Signs You Need an Oil Change
All cars need routine oil changes, especially your shiny Mazda at home. Fortunately, knowing when you need an oil change is as simple as following your senses!
Our Ira Mazda team has put together this guide all about the signs of a needed oil change. We welcome all Dedham, Norwood, Foxborough, and Stoughton, Massachusetts, drivers to learn more below.
Signs You Can Hear
Motor oil is designed to lubricate all necessary engine components, which helps them work in tandem without any hiccups. However, when your vehicle’s engine oil is old, it can lose some of its lubricating properties.
Without proper lubrication, your engine may start making ticking, grinding, or knocking noises. These noises come from the parts rubbing together.
Signs You Can See
Your car will output many visual cues that you need an oil change as well. For instance, you may notice your check engine light is on in your vehicle. While this warning symbol can point to various issues, it most likely is pointing to a needed oil change when paired with any of these signs:
- Smoke instead of regular exhaust
- Oil puddles under your car
If you’re comfortable checking on your own oil, you may notice a few oil consistency changes when you pop open the hood. You may see:
- Low oil levels
- Oil film in the engine compartment
- Particles in the oil
- Oil color change
If you think it’s time for an oil change, you can consult your service center if they haven’t notified you already. You can also check the window sticker in your windshield for the date and odometer reading of your last oil change.
Signs You Can Smell
Did you know that motor oil also functions as a cooling agent for the engine? You learn something new every day! This fluid helps keep the engine calm, cool, and collected, especially when the oil is fresh. However, when oil is old and dirty, it loses its temperature-controlling abilities.
This brings us to our next sign. When engine oil is old, it may produce a burning smell in the cabin. This may be indicative of an oil leak, which will need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Signs You Can Feel
When your vehicle needs an oil change, you may notice a few physical indicators while driving or while parked, such as:
- Overheated engine
- Shaking while idling
- Worsening fuel efficiency
When you pop open the hood and check your oil, the oil may have a gritty and thick texture to it. Engine oil should be thin and smooth.
Schedule an Oil Change Today!
Are you sensing that your Mazda needs an oil change? If so, allow our reliable service center at Ira Mazda to help. Our technicians have the tools, supplies, and wisdom they need to get the job done, and to get you back on the Dedham, Norwood, Foxborough, and Stoughton, MA, streets.
To make an appointment, give us a call. You can also use our online scheduling form anywhere, anytime.