When it comes to maintaining your car, one of the most important tasks is getting regular oil changes. Many drivers overlook the significance of this simple service, but an oil change is essential for your vehicle’s long-term health and performance. As one of the most reliable AAA auto repair shops in Moorhead, Duggan’s Auto Service sees firsthand how neglecting routine oil changes can lead to costly repairs.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the common signs that indicate it’s time for an oil change and why it’s crucial to stay on top of this maintenance task.
1. Your Oil Appears Dark and Dirty
One of the most obvious signs that your car needs an oil change is the color of the oil. Fresh oil is usually golden or amber, but it picks up dirt and debris from the engine as it ages, turning it darker. If you check your dipstick and find that the oil is thick and black, it’s no longer lubricating your engine parts.
Over time, dirty oil can increase engine friction, making your engine work harder and causing it to overheat. This can result in faster engine wear and potential damage. Regular oil changes are essential to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently, helping you avoid costly repairs in the future.
2. Your Oil Change Light is On
Your car is equipped with an oil change light that activates when your car detects that the oil has degraded and needs to be replaced. While the light may come on based on mileage or time intervals, it’s important not to disregard it. Even if you don’t feel any immediate symptoms, the oil in your engine may have already started to break down, causing the engine to work harder than necessary.
Prolonged neglect of oil changes can lead to engine damage and reduced performance. If the oil change light comes on, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for service immediately.
3. Decreased Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
When your car starts to feel sluggish, and you notice a decrease in performance, it may be due to old, degraded oil. Oil that has lost its lubricating properties causes the engine to work harder, which can reduce fuel efficiency. You may notice that your car is accelerating slower than usual, or you’re making more frequent trips to the gas station.
A simple oil change in Moorhead can restore your engine’s efficiency by allowing it to run more smoothly. Replacing old oil with fresh, clean oil helps your engine operate more effectively, improving fuel economy and performance. This simple maintenance step can extend the life of your vehicle and save you money on gas.
4. Burning Oil Smell or Smoke from the Engine
If you smell a strong burning odor or see smoke rising from under your car’s hood, it indicates something is wrong with your oil. Burning oil can occur when the oil overheats or becomes contaminated with debris. If left unchecked, it could lead to serious engine damage, as the engine will not be properly lubricated, and parts may begin to overheat.
If you notice this smell or see smoke, you should pull over safely and have your car inspected immediately. Continuing to drive with burning oil can cause irreversible damage to the engine.
When You Need an Oil Change in Moorhead, Visit Us!
Regular oil changes are one of the easiest and most important ways to extend the life of your vehicle. Oil acts as the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating the parts, reducing friction, and keeping the engine running smoothly. When oil breaks down, it can lead to increased engine wear, overheating, and engine failure.
Ignoring the signs that your car needs an oil change can lead to major engine problems and costly repairs. Staying on top of this simple maintenance task helps your engine run smoothly, improves fuel efficiency, and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to schedule an oil change with Duggan Auto Service Center, one of the most trusted AAA auto repair shops in Moorhead. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take care of your vehicle today to avoid more serious issues in the future.