In an ideal world, you’re keeping track of how long it’s been since your last oil change. But that’s not always easy to do. Gulf Breeze Automotive has these tips to help you to recognize when you might want to schedule an oil change.
Your Car’s Gas Mileage Is Bad
Gas mileage is a key variable for a lot of issues. What this is telling you is that for one reason or another, your car’s engine is not functioning as efficiently as it needs to. Correcting the problem, in this case getting your car’s oil changed, is going to help the engine to operate more efficiently.
Your Car Is Kicking out a Lot of Exhaust
Another way you might start to notice that your car’s engine isn’t working efficiently is that you might be seeing a lot more exhaust smoke. If that exhaust smoke is particularly dark, that’s another indication that the engine is having some trouble. There may be something else going on, but your car’s exhaust is very definitely a sign that a technician needs to take a closer look.
You’ve Got an Oil Leak
Oil leaks are not great news. What this means is one or more of the various parts of your car’s engine that hold oil are not doing so the way that they should. There could be a clog in your car’s oil filter or there could be something else going on. It needs to be investigated as soon as possible because your car’s engine needs every drop of oil.
Your Car’s Oil Is Low
Again, it’s an ideal situation, but if you’re checking your car’s oil yourself on a regular basis, you should start to notice when the oil is low. That’s a sign that there may be a leak or even just that the oil is breaking down and burning off. Something else to watch for is how clean or dirty the oil is, because that is also an indication that it needs to be changed.
You’re Seeing Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are always something that should concern you. That’s your car’s way of telling you as loudly as possible that there’s something wrong. Your car might have an oil light or it might just use the check engine light as the indication that you need an oil change. Whichever light you see, it’s time to get some help.
Overdue for an oil change? Let Gulf Breeze Automotive in Gulf Breeze, FL help. We’ll set up an appointment and get you back on the road again in no time.