5 Signs You’re Due for an Oil Change

June 28, 2019 · 3 min read

Regularly replacing your car engine’s oil is a simple way to ensure that it will run efficiently and be protected against damage. While the importance of a regular oil change seems like common sense, many drivers put it off or forget about it altogether. Why?There are a few reasons: a lot of drivers rely exclusively on their mileage to gauge when to change their oil, while others simply don’t know the other warning signs their car is giving them. In this blog post, our team will detail five signs your vehicle can give you to signal that an oil change might be needed.

Is Your Car Telling You It’s Time for an Oil Change?

If you notice the following signs, the answer might be yes:

Dark and gritty oil

Oil best lubricates your engine when it’s a rich amber color. As your car continues to run with this oil, it will become dark and dingy with particulates picked up from the engine. These particulates transform the oil from a clean feeling lubricant into gritty slime.You won’t be able to just tell when your engine’s oil has deteriorated to this state, so you’ll need to physically check it yourself. To do this, simply remove your engine’s dipstick, wipe it off, and reinsert it. Afterward, pull it out once again. If the oil looks thick and dark, schedule an oil change immediately.

Strange engine noises

When your engine is using clean oil, it will be protected by a thin layer of lubricant. This prevents your engine’s parts from making metal-on-metal contact, resulting in a quiet ride. However, as your engine’s oil begins to break down, it won’t lubricate as well as before and your engine will become louder while it operates. If your engine suddenly starts making rumbling, knocking, or even roaring sounds, don’t delay in scheduling an oil checkup.

Exhaust smoke

Some vehicles' tailpipes will emit a clear vapor while they run, but this is not the same thing as emitting smoke. A car that is producing smoke is one that’s due for an oil change ASAP because this can be indicative of either a critically low level of engine lubrication or even an oil leak.Exhaust smoke can also be a sign of faulty parts in your vehicle’s engine. If you notice your vehicle is producing smoke, get it looked at by a professional.

Shaking while idling

When you’re parked, your vehicle should be as still as you are. When your car’s engine is running on old or deteriorated oil, it will begin to operate with higher levels of friction. This can produce abnormal levels of vibration or shaking while you drive. If you notice this happening, avoid idling as much as you can and get your car’s oil changed.

The change oil or check engine light is on

If your change oil light comes on, it means there is too little oil in your engine to operate efficiently. When this happens, don’t panic: Simply check your car’s dipstick and get your oil replaced if its current level is insufficient. The check engine light is a different story. If this light comes on, it can be a sign that your car’s engine is at serious risk of damage due to insufficient lubrication. If this happens, make sure to get your car’s oil changed pronto.

Schedule Service in Monroe, NC

Understanding the signs that you need an oil change can afford you many extra years on your car’s operating life. If your vehicle is giving you any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with our service team at Union County Kia in Monroe, North Carolina.

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Mar 29, 2019 in Service and Maintenance

Why Should You Get Car Battery Service?

Whether you are preparing for a road trip with the family or just need to make it through your daily commute, few things feel more depleting than a car that won’t start. Aside from regular maintenance, there are several ways you can stay informed on how your battery is holding up. Let’s explore what your battery does and how you can tell if it’s dying. Why Car Battery Service Matters What Is a Car Battery? When you put the key in the ignition and start up your vehicle, the battery is what gets everything moving. If you have a dead or dying battery, this process won’t go smoothly if it happens at all. Batteries are designed to last around 6 years, but it’s always smart to keep an eye out. What Affects the Battery? When the car is active, many of the other components take over, but when the vehicle is off, anything that is running is being powered by the battery. If you leave interior lights or headlights on, they will drain the battery. Leaving electronics plugged into your charger can also draw on your battery. In extreme cold, your battery’s solution may not transfer power as effectively. Using a battery heater can help get the solution moving as it should. On the other hand, extreme heat can evaporate the solution. A temporary solution is adding deionized or demineralized water, but you’ll need to bring it in for service soon. Is It My Battery? There are plenty of warning signs for when your battery is struggling or dead. Your dashboard may display an alert, which means you should bring it in to get looked at immediately. If your vehicle is slow cranking or cranking laboriously without turning on, your battery likely needs to be replaced. If your vehicle starts inconsistently, there may be a problem with your battery. Whether a component is loose or it is low on power, take it to a battery expert. You may even notice a rotten egg smell. This is a symptom of water evaporation within the battery. Get Batter Service at Union County Kia Our service center specializes in Kia service in Monroe, NC, so you can trust your car, SUV, or truck is in good hands. If you’re looking for a great deal, check out our Kia service coupons.