Signs Of An Oil Change - Doylestown PA


Keeping your oil changed is an important part of its regular maintenance. In fact,it's the very core of keeping it in good running order on the roads of Doylestown, Philadelphia, Mechanicsburg, orFlemington, PA. Your oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It allows the engine to run smoothly, lubricating thevarious moving parts, and serving as a shield against the heat and friction they generate.

As the oil does its job, it also serves to clean the engine, picking up and removingparticles, debris, dirt, and grime that can foul the workings. This, of course, changes the consistency of the oil.Beginning as a slick lubricant, it becomes a thick sludge that's sticky and can do the opposite of what oil issupposed to do. It's important to know how to watch for signs your car needs an oil change. Let's explore a few.


Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

There are a number of signs your car needs an oil change. The two easiest simply involve watching your dashboard. Your car should have regular oil changes based on its maintenance schedule. Too many people treat regular oil changes like an inconvenience, but they're vital to your car's operation.

Whether your owner's manual says 5,000 or 10,000 miles, six months or a year, you should get your car in for regular service like clockwork. That's your first sign it's time - the numbers on your odometer. Secondly, most cars these days have a service light that will come up on your dash when it's time to go in for service. When you see this light, it's time to get an oil change.

Oil Color and Texture


If you check your oil-which you should do every so often-and you notice that it's thick, dark brown or black, and opaque, or if it feels sticky or gritty when you rub it between your fingers, it's probably time to have it changed. In its normal form, oil is slippery and a translucent golden color. A good rule of thumb is to get it changed if it feels gritty or is opaque.

Exhaust Smoke Color


Every car emits exhaust smoke. It should be a bluish gray and translucent. If you notice that it's dark, black, or smells burned, you could actually have an oil leak. Black smoke is usually caused when oil blows out onto your engine parts, so it's important to get the oil checked and changed.

Burning Smell in the Cabin



If you smell burning oil inside your cabin, you have a potentially major problem with oil leaking in your engine compartment. It's time to get it in, have it checked, and get the problem addressed, as this can lead to serious engine damage or even fires.

Engine Knocking



If you hear a knocking sound in your engine, not only is it time for an oil change, you may have waited too long. This can be a sign that something major has broken down, and it could even be dangerous to keep driving your car.

Schedule an Oil Change at Fred Beans Used


If you're in the Philadelphia metro area, including regions like Flemington, Doylestown, or Mechanicsburg, you can get an oil change at Fred Beans Used. Give us a call to schedule an appointment with our service center today!