How Do You Know When Your Car Needs An Oil Change?

It’s fairly common knowledge that treating your vehicle to regular oil changes is one of the most significant ways to help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance.  You may be wondering how do you know when your car needs an oil change.  If you follow the recommended oil change interval for your car, you will help prevent excessive engine wear and tear, plus optimize your engine’s performance level. Fresh, clean oil keeps the engine lubricated as well as protects it against overheating.

Many drivers think they will save money by extending the time interval between oil changes, but an oil change service is relatively simple and inexpensive when compared to the cost of an engine repair. Ask your auto repair shop if they offer oil change coupons to help make frequent oil change services more affordable.  

So how do you know when your car needs an oil change?  Over time, oil deteriorates and loses its effectiveness.  If you start to experience one or more of the warning signs below, it’s time for an oil change!

1. Oil is dark and dirty – Clean oil is an amber color and you should be able to see the dipstick through the oil.  Over time, the oil gets dirty and fluid darkens from the particles it collects from the engine.
2. Loud and noisy engine – You may start to hear knocking, rumbling, and even roaring coming from the engine.  The oil is not lubricating parts as well as it should.
3. Oil change warning light comes on – An illuminated oil change light on the dash panel indicates that the oil level is too low. You may get by with adding a quart or two of oil but if the oil is dark, it’s time to change the oil.  
4. Smoke from the Exhaust – If you notice smoke coming from the Exhaust, there could be an oil leak or faulty parts in the engine.
5. Oil Smell inside the cabin – This could mean that oil is leaking. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning into the exhaust area.  An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your car or even ignite a fire.

Do you want to know more about how do you know when your car needs an oil change?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What Are the Signs of a Bad Alignment?

You may be noticing that your car isn’t driving as well as it should.  You might think there is no hurry to have your wheel alignment inspected, but if you keep ignoring the issue, you may start to notice even more serious issues, such as:

• Tires wear out prematurely,
• Poor fuel efficiency, and
• The safety of other components, such as brakes, shocks, and suspension, is compromised.

So what are the signs of a bad alignment?  There are four easy-to-recognize signs of needed wheel alignment:

1. The tires are unevenly worn
2. The vehicle pulls to one side 
3. Strange vibrations are felt when the car is moving
4. The steering feels sloppy

If your vehicle is misaligned, not only will you notice the above issues, but your passengers, you, and other drivers are at increased risk of an accident from driving your car. If repairing a bad wheel alignment can prevent having an accident, then the price of a wheel alignment service is money well spent.

An auto repair technician can easily determine whether you want a wheel alignment or any other service to keep your car in good working condition so that you are driving as safe as potential.  

Do you want to know what are the signs of a bad alignment? Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about our wheel alignment services and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.