Engine oil is absolutely crucial to your car's performance and lifespan. We know, we know - we've said it before, but we'll say it again - you need to get routine oil changes. If you're already on a routine oil change schedule, you're in good shape. If you're not, you need to be to ensure your car's engine is healthy (and our techs can help). Today our Clermont auto service techs are talking about how to check engine oil and also how to spot dirty engine oil.
What happens if your car has dirty engine oil?
Your engine oil gets dirty over time; there's no getting around it (that's why you need routine oil changes). As the oil circulates through the engine to keep it cool and to keep all of the moving parts lubricated, it also picks up dirt and debris, and grime and carries it along. However, dirty oil can become thick and sludgy over time, which makes it nearly impossible for it to do its job of cooling and lubricating. Long-term, this can lead to expensive and even irreparable damage to your car's engine.
That's why it's important not only to get routine oil changes at our Clermont auto service center but also to know how to spot dirty engine oil when you check your oil. Toyota of Clermont's car care techs are here with tips!
Before you can spot dirty engine oil, you need to know how to check the oil in your Clermont Toyota. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to tackle this task.
#1: Turn your car off and let it cool down for a minute or two.
#2: Pop the hood and locate the engine oil dipstick - it's usually near the center of the engine.
#3: Pull the dipstick out and examine the oil on it.
#4: Look at the tic marks at the end of the dipstick. The engine oil level should fall between the two tic marks - if it's below the bottom one, then your oil level is too low and you need to schedule an oil change ASAP.
#5: Look at the color of the engine oil. It should be caramel or tan in color and free of visible dirt. If it's dark brown or black, or you can see visible dirt or debris in it, then it's dirty and needs to be changed.
It's important to change dirty engine oil as soon as you can. Dirty oil quickly becomes sludgy and thick, and it can't do its job of cooling and lubricating your car's engine, which can lead to the aforementioned expensive repairs.
Signs you have dirty engine oil
Here are some other signs of dirty engine oil that our Clermont auto service techs recommend looking out for:
- Smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe when you're driving
- Knocking sounds coming from your engine bay
- The smell of oil inside your car's cabin while you're driving
- Your engine running rougher or louder than usual
If you notice any of the above signs of dirty engine oil, bring your car to Toyota of Clermont! Our techs can get you a quick oil change and then set you up on a schedule so you're notified every time you're due for routine car maintenance.
Have questions or need to schedule an oil change? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike on State Road 50 at 16851 State Road 50 and we're open seven days a week. Call us, schedule online, or stop by - and don't forget to ask about our oil change specials to save!
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