It's no secret that you need to keep up with oil change intervals in order to keep your engine working smoothly. However, what you may not know is when to get your oil changed. This post can help you figure it out.

How to Know It's Time for Your Next Oil Change

You've probably figured out by now that the 3,000 mile rule for oil changes is simply a myth. That may leave you scratching your head and wondering how often you should really be getting your oil changed. The truth is, it's hard to have one number for all drivers. Different conditions will affect how often your oil needs to be changed, but there are ways to know when it's time. These are some of the signs to look out for that will help you keep your engine happy.

Visibly Dirty Oil

If you've never taken the time to look at your vehicle's oil, you may have a harder time knowing the difference between dirty oil and oil that's still good. If you're doing this for the first time, there are a few things to look out for. Start by assessing the color. Brand new oil is usually an amber or light brown color, but just because your oil is black doesn't mean it's no longer good. Oil will usually turn black within the first weeks of it being in your car, but this is no cause for alarm. What you do need to look out for is oil that is black and opaque. As oil ages, it can become thicker and therefore more opaque. To check this, simply take the dipstick out, wipe it down with a clean rag, put the dipstick back, and finally remove it once more. If you can't see the dipstick at all through the oil, it's probably time for a change. While you're at it, look for particles that may be floating around in your oil. The presence of particles can indicate that your oil filter is too full and no longer able to trap the contaminants in your oil. If you replace your oil filter every time you get an oil change, then it's definitely time for your next one. If you're not sure  where to begin with an oil check, this post can guide you through it.

Oil Level Has Dropped

A drop in the level of your oil can be caused by a number of issues. While leaks are a common culprit, so is waiting too long between oil changes. Motor oil gets consumed while it's in use, and although this may not happen quickly, it can add up to a significant loss over time. During the hot summer months your oil may disappear faster because like any other liquid, it can evaporate. If you notice your oil level has dropped, don't just top it off. Instead check the condition of your oil and decide if it's time for an oil change. If you checked your oil and noticed it's quite dirty, don't wait any longer for your next synthetic oil change. Synthetic oil is your best option since one of its many benefits is that it tends to last longer than most oils. For help finding the best oil for your vehicle, contact Schell Distributing Inc at (208)524-0322.

Louder Than Usual Engine

If you're not sure what your oil is responsible for, there are quite a few tasks it performs. One of these tasks is lubricating the parts in your engine so that they're able to work efficiently without causing damage to each other. The reason this is needed is because these parts are made of metal and as the work rapidly at high speeds, they may come into contact with each other causing more friction, heat, and damage. Your oil flows in between these parts, helping them to move along smoothly without having any metal-to-metal contact. When your oil is old and no longer able to perform its job, these parts are left unprotected. So, if your engine is making more noise than usual, this may be caused by lack of lubrication. As these metal parts come into contact with each other, they may produce a grinding sound under the hood. If your engine is louder than you're used to or if it has started to make an unusual noise, take a look at your oil.

Black Smoke

You may have noticed white vapor coming out of your exhaust pipe, especially during the coldest months of the year. While this is quite normal and not a cause for concern, do keep an eye out for black smoke. Black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe can mean there is an issue with with your oil. You may have an oil leak or your oil may be old and burning. Either way, have your car checked out by a mechanic to prevent serious damage to your engine.

Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

If you're ready for your next oil change, be sure to make it a synthetic oil change. Contact the experts at Schell Distributing Inc at (208)524-0322 for help finding the perfect AMSOIL Oil for your engine. Don't forget that you can also shop their full range of products in their online shop.