Why Does My Car Need Oil?
Your engine is relying on you to supply it with fresh oil every few thousand miles. If it’s been a while since you’ve changed your oil, and you’re near Birmingham, Irondale, or Trussville, then you can visit our service department at Serra Hyundai today.
- Oil Helps Your Engine Stay Cool: Without a working radiator or oil, your engine can get hot enough to start melting itself. Oil helps to keep the temperature down by reducing friction.
- Oil Lubricates Your Engine: There are a lot of metal parts in your engine, and they’re constantly moving. Oil is used to lubricate these parts so that they last longer.
- Oil Forms Seals: Believe it or not, your oil forms a seal between your pistons, rings, and cylinder walls.
How Do I Know When I Need an Oil Change?
This is an important service, but if you don’t know how to check your oil, you might not be sure when it’s time to head to the shop. You’ll find a few methods below.
- Consult Your Dipstick: The two methods below will give you a general estimate of when you need new oil, but your dipstick will give you a definitive answer. Simply wipe it off and take a reading. If your oil is dark brown or black, or you notice that the level is low, then it’s time to change it.
- Do You Have a Sticker?: If you’ve had your oil changed at a shop or dealership in the past, they should have left a sticker on your windshield. This will give you an idea of when you should schedule your next appointment. There should be both a mileage marker and an estimated date.
- What Does Your Dashboard Say?: Technology makes life easy. Some newer models can take your driving conditions into consideration and estimate when you might need to change your oil.
Where Can I Get an Oil Change Near Trussville?
When it’s time to change your oil, we’ll be waiting for you at Serra Hyundai. Our mechanics know the Hyundai brand inside and out, so they’ll be able to handle your repair quickly.
- What If I Drive a Hybrid?: If you drive a hybrid model, then that means that you have both an engine and a motor. Whether you’re driving a regular hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, your engine is still going to occasionally need a new batch of oil.
- What Happens If I Don’t Change My Oil?: If you don’t change your oil, then you can’t expect your engine to run efficiently. There’s a higher chance that your engine will overheat, and your engine may even start to knock. This type of damage isn’t always repairable, which is why you need to stay on top of your oil.
