Maintaining your car’s engine is essential for its performance and longevity, and one of the most important aspects of car care is regular oil changes. Oil lubricates the engine, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating, but over time, it can break down and become less effective. Unsure how often you should perform this critical maintenance? Keep reading to see three signs your vehicle may be due for an oil change!

Check Engine or Oil Change Light

It may seem obvious, but by turning on the oil change light, your car will tell you when it’s overdue for an oil change. If ignored for too long, your check engine light may illuminate, which could indicate that your vehicle is at serious risk of damage due to a lack of lubrication. If this happens, take your car to an auto service station like Jack John Varcados Shell Station as soon as possible.

Engine Knocking or Noise

If you notice knocking, grinding, or tapping sounds while your car is running, it could be a sign that your oil is low or dirty. Old oil loses its ability to properly lubricate engine components, leading to increased friction between parts. This can cause damage to your engine over time, so if you notice any loud or unusual noise coming from your engine, it’s time for an oil change.

Substantial Mileage

Whether you’ve taken a road trip or increased your daily commute, if you’ve traveled a substantial number of miles in a short time, consider getting an oil change ahead of your routine schedule. It’s recommended that most cars change their oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, but if you’ve put more miles on your vehicle recently than usual, contemplate a change sooner rather than later.

Not sure where to take your car for an oil change? The Jack John Varcados Shell Station is a family-owned, full-service gas and auto service station committed to top-notch quality and customer service. Stop into the station for your next oil change and become part of the Jack John Varcados family!