It can be tough to keep up with things like oil changes, especially when you’re busy. You never want to push it too far, though, and that’s what some of these warning signs let you know. 2000 Auto wants you to be aware of what it can look like when you’ve waited too long to get your car’s oil changed.
There’s an Oil Leak
There are a lot of different reasons your car might spring an oil leak. But one reason in particular can be because it’s been too long since the last oil change. When oil is older, dirtier, and not able to do its job, sometimes that can mean that the filter gets overloaded and leaks. It can also mean that oil leaks from other spots.
The Car’s Oil Is Dirty
Whether there’s a leak or you’ve been checking the oil, pay attention to how the oil itself looks. Can you see a lot of particles floating around in the oil on the dipstick? If so, that can be an indication that the oil is getting pretty dirty. Your car’s engine needs clean oil in order to function properly.
Oil Levels Are Low
Remember also when you check the oil that the other thing you’re looking for is how much oil is in the car. You’ll be able to see that by using the markings on the dipstick. If the oil is below the levels marked on the dipstick as the correct levels, that’s a potential problem.
Gas Mileage Isn’t What it Was
Your car isn’t always going to get the exact mileage recommended by the factory, and there are lots of reasons for that. When you keep track even a little bit of your car’s fuel mileage, it’s a lot easier to start noticing that there’s a difference when your car needs an oil change. The engine is working harder, which makes it burn fuel less efficiently. After an oil change, you’re likely to experience much better gas mileage.
There’s a Warning Light or Two Visible
If you go long enough without an oil change, you’re likely to see at least one warning light on the dashboard. This happens because the car’s engine needs oil in order to keep it running at optimal levels. You might see some oil pressure warning lights first, but the light most car owners often see is the check engine light. That’s a light you don’t want to ignore.
Not sure what’s going on with your car? Let 2000 Auto in Melbourne, FL help. We’ll accurately diagnose the issues your car is facing and let you know what it needs.