Five of the Biggest Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

Five of the Biggest Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change

When it comes to keeping your car in great running condition, nothing is more important than factory recommended maintenance. Getting a vehicle tune-up and also changing the motor oil regularly is especially critical. Here are the biggest signs you need an oil change.

1. Motor Oil Looks Nasty

Over time, motor oil gradually starts to become dirty. When this happens, your engine is far more prone to experiencing premature wear and tear. To be on the safe side, never wait too long to get an oil change.

As you check the oil, take note of its appearance on your dipstick. If the oil looks extremely dark and grimy, this is a tell-tale sign you need to schedule a trip to your local repair shop. Fresh motor oil typically has an amber color.

2. Illuminated Oil Change Light

If your vehicle features an oil change monitor, you’re already one step ahead of the game. By constantly tracking the engine-operating conditions, the system can determine exactly how much life the oil has left. Drivers love the extra convenience.

After seeing your oil light come on, you should plan to get an oil change within the next 50 miles. During this time, you can continue to drive your vehicle without worrying about jeopardizing its reliability.

3. Engine Sounds Louder Than Normal

If your car engine has started to sound louder than normal, have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. You may simply need an oil change. When motor oil starts to break down, metal-on-metal contact within the engine is more likely to occur. Because there’s not as much lubrication, the engine naturally starts to produce more noise. This is one of the key reasons why car owners often report a quieter ride after getting a fresh oil change.

While an engine that’s running slightly louder isn’t extremely alarming, a knocking sound is especially serious. There’s a good chance you allowed the oil level to get too low.

4. You Notice Bluish Exhaust Smoke

Healthy gasoline engines should not smoke. Although smoking can stem from a variety of different issues, failing to get regular engine oil changes is a common cause. Some of the engine seals may have become brittle.

Although an oil change is clearly required, you could also need a few more repairs. Aside from replacing the worn-out seals, your mechanic will also need to inspect for sludge. Sludge, which is often a result of infrequent oil changes, can ultimately destroy an engine.

5. You’ve Racked Up A lot of Miles

Like so many other drivers in the Asheville area, you probably use your vehicle for commuting on an everyday basis. It doesn’t take long for a person to rack up a lot of miles, especially if their job is 20 minutes or more away.

In the event that your vehicle doesn’t have an oil monitor, be sure to keep tabs on your mileage. To find out your specific vehicle’s recommended oil change interval, consult the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic.

 

Contact Cox Auto Service

Cox Auto Service is located in Asheville, NC, and covers the gamut on mechanical service for automobiles. Our highly qualified mechanics work on anything from minor repairs such as belts, oil changes, maintenance work to major repairs like engine and transmission work. We take pride in the auto repairs and services we provide. Rely on us to treat our customers’ vehicles as if they were our own.

We are an ASE-certified auto repair shop specializing in both minor and major repairs and services. Our wide range of services includes check engine light diagnosis, engine and transmission rebuilds, emissions repairs, NC State Inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups and much more! Our experienced technicians offer quality and reliable auto care services that you can count on. Rely on our certified technicians to get you back on the road in no time.

Get a Tune-Up & Keeping Her Running Strong: Five Signs It’s Time

Get a Tune-Up! Five Signs It’s Time

Many car owners fail to take the blame for their vehicle’s problems. They unfairly label their automobile as being unreliable. If you simply take good care of your ride and get a tune-up regularly, can make a big difference. Here are the key signs it’s time to get a tune-up.

If Your Check Engine Light Is On, It Could Just Be That Your Engine Would Like You To Get A Tune-Up…

Never make the mistake of ignoring your vehicle’s check engine light. If you see this light illuminated on your dash, don’t wait to take your car to a mechanic. It indicates that your vehicle has encountered a problem. While the issue could be something simple like a loose fuel cap, avoid taking any chances. You may need to get a tune-up.

Bad spark plugs and worn ignition wires can definitely trigger a check engine light. Although some modern spark plugs are designed to last for up 100,000 miles, some don’t even make it to the 25,000-mile mark. This is especially true for cheaply made aftermarket plugs. To ensure the reliability of your vehicle, the best approach is to have these components inspected every six months.

Your Vehicle is Slow to Crank

When experiencing a vehicle that’s slow to crank, many people immediately check their battery. While a weak battery will definitely make starting your vehicle more difficult, this may not be the problem. You could be dealing with an ignition problem.

Old spark plugs don’t fire nearly as well. As the electrodes start to wear down, it’ll take longer and longer for your vehicle to crank. A simple tune-up could be the answer to your troubles.

The Leading Cause Of Poor Gas Mileage Is Simply Neglecting To Get A Tune-Up…

Like so many other Asheville drivers, refueling your vehicle is probably one of your biggest car expenses. If you want to save more money at the pump, be sure to get a tune-up at the recommended interval.

When your spark plugs are in need of replacement, gas mileage tends to plummet. A dirty fuel filter will also have a negative impact on your vehicle’s efficiency.

Performance Issues Typically Point Back To A Poor Service History. Get A Tune-Up, It May Just Solve Your Performance Problem…

A vehicle in need of a tune-up won’t deliver optimum performance. When accelerating, you may experience some hesitation. Expect to notice a big drop in overall power. In severe cases, your vehicle could even stall at a traffic light.

Rough idling is another common performance issue. At times, it may feel as if your entire vehicle is shaking. If this occurs, be sure to visit your mechanic for an inspection.

Strange Noises and Smells…

You can use your nose to sniff out car problems. When a tune-up is needed, it’s not uncommon to notice a fuel smell. This is a definite red flag.

Also, keep your ears open for any strange noises. A knocking sound when climbing hills indicates a major problem. Continuing to drive your vehicle in this condition could lead to costly engine damage.

Your Car Hasn’t Been Serviced Lately…. GET A TUNE-UP… Your Car Will Thank You…

Ideally, you should get a tune-up at least once a year. If it’s been quite some time since your vehicle’s been serviced, now is probably a good time to schedule a visit to your local repair shop. Some of the key components that need to be checked during a tune-up include the filters, belts, spark plugs, and PCV valve.

 

Contact Cox Auto Service

Cox Auto Service is located in Asheville, NC, and covers the gamut on mechanical service for automobiles. Our highly qualified mechanics work on anything from minor repairs such as belts, oil changes, maintenance work to major repairs like engine and transmission work. We take pride in the auto repairs and services we provide. Rely on us to treat our customers’ vehicles as if they were our own.

Cox Auto Service