The Age Old Question
When it comes to car care, oil changes are a key part of making sure your car stays up and running as it should. We know that for most vehicles, the average distance and time frame for getting an oil change is 3 months or every 3,000 miles. However, when you purchase a new car, does this differ? When should you get an oil change in a new car?
Let’s take a look.
What is an Oil Change?
Beginning with defining exactly what a full-service oil change is, this is the act of removing the used oil in your vehicle’s engine and replacing it with new, clean oil, that is pretty self explanatory. The reason you need full-service oil changes is because over time, oil breaks down and gets dirty. When oil breaks down and gets dirty, it makes oil much less slippery and therefore less effective at their job of lubricating engine parts, which can cause some negative effects. Regular full-service oil changes, such as those offered at Hollywood Garage, help maintain the proper lubrication of engine parts and prevent damage caused by friction. Change your vehicle’s motor oil using the best brands of full synthetic oil, synthetic blend oil, or high mileage motor oil, depending on your vehicle, climate, and driving style.
You may not want to spend the money right away on an oil change, but if you go long enough without one, and it could eventually cost you your car, which is far more expensive than the oil change itself. Once that motor oil breaks down and becomes sludge, it no longer draws heat from the engine. This could result in the engine overheating and either blowing a gasket or seizing up, which are not ideal scenarios at all, and your car can be in the garage for months.
How to Know You Need an Oil Change
When it comes to knowing if you need an oil change or not, there are a few telltale signs with some being more obvious than others. Let’s take a look at them.
Check Engine Light
The first sign you need an oil change is your check engine light, or even your oil light pops on. If your oil light is on, this more than likely means that there is not enough oil level in the car’s system, so it is time to check the dipstick and see what’s going on. This also ties into another dead giveaway of needing an oil change, and that is dark oil on the dipstick. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil level on it, then it is time for an oil change.
In worse cases, the check engine light will turn on. The check engine light is your car giving you a heads up that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.
Engine Noise and Knocking
Motor oil provides a protective layer between engine parts, which helps to avoid the metal-to-metal brushing and aids in keeping the engine quiet. If your oil isn’t doing its job properly, or you do not have much oil left in there, the engine noise will become louder. In more severe cases, you may even hear knocking or rumbling sounds that could mean that your engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit due to the lack of lubrication and increased friction.
Oil Smell Inside the Car
This one may also be an obvious issue but if you smell oil inside the car, that is a problem as it can often signify that there is an oil leak. If you also get a whiff of gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle could possibly be overheating. Regardless, if you are smelling these things inside your car, then you should schedule a maintenance appointment immediately.
Exhaust Smoke
You should know that some translucent vapor will always come out of your car’s tailpipe, that is normal. However, if this changes to darker smoke, it is definitely time for an engine check-up. You may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.
Excessive Mileage
If you’ve traveled a lot of miles since your last oil change, even if it is within a month, consider getting one done again, regardless of when you last had it. Every vehicle is different, but most of them should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles, or three months, whichever comes first. If it is your daily driver, you certainly want to stay up on the oil changes. Consider a high-mileage oil for older vehicles.
When to Get an Oil Change in a New Car
Now that it has been established what an oil change is and all of the signs to get one, let’s take a look at when you should get an oil change in a new car.
New vehicles will often require a change of oil every 6,000 miles or six months, as opposed to older vehicles that should get an oil change around every 3,000 miles. Though, we do not recommend you going over 5,000 miles between oil changes, especially if you drive frequently. Just stop by within 3,000 miles of your service mileage, and we will top off up to two quarts per fluid, as needed. Lubrication of chassis components according to your vehicle manufacturer's specs.
One thing you can do is check your owner’s handbook in your new vehicle for specific guidelines. Newer vehicles also will often display the oil life in the settings on the dashboard, so it is good to take a look at that and when the oil life falls under 40%, it is time to start watching.
The last thing you want to do is let your new car run out of oil, or the oil becomes old, and you have issues with the parts.
Oil Changes in New Cars Wrap Up
When it comes to car care and maintenance, oil changes are a crucial piece for keeping your vehicle in tip top shape. Motor oil makes sure that everything is properly lubricated and functioning correctly. When that oil breaks down and turns to sludge, it is time to get an oil change to avoid any further issues. While most cars should have an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months, new cars can go up to 6,000 miles or 6 months before an oil change. Though every vehicle is different and requires different things, make sure to read your owner’s manual!
Where to Get an Oil Change Near You
If you are in Pottstown or the surrounding areas, be sure to swing by Hollywood Garage on 335 West High Street! With a full staff of experienced mechanics and great customer service, you cannot go wrong with stopping in. Feel free to sit in our waiting room and check out some Hollywood Garage merchandise as well!
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