How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?
Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine. With such a critical role to play, how often should you get an oil change? While frequency might vary based upon your vehicle’s age and condition, but a good rule of thumb is to change your vehicle’s oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
At Sam Pack’s Five Star Subaru, our team is here to help you enjoy your vehicle for years to come. To discover more, check out this handy guide before scheduling an appointment at our service center near Grapevine, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas.
The inside of your engine contains thousands of intricate metal parts, all moving at an incredibly high speed. Motor oil is designed to keep these parts moving freely while reducing heat caused by friction. It also removes moisture, dirt, and other dangerous particles which inevitably find their way inside your engine.
Over time, the oil inside your engine will slowly start to break down and lose viscosity. If not regularly replaced, you might notice the oil transform from a light caramel color to a dark, heavy sludge.
By replacing your old, dirty oil every three to four months, you can greatly reduce the risk of some serious side effects, including:
- Lower fuel economy
- Overheating
- Premature wear and breaks
- Engine seizure
If you can’t remember the last time you got an oil change, it’s probably a good idea to schedule an appointment right away. In most cases, changing your oil and filter is a quick and straightforward process.
In the meantime, pay close attention to any changes to your drive. Weak acceleration might be a clue that your engine is struggling to perform. You might also notice you’re going through a tank of gas faster than normal.
Black smoke billowing from your exhaust is often a sign that your oil has reached its expiration date. That black smoke means dirt particles are being burnt off inside your engine. Beyond looking and smelling terrible, it also means your vehicle is emitting hazardous materials into the air.
Finally, if your vehicle tends to shake or vibrate while idling, it might be due to the extra friction occurring inside your engine. You might also notice a strange ticking sound whenever you start the engine. This happens when the oil is too thick, which causes the valve pump to struggle.
Inspecting your oil levels between service appointments is both an easy and effective way to protect your engine’s performance. All you need is a shop rag and a level place to park.
First, make sure you park in a level space before opening the hood. For best results, take the car for a spin around the block to warm up the engine.
With a shop rag in hand, remove the oil dipstick from its holster. Inspect the oil at the end of the stick. Healthy oil should be odorless and be a light caramel color.
Wipe the stick clean using the shop rag. Return it to its holster before gently removing it again. This time, check the oil level by marking the oil line at the bottom of the dipstick.
If you live near Grapevine, Fort Worth, or Dallas, TX, turn to our state-of-the-art service center for all your maintenance needs.
To change your oil and filter, schedule an appointment online or simply drop by Sam Pack’s Five Star Subaru today!
