light appears, don’t ignore it — get an oil change immediately.

Performing simple car maintenance tasks like regularly changing the oil is an easy way to ensure that your engine, and ultimately your car, will last longer. Knowing the signs you need an oil change and taking action when you’re due for one is simple, and even better, affordable.

At Precision Auto Service we NEVER just do an oil change, we perform a maintenance service, complete with a thorough inspection of many critical components that will give you valuable information to keep you safe on the road. Our mechanics and technicians goal is to keep you and your family on the road for the long haul.

Precision Auto Service has been proving safe, reliable transportation to Langley, Murrayville and Aldergrove residents for over 15 years. Our staff of mechanics and technicians are all Canadian Red Seal and ASE certified and we offer Langley’s best two year, 40,000 kilometre warranty. Drop by and see us at 22575 Fraser highway (next to Tim Horton’s) or call us at 604-530-9394 to set an appointment today.