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In recent decades, cars have come a long way. While in the past, mechanics recommended an oil change every 3,000 miles, today’s vehicles can go anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 miles without one. But while these are rough guidelines, some signs indicate the need for an urgent oil change. If you notice any of these red flags, you should call for roadside assistance right away.

3 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

1. Grainy, Discolored Oil

Once a month, check on the condition of your oil by popping the hood. Pull out the dipstick in the motor oil supply, wipe it off with a clean cloth, and reinsert it. Take it out again, and look at the color and consistency of the fluid. If it looks amber and translucent, you can keep driving.

If it looks dark brown, opaque, and grainy, it’s too old and thick to properly lubricate your engine. In this case, you need to schedule an oil change.

2. Smoke From the Exhaust

roadside assistanceIf you’re continuing to drive on thick, viscous motor oil, your vehicle may reveal the problem through its exhaust system. This is a network of pipes that releases gases from the engine out from under the rear bumper. If you can see a dark smoke in the rear-view mirror, there’s probably an issue with your motor oil.

You might also notice the smell of burning oil from the driver’s seat. If you don’t change the oil supply soon, you might have to call for roadside assistance due to an overheated engine.

3. Strange Noises From the Engine

Because old engine oil is thick and gritty, it won’t lubricate the moving parts inside your engine. As a result, the metal components will grind against each other, increasing friction and building up heat. You might even be able to hear grinding or knocking noises from inside the car.

 

Auto maintenance issues can pop up quickly, which is why Robert Young's Auto & Truck is proud to offer roadside assistance. If you’re traveling in or around Roanoke, VA, you can call on them whenever your vehicle starts acting strange. Their towing trucks will transport your car to a mechanic as quickly as possible, so you can get back on the road safely. To learn more about their service, visit the website, or call (540) 982-3809 for 24/7 roadside assistance.

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