Why You Shouldn’t Skip an Oil Change

Salisbury and Mooresville motorists understand oil changes are important. They may not know, however, why oil changes are so essential. Our automotive service experts want to share their know-how with you and explain why you shouldn’t skip an oil change—not ever!

We’ll show you what engine oil does and how crucial it is to the performance of your vehicle. Courtesy of our team at Cloninger Toyota, discover how to keep your vehicle primed for the streets of Lexington and Huntersville.  

Why Do You Need an Oil Change?

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your engine. All those whirring metal parts inside need to stay lubricated if you want your engine to run like—literally—a well-oiled machine.

While your motor oil may perform that role admirably, you must change it from to time to keep things fresh. Over time, your oil will become contaminated with dirt and debris and will begin to break down due to the heat of the engine. That’s when you need an oil change.

Without regular oil changes, those metal parts inside your engine will start to grind against each other and cause friction. Aside from the excess wear and tear, this can cause your engine to overheat. You’ll need costly engine repair before long. Better to take care of your oil changes on schedule!

How Often Do You Change Oil?

A good rule of thumb: You should have your oil changed once every 6 months or 6,000 miles. Keep in mind, though, that the exact interval will depend on the model you drive, the type of oil you use, and your driving habits. For best results, follow the interval in your vehicle owner’s manual.

You should also get in the habit of checking your oil regularly. It’s simple: Remove the dipstick, wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth, and reinsert it. Then, remove it again and check your oil’s level and condition. If it’s too low or black and gritty, you need an oil change ASAP.

How often should you check your oil? We’d recommend at least once a month. Doing so will help you stay on top of your oil changes!

Signs You Need an Oil Change

As mentioned above, tracking the physical condition of your oil is the best way to know when you need an oil change. There are more signs, however—ones you may notice when you get behind the wheel.

Watch out for these signs as you cruise the streets of Mooresville, Lexington, Huntersville, and beyond:

• Loud Engine Noises: If you hear knocking, rumbling, or other loud noises, have your engine and oil checked.
• Exhaust Smoke: If you see thick, black smoke billowing out of your exhaust pipe, you may have engine oil leaking into your exhaust system.
• Oil Smell Inside Car: If you can smell the scent of oil from the driver’s seat, you may have an oil leak somewhere.

Schedule Your Oil Change Today

Oil changes are important, and we hope we’ve illustrated why you should never skip an oil change. If it’s time for yours, you can schedule an oil change at the service center at Cloninger Toyota.

Make your appointment online or by phone. Our certified service team will treat your car with the best in care, so you can return to the roads of Salisbury soon!