Is the engine in your car embarrassingly noisy and makes you not want to drive as much as you used to? As noisy as your car may be, the noise should be seen as a warning that something is wrong with your engine that needs fast attention. Your engine might still be in good condition, but it might be on the verge of getting damaged due to not having a supply of quality oil. The noise is a sign that it is time for you to take your car to the shop to get the oil changed. Do not wait until your engine fails to take your vehicle to an auto mechanic for an oil change. 

What Does Bad Engine Oil Look Like?

When engine oil is bad, it becomes noticeably darker than it originally was. The dark oil is the result of being burned and filled with debris from running through the engine. Oil is used to keep the engine running smoothly, and it collects a lot of debris in the process. The debris is the result of dirt and pieces of metal from engine parts getting into the oil. Bad engine oil is also thicker than it should be due to the debris that has accumulated and how long it has been in the vehicle.

Are There Any Warning Lights for an Oil Change?

Although many vehicles are equipped with an oil pressure light, not all vehicles have the light to alert a driver when the oil is low. However, most vehicle models from the past few decades have a check engine light that might come on when the oil is too low or old. The reason the check engine light comes on is that oil plays a significant role in the functionality of the engine. If there is debris in the oil, it could cause friction between engine parts and other problems might develop. The check engine light can mean that anything related to the engine needs attention, or that the engine is failing.

How Does Bad Oil Affect Vehicle Performance?

Bad oil can cause a vehicle to run out of fuel faster than usual. The reason is that the engine has to work harder due to having bad oil, which leads to a higher rate of fuel consumption. Bad engine oil can also play a role in gears not shifting properly, as well as causing a car to vibrate. Do not delay taking your car to an auto mechanic for an oil change.

Contact a local mechanic to learn more about auto oil changes.