Your car’s engine is an intricate piece of machinery, and it relies on a steady supply of oil to keep all its parts functioning optimally and without friction.
An oil change is an important part of keeping your car running smoothly – and it needs to be done regularly to keep your engine in good condition.
If your car has been running smoothly and you’re due for an oil change in only another couple hundred miles, it might be tempting to put off the next service.
However, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your car’s engine.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for an oil change.
Check your oil level
First things first: check your oil level.
If you’re not sure how to check your oil level, refer to your car’s manual.
If your manual doesn’t have an oil level chart, you can also use a dipstick to check the level.
You can also use a pressure-reading gauge, although this is less accurate than a dipstick.
Ideally, you should keep your oil level between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings on your dipstick or gauge.
If you’re low on oil, there are two things you can do: top off or change your oil.
If you’re low on oil but don’t have time to get to a gas station, you can top off your oil.
You can do this by adding a few quarts to your oil cap. You can also use a bottle of oil.
Check your oil filter
Next, you need to check the oil filter.
If you can see any debris in your oil filter, it’s time to change it.
A clogged oil filter can cause a variety of issues, including reduced efficiency, increased wear, and a build-up of harmful substances.
You can also use a pressure-reading gauge to check the oil filter.
If you see any debris in your oil filter, it’s time to change it.
If you don’t have a gauge, you can also use a clean, white paper towel to check the filter.
If it’s black, it’s time to change your oil filter.
Check your spark plugs
Next, you need to check your spark plugs.
Your spark plugs are responsible for igniting your engine’s fuel and air mixture.
If they’re old or damaged, they can lead to reduced performance, poor gas mileage, and increased emissions.
You should change your spark plugs every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
You can use a spark plug wrench to loosen and tighten your spark plugs.
You can also use a spark plug socket, although this is less effective.
Check your air filter
Next, you need to check your air filter.
Your air filter helps keep contaminants out of your engine and is responsible for up to 80% of your engine’s horsepower.
If your air filter is dirty, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced performance and emissions.
You can also use a pressure-reading gauge to check the air filter.
If you see any debris in your air filter, it’s time to change it.
If you don’t have a gauge, you can also use a clean, white paper towel to check the filter.
If it’s black, it’s time to change your air filter.
Check your transmission fluid level
Next, you need to check your transmission fluid level.
Your transmission fluid is responsible for cooling and lubricating your car’s transmission.
If it’s low on fluid, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced performance, increased wear, and damage to your transmission.
You can also use a dipstick to check the transmission fluid level.
If you see any warning signs, such as dark fluid or a burnt smell, it’s time to change your transmission fluid.
If you don’t have a dipstick, you can also use a clean, white paper towel to check the fluid level. If it’s black, it’s time to change your transmission fluid.
Check your differential fluid level
Next, you need to check your differential fluid level. Your differential is responsible for distributing power to your front and rear wheels.
If it’s low on fluid, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced performance, increased wear, and damage to your transmission.
You can also use a dipstick to check the differential fluid level.
If you see any warning signs, such as dark fluid or a burnt smell, it’s time to change your differential fluid.
If you don’t have a dipstick, you can also use a clean, white paper towel to check the fluid level.
If it’s black, it’s time to change your differential fluid.
Conclusion
Finally, make sure you keep a log of when you change your oil and filter.
This way, you’ll know when it’s time for another service.
If you notice any of the signs we’ve mentioned in this article, it’s time for an oil change.
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