You need to keep up with basic maintenance to keep your Hyundai on the road. Whether you drive a hatchback, crossover, or midsize SUV, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle gets looked at when the time comes for routine services — like oil changes. So how do you know when that time comes?
Let’s take a look at some of the warning signs that your vehicle needs an oil change.
Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change
The manual says so
In the past, it used to be easy to know when you needed an oil change. You would bring your vehicle in every three months or 3,000 miles and be on your way. Recent advances in engine parts and oil chemistry have made it so that you can go much longer without needing to replace your oil.
The best way to know what’s best for your particular model is to look at its manual. The manual has all the important information in one place and is specific to your car.
The oil doesn’t lie
Many manufacturers will advise you to take a look at your oil and its level every month or so. Doing so will allow you to keep an eye on any changes or problems that arise. If your dipstick shows you dark, thick oil, it’s old and needs to be replaced before sludge begins to form. Sludge prevents your oil from doing its job and creates friction as the metal parts move against each other.
It’s also important to make sure there are no metal particles in your oil, which can be a sign of a much larger engine issue.
The car is trying to tell you
It’s important to not just rely on the manual and look of the oil to know if something’s wrong. If you hear a knocking sound or notice your car is stalling, old oil may be the reason. Bad oil can also cause blue or gray smoke to expel from the exhaust pipe and can leave a burnt oil smell in the air. If any of these issues sound familiar to you, bring your vehicle in for service.
Get an Oil Change in Palm Bay, FL
Now that you know the warning signs, head into the Coastal Hyundai Service Center for Hyundai service in Palm Bay, Florida. Our experts can handle a wide variety of repairs and maintenance, and we even offer Hyundai service coupons.