Preventative maintenance is everything for getting the most years out of your vehicle. An oil change is a crucial maintenance task your trusted car mechanic will do, preventing damage to your engine caused by circulating sludge and particles. Take note of a few warning signs to know when you need to change your oil.

How To Tell Your Car Is Due For an Oil Change

1. Rougher & Louder Ride

When a vehicle is running on old or low oil levels, it will handle and sound differently. It will be louder and may emit clicking, banging, or tapping noises as parts struggle to move. This will also cause vibrations that can be strong enough to shake the whole car. If your vehicle is driving and sounding rough, take it to a repair shop you trust as soon as possible.

2. Illuminated ‘Check Engine’ Light

For most vehicles, it’s recommended to have an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles. The ‘change oil’ light should ding and pop up on your dashboard display at that mark. However, if your car doesn’t have one or you keep putting off the maintenance, eventually the ‘check engine’ will illuminate, alerting you that it should be changed immediately. Once your vehicle has reached this point, it should be driven as little as possible until you can have the oil changed. Otherwise, your engine may lock up, become clogged, or encounter other serious problems due to accumulated grime circulating through it.

3. Gritty & Dark Oil

If you’re unsure of when your oil needs to be changed, you can always visually analyze the quality of it and judge for yourself. Remove the dipstick from the oil pan and examine its consistency, color, and height on the stick. Oil that’s okay for use will be light to medium honey brown in color and smooth in consistency, free of particulates. Your oil should be right at or just shy of the ‘full’ mark on your dipstick, too. If your oil appears dark, full of grit, and/or is low, you need to change it right away to avoid damaging your engine.

When your car needs an oil change, trust your vehicle with the car mechanic professionals at Highway Garage & Auto Body Center in Chagrin Falls, OH. For 45 years, they’ve served Chagrin Valley with dependable, affordable services, from preventative maintenance to collision repairs. All of their technicians are ASE-certified, and all repair work and parts are covered by a lifetime warranty. Featuring on-site Enterprise rentals and 24-hour towing services, their repair shop is AAA-approved, and they hold a Gold Class Collision Repair accreditation from I-CAR. Browse their available maintenance services online, then call (440) 708-0600 to schedule your appointment.