An oil change is the most critical maintenance task for your car. Running your car on dirty or low oil can be detrimental for its engine. The oil in your car’s engine is responsible for reducing friction between the fast-moving parts, keeping them cool, and also enhancing the fuel economy. If your car’s engine is weak, it may even stop working if the oil is not up to mark.
To avoid such problems that may lead to costly repairs, changing your car’s oil is vital. Many drivers don’t even notice that engine oil is due. This is why it is important to keep a lookout for the signs that show your car needs an oil change.
In this article, we list 7 signs that show you must act quickly and get your car’s oil changed as soon as possible. If you are in northern parts of New Jersey and don’t feel like going to an auto shop, you can call Nomad, one of the best mobile oil change service providers.
7 Signs Your Car’s Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed
1. Check Oil Change or Check Engine Oil Light
The most obvious sign that shows your car needs an oil change is the indicator on the dashboard. Some latest models have a dedicated oil change light that turns on when the oil gets dirty. The check engine light can also show that something is wrong with the engine. If you see any such thing, check the oil dipstick to see what’s happening. If the oil is below the marked point, your car needs new oil. Similarly, if the oil is too dirty, you are running your vehicle with a big risk.
While this is easy for young drivers, elderlies or people with limited mobility can’t do this frequently. For them, Nomad offers the best senior oil change services from the comfort of home. You don’t have to go to an auto shop and wait in an uncomfortable setting. Simply call us and book your preferred time to get your car maintained by the best oil change specialists near you in New Jersey.
2. Check Oil Change Book
You can also check if your car needs an oil change from the maintenance book provided by the oil change company. Most oil change companies provide a small handbook on which they mention different details like the name of the oil, current mileage, and when the next oil change is due.
You can see the mileage on your car’s speedometer and compare it with the one mentioned in the book. Just to give you an idea, conventional oil lasts around 5,000 miles while a synthetic one provides a mileage between 7,500 and 15,000 miles.
3. Dirty and Grimy Oil
If you don’t have the oil change book or you want to check the actual condition of the oil, then use this tip.
Simply open the dipstick inside your car’s hood and take it out. Clean it, insert it back, and then check again. Make sure you do this when your car’s engine is cool. If the oil is in mint condition, it must have a yellowish or translucent shade. When the oil moves through the engine, it gets a bit darker. While darker oil is not a sign that it needs to be replaced, if it is dirty, grimy, or has any particles, it needs to be changed. Moreover, if the oil’s consistency is not smooth, it is time for an oil change.
If you notice any of the signs and want a quick oil change at your home, we are here to help. We offer top-notch mobile oil change services at affordable rates.
4. Unusual Sounds from Your Car’s Engine
A smoothly running engine indicates that everything is okay with your car. However, when your car’s engine starts making knocking sounds, this could be due to low or dirty oil. These sounds can come due to thin or old oil not doing its job properly.
These knocking sounds typically come during ignition. When you start your car’s engine, the oil starts to circulate throughout the engine. When the oil is dirty, it gets heavier, and your car takes more time to start.
5. Smoke from Exhaust
Most modern cars don’t have smoke coming from exhausts. However, if you notice a grayish-black smoke from your car’s exhaust pipe, this could be due to dirty oil. The black clouds from your car may also come due to carbon deposits in the engine, but it is better to check the oil to avoid any problems.
6. Overheating Engine
If your car’s temperature gauges often go above the safe limit, this could be due to a low level of oil in the engine. The reason is that dirty or low oil fails to keep the moving parts cool, and this could lead to overheating. Please note that an overheating engine can also be a result of a cooling system failure. Overall, such problems are worth getting inspected.
7. Low Mileage
Lastly, your car may start consuming more gas due to dirty or low oil in its engine. As dirty or grimy oil fails to keep the moving parts lubricated, the engine has to work more to keep up. This increases fuel consumption. However, a decrease in gas average can also be due to issues linked with the fuel system, tires, transmission, or the engine itself.
Final Words: Contact Nomad for the Best Mobile Oil Change in New Jersey
If you notice any of the above signs in your car or if its oil change is due; simply contact Nomad. Apart from offering the best mobile oil change services for seniors, we also provide tire rotation, air filter replacement, wiper blades, brake and suspension work, and NJ state inspection. Our mobile oil change specialists are fully experts in handling cars of all types and models.