3 signs your car needs an oil change

Every car owner knows how costly it is to repair an engine that bore the brunt of an overdue change in oil. An often overlooked car component, oil is important in maintaining the good condition of the engine because it prevents its parts from wearing and tearing—making regular oil changes necessary to avoid any damage.

Although the frequency of oil changes varies per vehicle (one should always refer to the car’s dipstick or manual), there are often ignored general indicators that show when you forget to change engine oil:

When the engine has gotten louder than usual

You have to keep in mind that oil is a lubricant and that its main function is to prevent engine parts from grinding. Naturally, when there’s low oil pressure, an engine will most likely make unfamiliar noises such as tapping or clicking, signaling that it’s time for an oil change.

When the oil light on the dashboard comes on

It isn’t called oil light for nothing.

The oil pressure gauge is a more obvious sign that your car has to undergo an oil change. But keep in mind that the symbol may also mean more than that, as it may signify some problems concerning your engine oil.

For older models, the check engine lights coming on may mean a needed oil change too. So pay attention to the light and make sure to find out the problem it’s pointing out and then resolve it.

When you can’t keep track of when your next oil change is

As with any maintenance service, having an oil change schedule helps in keeping track of your car’s engine oil. Doing so will give you a lesser chance to forget when a trip to a service center is due.

The timetable for when the right time for an oil change varies on the car and model, but it mostly depends on the number of miles your car can drive between oil changes, so make sure to talk to a trusty mechanic about scheduling.

In choosing a service center, make sure to go with one that meets not just your oil needs, but everything else that is necessary to be checked in your car like what Shell Helix Oil Change+ does. More than just an oil change, Shell’s service center also provides free preventive maintenance checks—giving a hassle-free experience to drivers and car owners.

With Shell Helix Oil Change+, you’ll always look forward to the next time you need to replace your engine oil.