-
Can't Find What You're Looking For? Start a Custom Order.
- Get Started
It might seem a small and insignificant task, but changing your oil is absolutely vital to keeping your engine healthy and running smoothly. Deteriorating oil can swiftly lead to an overheating engine, parts breaking down, and even complete engine failure. To make sure this never happens to you, let’s look at when you should visit your local Ford dealer for a Ford oil change.
Time for Your Ford Oil Change?
Your Ford Dealer’s Sticker Is Overdue
The number one way to know when it’s time for an oil change is when you’ve missed your scheduled oil change date. Pay heed to the sticker on your windshield, which is often put up by a technician at your dealership to remind you when to have your next oil change. If you keep to the recommended schedule, you’ll rarely have a problem.
Synthetic Versus Ordinary Engine Oil
Most modern Fords these days use synthetic oil, which lasts far longer. Synthetic oil only needs to be changed every 7,500 to 15,000 miles, whereas ordinary engine oil usually needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It’s important to know what type of oil you use and take that into account when deciding how often to have it changed.
What Are Your Driving Conditions?
Certain driving conditions put more strain on both your engine and oil. If you’re carrying heavier loads or towing a trailer, then your oil will deteriorate faster and require changing more often. More severe conditions also include driving in constant stop-and-go traffic, or in an extremely hot, dusty, or cold environment.
Your Car Tells You to Change Your Oil
Many Ford models now have monitors that detect when your oil has dirtied, thinned, or reduced too much and needs replacing. If this is the case, you’ll see a warning light blink on your instrument panel, which might say a “check engine” or “maintenance required.” Always pay attention to these alerts and visit your local dealership.
Your Oil Is Thick and Gritty
Whenever you’re ever unsure about your oil, you can check it yourself quite easily. Pop your hood and remove the dipstick from the oil reservoir. You’ll then need to wipe it clean and reinsert the dipstick into the reservoir. Then take it out once more and have a good look at the oil on it.
If the oil is liquidy, translucent, or light yellow in color, then it’s still fresh enough to use. Even if it has darkened in color, it’s usually still fine to use. But if the oil is clearly thick, gritty, and very dark, then you should have it replaced.
Your Oil Level Is Low
The dipstick will also tell you the current oil level. An insufficient level of oil spells imminent trouble as there simply isn’t enough to keep the engine friction-free. If your oil level is nearing too low on the dipstick, then visit your mechanic for an oil change.
You’re Hearing Odd Noises
Old or diminished oil leads to unhealthy levels of engine friction, which creates unusual sounds. If you hear any knocking, grinding, or ticking sounds, check your oil promptly and have a trusted technician check it as well.
For friendly, professional oil changes and engine servicing, visit Cloninger Ford of Salisbury. We’re a locally-trusted dealership committed to providing the region’s very best value and most hassle-free customer service.
Connect with us
