The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

An Introduction 

Changing the oil in your used cars and trucks is usually a swift and painless procedure when performed at a modern automotive car dealership service center like Mission Motors. It’s an established fact that clean oil improves your car’s performance and extends the engine’s lifespan, so why do so many people delay changing their Arlington oil until there’s a visible problem?

Leading oil change service experts in Stanwood, WA, reveal that it’s mostly because most drivers rely solely on mileage to gauge when their oil and filters need to be replaced. But other factors like the oil quality, car age, and performance, and how it’s driven also come into play. This blog post explores the ‘when, why, and where’ of oil change and why you shouldn’t delay it.

Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Here are some warning signs that depict your used car or truck in Arlington, WA, needs an oil change,

• One of your dashboard lights is on

You’ll notice the most obvious alert about an issue with your oil or filters from the car itself. The Stanwood oil change light in your used car/ truck will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system, so inspect the dipstick to see what’s happening. In worst cases, the check engine light will illuminate, which is basically your vehicle warning you that things have gotten so worse that your engine is at risk of collapsing due to lack of lubrication. 

• Engine Noise and Knocking

Oil provides a protective layer between engine components, avoiding metal-to-metal colliding, which keeps the engine quiet. If your oil isn’t functioning properly, you may hear weird rumbling or knocking sounds that reveal your engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit.

• The engine oil in your vehicle is dark and dirty

Fresh oil is amber in color and slightly transparent. If you observe your engine oil in Stanwood, WA, turning darker and dirtier, chances are it’s filled with dirt particles collected from the engine and needs an auto-repair.

• Burning Smell Inside the Car

If you smell oil or a burning smell inside the car, it can often indicate an oil leak or that your vehicle may be overheating. Either way, you need to schedule oil maintenance in Arlington, WA, immediately.

• Exhaust Smoke

There’s always some translucent vapor coming out of your car’s tailpipe, but if this changes to dark smoke, it’s time for an engine check-up, as it could be faulty engine parts or an oil leak in Washington.

• Excessive Mileage

If you’ve traveled a lot in the last month, consider whether you need an oil change in Stanwood, WA, sooner than your normal schedule. Check your manufacturer’s handbook for specific guidelines, or pay a visit to a reliable car dealership service like Mission Motors. 

Why do you need a routine oil change?

Properly scheduled oil changes in Stanwood, WA, are crucial in keeping your car running properly. So whether you just bought a brand-new vehicle or have been driving an automobile for ages, regular oil changes are something you cannot ignore. 

Some other reasons why getting a car oil change is important,

• Boosts Engine Efficiency:

Getting your oil changed routinely keeps your engine clean and enhances its performance. Since oil naturally carries dust, dirt, and debris as it moves into the engine, it can form a sludge inside the machine over time due to the built-up particles inside. 

Regular oil change in Arlington, WA, and routinely replacing your filters helps you avoid a slow-working, ineffective engine.

• Increases Engine Life:

Dirty engine oil in used cars and trucks commonly has grime, which can cause boosted friction and faster wear and tear. A cleaner engine runs smoother, functions proficiently, and generally has a much longer life.

• Provides Better Mileage

An effective engine provides the most mileage on the road, and to maintain that, it’s necessary to keep your engine clean and devoid of particles. As engines run smoothly with fresh oil, their efficiency improves, and so does the ability to use fuel much more conservatively, which saves both mileage and costs.

• Easily Pass Emissions Test

Even in used trucks and cars in Stanwood, WA, a smooth-running engine helps you quickly pass the emission test without any delays or issues. Regular oil changes in Arlington, WA, help your vehicle run effectively with much better mileage.

• Eco-Friendly

With time, heat degrades engine oil and releases gases. This process additionally promotes the build-up of sludge inside the machine. Consequently, the gas released from your used car in Stanwood, WA, will contain hydrocarbons that are hazardous to the environment. Changing your vehicle’s oil consistently assists you in polluting nature less.

• Protects Engine

Routine cleaning and frequent oil changes in Stanwood and Arlington, WA, protect your engine from extra wear and tear, friction, and sludge accumulation. That means, by changing your car’s oil, you can shield its engine and assist it in running perfectly and easily.

• Keeps Engine Components Cool

Fresh oil changes in Arlington, WA, maintain appropriate lubrication so all moving engine components produce minimal friction, preventing overheating.

Conclusion 

Routine oil changes are simple, affordable, and one of the most important things you can do to keep your car from aging prematurely.

You may be unsure if you need an oil change in Stanwood and Arlington, WA. Or maybe you don’t know what sort of engine oil you need. Whatever the issue, our team at Mission Motors is here to help you care for your car without hassle. Our staff of ASE-certified mechanics offers full-service auto repair and is ready to help keep your used car or truck properly serviced, repaired, and maintained.

Whether you’re shopping for a used car or truck, your brakes are making a strange noise, or you need a proper routine oil change near Stanwood or Arlington, WA, we are here. You can call us and schedule an appointment or fill out our service request form, and we’ll contact you.