Something as simple as changing your engine's synthetic oil helps keep your car at peak performance. To learn the signs your vehicle needs an oil change, read this post by K&K Oil and Lube in Clermont.
Do you keep up with your vehicle's synthetic oil changes? As you might know, keeping your engine's fluids in optimal condition is required for the car to operate smoothly. To that point, synthetic oil is the most important fluid circulating under your car's hood; in fact, experts call it "the machine's lifeblood."
The main function of synthetic oil is to coat and lubricate all the engine's moving mechanisms as a shield against friction; plus, this fluid is formulated to absorb heat, which helps the machine stay within a healthy and operational temperature range. But that's not all; synthetic oil also provides a cleaning function to keep your engine free from damaging particles and contaminants.
The Importance of Keeping Up With Your Engine's Synthetic Oil Changes
Even though synthetic oil is more resistant and goes longer than conventional oil, you must still replace it. The reason for this is that the lubrication system is not sealed; therefore, damaging particles can get into the engine and start to build up. Still, synthetic oil is formulated to provide a cleaning function (as mentioned above) by carrying away dust, sludge, soot, water, among other damaging particles. As it accumulates harmful particles over a long time, synthetic oil starts to break down and become ineffective; given that fact, it's super important to keep up with this fluid's replacements.
Telltale Signs Your Car Needs A Synthetic Oil Change
The Oil Got Darker
Fresh synthetic oil has a very distinctive amber tone; however, after circulating within the engine for weeks and months, it starts to pick up combustion particles, ash, char, and other contaminants that give the oil a darker color. So, to determine your engine oil condition, make sure your engine is cool so you can pop the hood and look for the oil dipstick (you can refer to your owner's manual to find it). After locating it, pull it out and look carefully at the fluid's color; if the oil is dark, the lubrication system is likely due for an oil replacement.
After looking at the oil, you should touch it; before doing that, it's super important to ensure the engine is cool so you won't injure yourself. So, once you know the oil is cool, take some of the oil from the dipstick and rub it between your fingers. If the oil is effective and in good condition, it should feel thin, smooth, and sleek; on the contrary, degraded old oil feels thick and gritty. This consistency change occurs when the synthetic oil gets saturated with coarse grimy particles. Now, your engine can be damaged by having gritty oil circulating throughout; considering that, make sure to change your oil if it feels worn out.
You've Exceeded Your Mileage Limit
Did you know your synthetic oil withstands a certain amount of miles before becoming ineffective due to contaminants and heat? This mileage limit is determined by your vehicle's manufacturer and depends on several factors, including how you drive your car, for how long, which type of oil you use, and so forth. Nonetheless, you must refer to your owner's manual to get this information so you can be fully aware of the mileage limit in which you should change your oil.
Loud Engine Noise
Similar to when a door makes squeaky sounds due to lack of lubrication, your engine might start to emit unusual noises when it needs fresh new oil. When driving, pay close attention to your engine's sounds; if it's properly lubricated, it should be quiet; contrariwise, ticking or knocking noises typically indicate lack of lubrication and the need for an oil change.
A synthetic oil change in Clermont is crucial for prolonging your vehicle's life. Call K&K Oil and Lube at (918) 269-0081 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the highest quality lubricants to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.