How Often Do I Need an Oil Change?
While the frequency can change due to the type of vehicle you drive, a good rule of thumb is to change your motor oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Roughly, this means every three or four months or at the beginning of each season.To make this important bit of maintenance easier, the service team at Sheridan Nissan is here to lend a hand. We’ve been providing New Castle, Wilmington, and Newark, DE, drivers with quick oil changes for years, and we know what it takes to keep you moving.
Read on to discover a few tips and tricks to keep your engine running at peak performance. Afterward, we welcome you to schedule an online appointment.
Why Do I Need an Oil Change Every 5,000 to 10,000 Miles?
The engine inside your vehicle is in charge of creating energy that powers you down the roadway. To make that happen, it requires dozens of intricate metal parts to move harmoniously at incredibly high speeds. Motor oil is used to lubricate these moving pieces, all while removing materials that cause corrosion. These include moisture, dirt, and other harmful particles.
If not replaced every few thousand miles, you’ll start to notice that your oil will transform and break down into a heavy, dark sludge. This sludge can cause friction and heat to build up inside your engine. If let go for long enough, you might start to encounter several issues, including:
- Weak acceleration
- Lowered fuel efficiency
- Overheating
- Dark, smoky exhaust fumes
- Engine seizure
What About My Specific Car, Truck, or SUV?
The longevity and usefulness of your motor oil depends on several factors: typical travel conditions, the type of vehicle, vehicle age, and how often you tow/haul heavy loads.
To determine the right plan for your vehicle, we recommend speaking directly to our service pros. Not only will they fully inspect your vehicle’s engine, but they can also create a maintenance schedule to make sure that you never miss a milestone.
How to Check Your Oil at Home
Find a level spot to park your ride before opening the hood. If you need help locating your engine’s oil stick, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact our service center for a quick tutorial.
Using a shop rag or paper towel, remove the dipstick from its holster. Clean oil should appear translucent with a slight amber color. If the oil appears thick or has an intense burning smell, immediately schedule to have it replaced.
Wipe the stick clean before returning it to its holster. Remove the stick again, and this time take note of the oil level. Toward the bottom of the dipstick, you’ll notice a few markings. If your oil falls below these markings, you might need to add a quart or two.
Schedule Your Upcoming Oil Change near Me
Keeping up with routine maintenance is your best bet for keeping your vehicle safe while traveling around New Castle, Wilmington, and Newark, Delaware.
So, if your vehicle is currently due for a checkup, contact Sheridan Nissan or go online to schedule an oil change today!