Sure Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change

Your car’s oil is one of the most important fluids for the overall health of your vehicle. While gasoline may be the lifeblood of any car, oil is what ultimately keeps the engine lubricated and keeps everything running as it should. If the oil gets too dirty or the level is too low, you can do irreparable damage to your car’s engine. Not only is this extremely costly, it’s also incredibly inconvenient. There is no excuse for this type of damage when our oil change experts at Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres are willing and able to help.

Sure Signs it is Time for an Oil Change

Knowing when to call in the professionals is crucial. Of course, the most common-sense indicator that it’s time for an oil change should be your car’s mileage. Most auto technicians recommend getting your vehicle serviced every 5,000 kilometers or six months, whichever is first. This should include an oil change and the replacement of other vital fluids.

However, far too many people neglect the 5,000-kilometer rule and simply run their cars until they reach the point of no return. If you recognize any of these signs, then it’s definitely time to get in for an oil change:

• The oil or check engine light comes on.
• Your vehicle is sluggish when starting or you notice an odd smell coming from the engine.
• You can hear a loud knocking sound coming from under the hood. This can mean that the engine is running without much lubrication.
• If you are a little more proficient with cars, you can always check under the hood and pull the oil dipstick. If you wipe it off and the oil is dark in thick, then it’s dirty and needs to be changed.
• Thick and black exhaust smoke can also be a sign that it’s time to change your oil.
• Unusual smells in the interior of the vehicle.

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

Regular oil changes are vital to the health of your engine. Having clean oil makes sure that the engine remains properly lubricated. Without this lubrication, friction can build up in the engine and parts of it can seize up and stop working. If the oil gets too dirty, debris and dust can be deposited on the interior of the engine. This can also lead to damaging friction and total engine failure. Staying on top of oil changes is an easy way to save money on costly repairs.

Minit-Tune Makes Changing Your Oil Easy

Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres make oil changes easy. We have 18 locations offering auto repair and oil changes in Vancouver and the surrounding cities, so you’ll never have to go far for service! Changing your oil is both necessary and fairly quick when you visit one of our convenient locations.

Contact us online using our form, or call any of our offices to set up an appointment. We can do a full tune up, or just an oil change depending on your specific needs. Taking good care of your vehicle starts with a phone call!