Why Oil Changes are Necessary
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine because, without it, you wouldn't be able to start your car. One major purpose of oil is it keeps the engine clean, but it can get filled with debris. This debris can severely reduce performance and efficiency since the engine has to work harder and may cause more expensive damage.
Not only does oil keep the engine clean, but it also reduces friction between parts and prevents corrosion and engine overheating. Your vehicle's service manual should include the recommended schedule for oil changes, which is commonly based on mileage.
Signs Your Oil Needs Changing
One of the first signs your oil needs servicing is an overheated engine, which you shouldn't ignore. You want to avoid driving around Middletown with an overheated engine because it can damage the cylinder heads.
You may notice you're paying more at the pump when the oil runs low, or it could stall. Other signs your oil needs changing include burn smells, knocking sounds, vibrations in idle, exhaust smoke, and trouble changing gears. Many vehicles will illuminate a symbol on the dashboard to indicate when your oil needs changing.