How Often Does Your Car Need Fresh Oil? 

Oil changes are a necessary part of car ownership if you want your beloved vehicle to continue to drive smoothly and reliably. Everyone knows that they are important, but fewer people are sure exactly how often they should be driving into the Jeep dealer to have it done. Fortunately, taking a little time to learn about the oil in your car can help you to take better care of it. 
 
 

For many years, traditional advice was to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. But times have changed! With advances in engine design and oil formulas, many vehicles can smoothly chug along for 5,000 to 7,500 miles without changing the oil. 
 
The best thing to do is to check the owner’s manual for your specific model or consult a professional to get a recommendation tailored to you and your driving habits. 
 
 

Why Do Cars Need Their Oil Changed? 

Motor oil is like a magic potion that keeps the components of your engine young and healthy. Over time, as you cruise down highways and navigate city lanes, this oil breaks down and gets contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris. If not replaced, this old, grimy oil can lead to increased friction, overheating, and a host of other issues. 
 
 

Signs It’s Time for Fresh Oil From Your Jeep Dealer 

The Oil Light Is On 

This one’s a no-brainer. When that little oil can on the dashboard lights up, your car is literally telling you, “Hey buddy! I need oil!” 
 
 

Dark, Gritty Oil 

Pop the hood of your car and pull out the dipstick. Clean, fresh oil should be an amber color. If it’s dark, thick, or even has noticeable grit in it, it’s time to freshen things up. 
 
 

Strange Noises 

You know how your car sounds when it’s happy. If you start hearing unusual sounds like knocking, rumbling, or roaring, it might be because the oil isn’t lubricating as well as it should, leading to metal-on-metal contact. 
 
 

Smoky Exhaust 

A little vapor coming from your exhaust is normal, especially in cold weather. But if you notice smoke coming out instead, it could be a sign that oil is leaking into the engine’s combustion chamber. 
 
 

Overheating Engine 

Oil helps cool your engine. If there’s not enough of it, or it’s too dirty, the engine can overheat, putting a damper on your drive and possibly causing damage. 
 
Keeping tabs on your oil is one of the easiest ways to ensure your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM continues to purr like the day you first drove it. Not sure when the last time was that you changed the oil in your car? It might be time to schedule an appointment. Call Huston Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM today and let us help you keep your engine running right! 

Image via Pixabay

Tags: Car Service
Posted in Avon Park CDJR Service | No Comments »