6 Signs That Your Subaru Needs an Oil Change

An oil change is like heading to the dentist, inconvenient but necessary. Your driving style and needs can also affect how often you need to change your oil. If you just drive around town and put 6,000 miles or so on the odometer every six months, you might change the oil twice a year. If you do a lot of highways or long-distance running or operate your vehicle in sandy or dusty surroundings, you might be a candidate for more frequent changes. If you are unsure if it is time for an oil change, you can always contact a Subaru mechanic near me.

In this blog, aside from the mileage, we will talk about the signs that your car needs an oil change already:

1. Check Engine or Oil Change Light

The car itself will give the most obvious alert that there’s an issue with your oil. The oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate where there’s not enough oil in the system. In worse cases, the check engine light will illuminate and this is your car warning you that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.

2. Engine Noise and Knocking

Oil provides a protective layer between engine parts to avoid metal-to-metal brushing and to keep the engine quiet. The engine noise will increase if your oil is not doing its job properly. In some severe cases, you may even hear knocking or rumbling sounds that signify your engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit through lack of lubrication.

3. Dark, Dirty Oil

Clean oil is amber and slightly translucent. As your car uses it, it becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. It will not be obvious when this begins to happen, so you must be vigilant and check your engine oil at least once a month. To check, simply remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Take it out a second time and if you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change. You can ask a Subaru auto mechanic to check the oil for your car as well.

4. Oil Smell Inside the Car

If you smell oil inside your car or while driving, it can often signify an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle may be overheating. Either way, you will want to schedule an appointment with a Subaru mechanic near me.

5. Exhaust Smoke

If some translucent vapor always comes out of your car’s tailpipe, it’s time for an engine check-up. Call Subaru auto mechanics right away as you may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.

6. Excessive Mileage

When traveling a lot of miles in the past months, consider whether you need an oil change sooner than your normal schedule. Even though every car is different, its oil change should be done every 3,000 miles or three miles. New vehicles usually require a change of oil every 6,000 miles or six months. Check your owner’s handbook for specific guidelines.