Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without oil, a car’s engine would seize up and cease to run. Oil is used as a lubricant for the engine to perform properly. Not only does a car’s engine need oil but it also needs clean oil for optimal performance. As oil runs through the engine, the heat and pressure cause it to break down.
Dirty oil does not protect the engine to the same degree as clean oil. Driving with dirty oil or a low oil level can cause severe damage to your car’s engine. The next time you need an oil change for a reasonable price, bring it into Catlett’s Service Center & Auto. We are a full-service automotive shop in Davidsonville, Maryland.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Change
Most car owners rely on the miles driven to determine when to schedule their next oil change. However, relying on mileage alone will miss other signs from your car that it needs new lubricant. Catlett’s Service Center & Towing recommends watching for these signs:
- Check Oil Light Comes On
Cars nowadays are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. A car can sense the number of miles driven since the last oil change, as well as the current oil levels. Once you see a check oil light switch on your dashboard, quickly bring your vehicle into Catlett’s Service Center & Towing for an oil change.
- Knocking Sound from the Engine
Oil is responsible for various engine parts to run smoothly. When the oil levels are low or the oil is dirty and thick, the engine will make a knocking or rumbling sound. This is an immediate cause for concern because it means that your engine is actively becoming damaged as you drive it. The knocking sound comes from various metal parts within the engine brushing against one another and causing damage.
- Exhaust Smoke
One of the tell-tale signs of an oil leak is smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Do not confuse this with the normal translucent water vapors that are normal. Exhaust smoke is evidence of an oil leak or engine damage, and this needs to be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Oil Change at Catlett’s Service Center & Towing
Catlett’s Service Center & Towing can perform a quick and painless oil change on your vehicle. Our technicians are skilled at oil changes for vehicles of all makes and models. Call our automotive shop at 410-798-5446 to schedule your oil change.