Oil changes are easy to forget about or overlook. Oftentimes, you won’t necessarily know you need an oil change until you actually check. Because your car might seem to be running fine for months at a time, an oil change can easily slip your mind. But when strange noises start coming from under the hood, the need for maintenance is obvious.

A quality oil change makes a huge difference in how your vehicle operates. Learning why you need to have an oil change, how often you should have it done, and where you’ll get the best service improves the health of your vehicle.

Keep Your Engine Functioning with Regular Oil Changes

A car’s engine is a system of moving parts. These metal parts cause friction when they come into contact with one another. Without oil to lubricate your engine, the heat from all that friction would cause the individual components to fuse together, warp, or break.

Oil can deteriorate over time and ceases to properly lubricate those moving parts. If an unpleasant smell emanates from your engine or you notice the oil becoming dirty, these are clear indications for an oil change. If you ignore your engine oil, contaminants and sludge will form in the crankcase, eat metal parts, collect water, and worse.

Checking Your Oil with a Dipstick

A dipstick helps you check to see if the oil needs to be changed.

1. First, make sure your engine has been turned off for at least ten minutes.
2. Pop your hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it across a lint-free cloth.
4. Then place the dipstick back in the reservoir and pull it out.
5. Check for an oily film on the dipstick’s end.

Note the level and color of oil. If the oil level is low, you might need to add more oil. If the oil is a clear golden brown color, your oil is in good shape. If it’s a silty dark brown or black with floating particles, it’s time to bring your car in for service.

Schedule An Appointment for Your Next Oil Change

The general recommendation for oil changes are every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Unless you have much older car, it’s best to seek service every 5,000 miles. However, your needs may vary due to the age of your car and your driving habits. If you travel often, you’ll need more frequent oil changes than someone who uses the car occasionally. Older cars tend to need service more regularly than newer cars.

Whether you’re hauling the travel basketball team to weekend tournaments in a Honda Pilot or running small errands around town in an Accord, make sure you are aware of your driving habits to realize when you should bring in your vehicle for an oil change.

The good news is our factory-trained technicians at Asheboro Honda know exactly when you should schedule a service appointment. When you bring your vehicle to our Service Department, whether it’s a new Honda or a pre-owned vehicle, we’ll be able to match your car with the right kind of oil and give you a solid estimate on when your next oil change should be.

Take the time to learn more about our Service Department, and if you haven’t already, look at our Specials page to see if we have any coupons for a discount on your next visit.