Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Is your vehicle feeling sluggish? Does your engine sound noisy? Is your oil pressure low and or your oil light on? Chances are, you need an oil change but even if you’re not experiencing some of the more obvious symptoms of dirty oil, your car could still be in need.

Here are the top signs your car needs an oil change. If you observe any of them, contact an oil change shop like Jiffy Lube, or an experienced mobile mechanic.

The car makes a ticking noise when started

As your engine operates, it continuously pumps oil throughout the crankcase and cylinder heads and, after a while, that once golden fresh oil becomes dirty and contaminated from heat and wear and tear. Dirty oil tends to be sludgier and thus more difficult to move. This means there’s a good chance you may experience some valve train noise in the form of ticking at start up. This is because the dirty oil takes longer to circulate through the engine to lubricate the moving valve train.

The car idle is rough

Another side effect of dirty oil can be a rough idle that feels like the engine is shaking the vehicle more than normal. The reason for this is there’s an increase in friction between the pistons, rings, and bearings.

The car has sluggish acceleration

A well-lubricated engine is a smooth operator, so when the oil inside becomes old and dirty, it can’t lubricate the moving parts as well and as a result, it will not be able to perform as smoothly as normal. This means acceleration can be sluggish and the engine will feel down on power.

The car engine makes a knocking noise

If an engine’s knocking, it may be a result of bad oil, which if ignored for too long, can result in worn out rod bearings. A knocking noise will sound like a rock tumbler in the deep depths of the engine and it will typically shake the vehicle at idle, and get louder as engine speeds increase. Unfortunately, if you hear a knocking noise, it's usually a sign of major engine damage as a result of serious neglect – a simple oil change probably won't fix the problem.

What to do when the oil pressure light comes on

If your oil light comes on, you won’t want to ignore this as it typically means your oil pressure has dropped far too low for the engine to operate safely. Knowing how to react when your oil light is on is important, and the first move is to plan for an immediate oil change.

If you need an oil change, use YourMechanic to get a quote and book an appointment. Their certified mobile technicians come to your home or office to change your car's motor oil, using only the highest-quality Castrol synthetic or conventional lubricants.


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Pardeep

22 years of experience
1277 reviews
Pardeep
22 years of experience
Scion xB L4-2.4L - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Pardeep was very professional. Finished all works in a timely manner. Will again avail of his services when the need arises. Highly recommended.
Ford Fusion - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Great experience. Of all the online services, this one makes sense. I got the oil I wanted and great service

Simon

28 years of experience
378 reviews
Simon
28 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 190E L4-2.3L - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
He was on time, courteous, efficient, speedy, and advisable about certain things to be aware of for future service. Please send him every time, as he seems to be very much aware of the mechanics and engineering of my car more so than all the others who have serviced it...He pleases me utmost. in the professional service I requests.
Chevrolet Malibu - Oil Change - Washington, District of Columbia
EXCELLENT experience!!! Simon is friendly, courteous,and professional. Very customer oriented. He answered my questions with knowledgeable replies which made me feel comfortable. He also came out on his day off to work on my car. Which speaks volumes on how he strives to take care of his clients. Definitely will book him for any car problems or services I need in the future.

John

21 years of experience
650 reviews
John
21 years of experience
GMC Sierra 1500 V8-5.3L - Oil Change - Howey In The Hills, Florida
John was great, Knowledgeable, professional and got straight to work. He was on time and finished expeditiously.
Kia Sportage - Oil Change - Orlando, Florida
John was professional and very nice. He also explained some issues I was having with my car and what I should and should NOT do. He was able to wxplain it to me without being condescending in any way. I will request John every time going forward!

Shawn

13 years of experience
379 reviews
Shawn
13 years of experience
Nissan Altima L4-2.5L - Oil Change - King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Shawn was awesome!!!! Professional, knowledgeable, kind, courteous and very thorough. Please thank him for me.
Lexus IS300 - Oil Change - Norristown, Pennsylvania
Shawn is always professional, honest, easy to talk to and always on time. I've never had an issue working with him and will continue to book him as long as he's available.

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