When Is It Time for An Oil Change?

Did you know that you need to look beyond the date when determining if it’s time for an oil change? While it’s true that you can normally wait three to six months to change the oil, that’s not always the case. Look at other signs that it’s time for an oil change.

The Oil Light Comes On

Your car monitors the oil levels. If the oil light comes on, it’s time for an oil change, even if you haven’t reached the time limit yet. If you ignore the oil light, the engine light will eventually come on. At this point, your car is so low on oil that you could end up with catastrophic damage if you don’t take swift action.

You Smell Oil in the Car

You shouldn’t smell oil when you’re driving your car. If you do, you probably have an oil leak. You need to take it in for an oil change and inspection. Once your car is serviced, you can get back on the road.

The Oil is Dirty

Clean oil is necessary for your car to run properly. Check your oil often, and if you notice that it looks dirty, it’s time to change it. Oil gets dark and dirty when it collects particles from the engine. The dirtier it gets, the harder it is to do its job, so get it changed soon. Otherwise, it won’t be able to adequately lubricate the engine.

Exhaust Smoke is Coming Out of the Tailpipe

It’s normal for your car to emit a translucent vapor. However, smoke should never come out of the tailpipe. If it does, you could have an oil leak or a problem with your engine. Take it to a mechanic for an inspection. The mechanic can fix the problem and change your oil. Taking quick action is necessary, so you can avoid damaging your engine.

You’ve Been Logging Lots of Miles

Car oil needs to be changed if you hit the mileage or time limit. If you’ve driven a lot lately, check your mileage to see if it’s time for an oil change. Many people forget to change their oil after making big trips, and then end up with problems. Getting your oil changed as needed will help you keep your engine running at an optimal level.

If you notice any of these signs, bring your vehicle to Ascension Honda in Gonzales, Louisiana. We offer oil changes and other service options and make the process easy with online scheduling. If you feel like you’re constantly having trouble with your oil and engine, you can bypass service and look for a new vehicle. We have a new lineup of Hondas, plus pre-owned models available.