Why You Shouldn’t Skip an Oil Change

As you cruise the streets of Salisbury and Kannapolis in style, you should always keep your routine repair needs in the back of your mind. We want to remind you why you shouldn’t skip an oil change—and how important this service can be for your car’s performance.

Lexington and Mooresville, NC, motorists can learn all about oil changes here. If your car is due for one, feel free to schedule a service appointment here at Cloninger Ford!

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Like clockwork, your oil change intervals tick by faster than you might imagine. In most cases, you should have an oil change once every 6 months or 6,000 miles. This will keep your engine oil fresh and ready to work its wonders! Keep in mind, though, that’s only a rule of thumb.

Every case is different, which is why you should consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the oil change interval for your vehicle. You may find that you need more frequent oil changes if most of your driving is in severe conditions, including dusty off-road trails.

When you change your oil, be sure to change the oil filter, too. This will keep your motor oil free from all sorts of debris.

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

We can’t emphasize the importance of oil changes enough. Oil keeps your engine running, literally, as a well-oiled machine, allowing the metal parts inside to work together smoothly.

However, over time, oil becomes less effective as a lubricant. The heat from the engine and debris from outside will contaminate the oil and cause it to break down. As this happens, it’ll turn black and gritty and need to be changed to keep your engine running at its best.

If you neglect oil changes, your engine will dry out and those metal parts will grind against each other. It can cause excess wear and tear and even overheat the engine, which can be expensive to repair.

Signs You Need an Oil Change

Again, it’s best to be proactive when it comes to oil changes. Following the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual—and heeding your dashboard warning light/message—should be your first line of defense. Watch for:

• Black & Gritty Oil—As mentioned above, if you check your oil and it looks dark and feels gritty, it’s time for an oil change. Fresh oil will be a smooth, translucent amber color.
• Strange Engine Noises—If you hear knocking, rumbling, or roaring from the engine, that’s not normal. Check your oil and have the engine inspected, too.
• Black Exhaust Smoke—Dark smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe is a sign of oil leaking into the exhaust system. Check your engine oil ASAP.

Schedule Your Oil Change near Salisbury Today

If your car is due for an oil change, don’t wait around. Now that you know why you shouldn’t skip an oil change, be sure to act when you need to, without wasting a second.

Drivers near Lexington, Mooresville, and Kannapolis, North Carolina, can schedule their oil changes here at Cloninger Ford. With our certified service technicians, you’re in good hands!