Oil Change Basics - When is Your Car Ready?

If you have owned a car for any length of time, you are probably familiar with the fact that you need to have an oil change completed on your vehicle at regular intervals. But what happens if the little vinyl sticker falls off of your windshield and you cannot remember when you are supposed to head back to the service station? Here are a few ways you can tell that your car is ready for an oil change.

Visually, you can inspect your car’s lubricant to see if it is dirty. New oils are clean and light, and oils are heavy and dark. By checking the dipstick, you can asses the level of the fluid and it’s quality. If you find that the fluid on the dipstick is thick and dark, you can be pretty confident that an appointment needs to be made soon. Additionally, when you check the level on the dipstick you may notice that the fluid is low. If this is the case, it is wise to either add a quart or take it in within a few days.

In some newer models, there is a warning light that illuminates when your car needs an oil change. This light lets you know that the fluid level is low or that the fluid is dirty and contaminated. Either way, the vehicle needs to be serviced soon after the light turns on to prevent damage to the engine.

Mileage is generally a good way to determine if it is a good time for this maintenance, but if you have lost that vinyl sticker you may be in a pinch. Try to figure about how many miles you drive each week and assess how long it has been since your last oil change. If you cannot figure it out but you know it has been a while, it may be a good idea to have your vehicle serviced to be on the safe side.

Getting an oil change is a simple way to maintain the performance of your vehicle. While not difficult or expensive, it is often overlooked or considered an inconvenience. However, neglecting this one maintenance requirement will certainly shorten the life-span of your vehicle.

If you find the cost of this maintenance to be prohibitive, look for coupons for local service providers. Many offer discounts and coupons in local papers and online. Also, if you have a mechanically inclined friend, they may be able to do an oil change for you if you purchase the oil and filter. However you choose to have your car serviced, be sure not to neglect it for too long or you will certainly end up with more than you bargained for when it comes to repairs.