Mar 16, 2020
Having to change the oil in your car is one of the less daunting things we must do, as it’s a quick and painless procedure that can be performed by any mechanic or garage. Your car needs oil to improve the performance of your car and extends the life of the engine. As drivers, we may rely on miles to gage when we need to replace oil, but other factors will come into play such as the quality of oil, age of a car and how we drive.
To check your oil levels, you need to open the bonnet of your car and locate the dipstick. Take the dipstick out all the way and wipe it with a clean cloth or piece of kitchen paper. Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine and remove once more to find the accurate oil level. You will find that the dipstick is marked with a minimum and maximum oil level.
One of the most obvious alerts that there’s an issue with your oil will come from the dashboard. The check engine oil light in your vehicle will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system. In some cases, the check engine oil light will only illuminate when there’s not enough oil and the engine is at risk of potential damage.
You know you’re better than anyone, so you should know when your car is making unusual noises. If you notice the engine is noisier than usual it could mean your oil needs to be replaced. Engine oil becomes old and then loses its lubricating properties, therefore the moving parts in the engine may grind against each other and can cause damage.
If you smell oil inside your cabin, it can mean there is a potential oil leak. If you smell gas or exhaust fumes the vehicle can be overheating. Either way, you will need to have both problems addressed as soon as possible.
If you use your car for longer journeys and clock up a lot of miles, it could be time to have your oil changed, but you should check your vehicle manual first. Every manufacturer is different however, you should follow the advice regarding oil change intervals in your owner’s manual.
While you’re checking the oil levels, you should check the consistency of the oil. Take a little bit of oil off the end of the dipstick and rub it between your thumb and forefinger. If you feel any grittiness this is a sign that the oil contains contaminants and should be replaced.
When going for an oil change, expect to pay anywhere between £25 and £60, depending on the type of oil used. If you need to find a reputable mechanic or garage in your area to carry out an oil change for you, we can gather quotes in your area!
