Your car needs periodic oil changes and even if you’re keeping up with mileage and timing around those oil changes, your car might need an oil change before then. So, what are the signs? Route 20 Auto Essentials is here with the clues you need to be able to recognize.
You’re Buying More Gas than Usual
Fuel mileage is a helpful indicator for all sorts of problems. At its base level, fuel mileage tells you how efficiently the engine is burning fuel. That’s important because your car’s manufacturer lets you know roughly at what fuel mileage levels the engine is supposed to operate when everything is working properly. If your gas mileage is bad, you’re buying more gas than usual and the engine is working harder to put out the same result. Often getting an oil change is the answer.
There’s More Exhaust Smoke than Normal
When your car’s engine isn’t running efficiently, that means it’s burning more gas for the same results, right? Because it’s pulling more gas through the engine than it should, it’s also burning off more carbon. You’ll see that as more exhaust smoke than you’re used to seeing. It might also be darker and stinkier than usual.
Your Car Is Running Hotter
Another possible sign that your car needs an oil change is that it’s running hotter than you’re used to seeing on the temperature gauge. Again, your car’s engine may be working harder, so that means that there’s more heat produced. If it’s because of old or dirty oil, then an oil change can turn that problem around for you.
You’re Seeing Some Dash Warnings
You may also see some dashboard warning lights. Some cars have an oil light, but most just use the check engine light to spur you into action. Any time that you’re seeing dashboard warning lights it’s better not to assume that you know what’s caused them. An experienced auto technician can investigate and tell you exactly what the car needs from you in order to correct the problem. Don’t wait to take action, either.
Seeing some of these signs and not sure if it’s related to oil changes? Route 20 Auto Essentials in Ashtabula, OH can help you to sort it out. Contact us today for an appointment and we’ll be happy to take a closer look at what’s happening and let you know exactly what your car needs.