5 Common vehicle oil change questions answered
Taking care of your vehicle doesn’t need to be costly and time-consuming. CAA is here to help you better understand your vehicle’s maintenance. Here are 5 common questions about oil changes answered.
When should I change my vehicle’s oil?
Regular maintenance can help you save money. Did you know keeping your oil clean improves your vehicle’s performance and can even help you get better mileage? As a rule of thumb, you should change your oil at least twice yearly. Remember that driving habits and temperatures can affect how quickly oil degrades. Most newer cars have oil monitoring systems. Your vehicle will track usage and oil conditions and signal when you need a change. If you have an older vehicle, check the owner’s manual or factory maintenance schedule for information on maintenance schedules.
What are the warning signs I need an oil change?
Has the oil change light come on your dash? Or the check engine light? If so, it’s time for an oil change. But there are other signs, too. Pay attention to the colour when you check your oil level. Engine oil is amber in colour when clean. Dirty oil is a dark brown.
If your oil is light and milky in colour, it could mean coolant is leaking into your engine. It’s best to have your car towed to a mechanic for further inspection. Also, check if there are any metal pieces or particles in the oil, this may indicate some internal damage to your engine that you’ll want to have looked at. Additionally, if your vehicle is making more noise than normal, and you hear a knocking or rumbling sound coming from your engine could show you need an oil change. Have you noticed exhaust smoke? Or does your cabin smell like oil? Then it’s time for an oil change.
How do I check my vehicle’s oil level?
Start with checking your owner’s manual. Most newer cars have electronic oil monitors rather than dipsticks. Then make sure your car is off and parked on level ground. It’s best to wait until the engine is cold.
Pop the hood and find the dipstick. Make sure it is clean before putting it back into its tube. Next, pull it out and check both sides. There will be an indicator of where your oil should be on the dipstick. If the oil streak is between the minimum and maximum indicators, your oil level is good. If your oil is below the minimum indicator, it’s time for a top-up.