Signs You Need Your Oil Changed

As you drive around the streets of Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, and Vineland, it’s important to pay attention for signs you need automotive service.

Even if you’re not due for service according to your manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, you’ll benefit by staying one step ahead of the game.

To stay on top of your car maintenance, you should watch for signs you need your oil changed. Wondering just what those telltale signs are? We at BMW of Atlantic City will give you the full rundown, so you’re ready to schedule service when you need it!

Check the Color & Texture

You don’t have to wait until your service appointment to know the condition of your oil: You can check it yourself with the oil dipstick. Just open the hood and pull the dipstick out of the engine. Wipe any oil off the end with a lint-free cloth and push the dipstick back in.

Remove it again and check to see where the oil line is at the end. Your dipstick should have some sort of maximum and minimum line or markings, and the oil line should fall somewhere between them. If it falls below the minimum marking, you’ll need to top off the oil in your engine.

You can also check the color and texture. Clean oil is amber in color and smooth and free of impurities. If, on the other hand, your oil is blackened or gritty, it’s time to schedule an oil change.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Most cars should have a Check Engine or Oil Pressure warning light on the dashboard that illuminates in the event of engine trouble or oil issues. When these lights begin to glow, you may be dealing with low oil levels.

Schedule service as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed. These warning lamps can light up for many different reasons, and you’ll need to know what’s happening before you can implement the correct solution.

Odd Smells, Sounds, & Sights

Anytime you notice something out of the ordinary with your car, it’s worth looking into in case it’s a sign of a maintenance problem that needs to be addressed. Here are some key sensory experiences that may signal that you need an oil change:

• Seeing Exhaust Smoke. When the weather’s cold, it’s perfectly normal to see clear vapor emitting from your exhaust pipes. If you see thick and dark smoke, you may be dealing with an oil leak in your engine.
• Smelling Oil in the Cabin. You should never smell engine oil inside the car. If the smell is thick and acrid, the culprit may be an overheated engine and oil leaking into the exhaust area.
• Hearing Engine Noise/Knocking. Engine oil keeps the metal parts inside your engine lubricated, so they don’t have direct metal-on-metal contact and can avoid building friction. If the engine oil is past its prime, you may hear engine knocking or rumbling-even roaring.

Watch for These Signs You Need Your Oil Changed

Now that you have a clearer idea of the major signs you need your oil changed, you can monitor your oil with more confidence. If you think you need an oil change, don’t wait around. Feel free to schedule service at BMW of Atlantic City.

Our team of trained, certified technicians will change your oil, replace your filter, and have your car ready for the roads of Atlantic City, Egg Harbor, and Vineland before you know it!