Regular oil changes are important to keep your car in top shape. Bad oil can mess up your engine while cruising in and around Alexandria, TN, and anywhere else. At Wilson County Hyundai, we can help you extend the life of your Hyundai vehicle with top-notch oil change services. We can also guide you in picking the correct type of oil for your vehicle, whether synthetic or standard, based on what suits your vehicle best.
Many drivers just go by the miles when deciding when to change their oil. But there are other factors to consider, like the type of oil you use, how old your car is, and how you drive. Good quality, fresh oil keeps your car running smoothly by lubricating parts and keeping the engine in good shape. As time passes, the oil starts to wear out and struggles to do its job properly. When this happens, your car might start showing some red flags.
Check Engine or Oil Change Light: If your car’s oil is acting up, it’ll definitely let you know. Keep an eye out for the oil change light popping up first. That’s a sign there might not be enough oil in there. To double-check, take a peek at the dipstick. And if things are really going south, the check engine light might come on as a serious heads-up. It’s basically your car yelling at you that the engine could be in trouble because of faulty parts or low lubrication levels.
Engine Noise and Knocking: When your oil is working as it should, it acts like a bodyguard for your engine, preventing parts from grinding against each other and muffling any noisy commotion. But if the oil slacks off on its duties, you’ll notice your engine getting louder. And if things really go wrong, you might catch some alarming knocking or rumbling noises. These are signals that your engine is slowly self-destructing due to a lack of proper lubrication.
Dark, Dirty Oil: Clean oil typically has an amber hue and is somewhat see-through. However, over time, it darkens as it gathers debris from the engine. It’s not always easy to spot this change happening, so staying on top of it is essential by inspecting your engine oil at least monthly. Simply pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it into the oil tank, then pull it out again. If the oil is too murky to see the dipstick through, it clearly indicates that an oil change is due.
Oil Smell Inside Car: If you catch a whiff of oil in your car, it could mean an oil leak. If you pick up scents of gas or exhaust, your ride might be running too hot. In any case, it’s best to book a maintenance appointment as soon as possible.
Exhaust Smoke: If your car is spewing out more than just a bit of clear vapor from the tailpipe, it might be a sign to get the engine checked. It could signal issues like faulty engine components or an oil leak.
Excessive Mileage: Every car’s needs differ, but typically, one should have an oil change every 3,000 miles or three months; newer vehicles might stretch this to 6,000 miles or six months. Consult your owner’s manual for precise recommendations and consider high-mileage oils for older cars.
While our Hyundai service center already offers competitive pricing, we have promotions in place to help you save extra bucks on your oil changes. Simply check out our service specials page to get an oil change coupon, print it, and present it to our team during your service write-up. We’ll apply the discount before you settle the bill to maximize your savings.
If you’re looking for an oil change for your Hyundai or any other car model, drop by Wilson County Hyundai in Lebanon, TN. We also serve nearby areas like Alexandria, TN. Swing by today to learn more about our oil change service or book an appointment with our service crew.