I Saw (and Smelled!) the Signs

Sugar and I took a long, mountain-climbing drive with a few friends last week.  When we arrived at the peak, we parked to observe the gorgeous view and breathe the fresh air.  The only trouble?  The fresh air smelled mysteriously like it was burning.  I leaned in closer to get a better idea of how bad it was and solicited the opinion of my car wise best friend.  He asserted it was a burning belt, I countered that it was burning oil (Not that we're keeping score, but I won again!).

We made our way back down and I took my car for an oil change the very next day.  The technician told me I was a solid quart low and that I REALLY shouldn't let that happen too often. Sugar's aging, so I need to keep a better eye on her.  Poor thing.  I felt quite bad for her, but low oil is an easy thing to miss.  In fact, I needed an oil change pretty badly.

So let's take a look at 5 easy signs you need an oil change so that you don't get stuck burning up your engine:

1.   The oil looks black and gritty.  This one's a little tricky.  Oil should be a dark honey color.  After a few weeks of driving, it starts to get murky with black particulates.  You don't want to see black oil on your dipstick! That's a bad sign.
2.  Your engine sounds rougher and louder than usual.  (This is the one I'm most likely to notice.) Oil lubricates your engine, so without it the parts grind pretty loudly.  If your engine starts complaining at the top of its lungs, get in for an oil change immediately.
3.  You can't remember the last time you changed your oil. (Oy.  Guilty. As. Charged.) Most manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles; 4,000-6,000 is okay, but don't push it beyond that.
   
4.  Your oil light comes on.  Now, this one sounds harmless enough, but if your oil light comes on, that actually means you're dangerously low on oil.  Either add oil or take your car in for an oil service IMMEDIATELY.
   
5.  Your oil level drops.  Engines will eventually just use up engine oil.  That's normal. But the lower it gets, the harder it is for your engine to run smoothly.  Check your levels regularly.   The best time is about 20 minutes after you shut off the engine. The oil level should be between the two holes on your dipstick.  If you're down to the bottom hole or lower, start by adding half a quart and check it again.  Over-filling is just as bad (or worse!) than being low.
   

Of course, Ken Garff Honda of Orem has the sweetest deals on oil changes around.  Click here to find out about the amazing Honda Advantage Care package!