Cars need all sorts of maintenance throughout their lifetime. While there are a few necessary services for your car, one of the most important things you can do to keep your car healthy is schedule routine oil changes.
Oil changes are essential in keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Neglecting to do this can cause damage to the engine, affect your car's performance, and create other significant issues. Having any of these problems repaired can be very expensive.
At Goss Dodge and Chrysler, we provide top-notch service for all repairs and maintenance. Our expert mechanics will make sure your vehicle receives a quality oil change every time. Learn more about the signs your oil needs changing in our list below! For drivers of Chittenden County, South Burlington, and St. Albans who need an oil change, stop by our service center today!
Listen to Your Vehicle
One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs an oil change is noise. If you hear a grinding sound coming from your engine, this means that there's no lubrication left from the oil. When this is the case, there may be damage done to the motor. To help you identify this issue in your car, listen for a grinding or knocking sound starts out soft but gradually gets louder as you drive.
Always Pay Attention to Dashboard Warnings
Additionally, if your dashboard oil light is on, it's time to call your service center for an oil change. These lights are designed to indicate when there's an issue, so don't ignore them.
An important aspect of Dodge and Chrysler vehicles is that they now feature automatic maintenance reminders. This is something you should pay attention to, but don't rely on just the reminders to keep up with your appointments. Most of these are calibrated to alert you when you've reached a certain number of miles on the odometer. It's important to remember that the quality of the oil may mean that you should get it changed before this reminder goes off.
Check Your Oil Quality and Levels
If you're up for it, a simple way to know if you need an oil change is to extract some of the oil from your car. It's easy to tell just by looking at the oil if you need a change out. Once you begin to see dark particles in the oil, you should schedule an appointment at your service center.
You can also check the oil levels in your vehicle by using the dipstick under the hood. Simply insert the stick into the oil. You'll be able to determine the oil levels by seeing where the oil is on the end of the stick.
Address Any Burning Smells
If you are overdue for an oil change, you'll most likely notice a burning smell. This is a huge warning sign that you need to have your oil changed as soon as possible. This indicates that the engine doesn't have enough oil to run properly. In many cases, repairs to the motor will need to be made.
Use Your Memory!
One of the best tools you can use to gauge if you need an oil change is your memory! If you can't remember the last time you had your vehicle in for maintenance, now is a suitable time to arrange a visit to the mechanic.
Schedule an Oil Change Today!
Keeping up your car's health is very easy to do if you know what to look for. While it's not always easy to figure out what your vehicle is telling you, there are a few major warning signs that can clue you into whether you need to visit a service center.
If you notice any of these serious indicators, head over to the maintenance and repair center at Goss Dodge Chrysler for an oil change. We'll help drivers of Chittenden County, South Burlington, and St. Albans keep their cars happy and ready for the road. Schedule your oil change today!