A crucial element of your vehicle is the oil in your engine. Oil is the driving force of your vehicle. It works to keep the engine cool and lubricates parts to prevent them from grinding. The engine oil aids the engine in a number of ways. It helps protect the engine by keeping it clean from dirt, which protects engine operation. Oil reduces wear and friction, which can also enrich the performance of the fuel. Lastly, it reduces the heat located in the engine and redistributes it to other parts of the engine.
Consistently testing the oil level can help the driver upkeep proper oil levels and help ensure oil health. To not touch the hot engine parts, it is a best practice to check the oil when the engine has cooled down. Most dipsticks have guidelines to show if the oil level is too low and needs to be topped off. Also when using the dipstick, you can inspect the engine oil color. If the oil is smooth and a lighter color, it’s okay. But, if the oil appears sludgy and dark, then it should be changed.
You may have a leak if your dipstick consistently displays low oil levels. There are numerous methods to test for oil leakage, which is integral because a leak could cause damage to your vehicle’s engine. If there are dark puddles under your car, this could be a result of the oil pan leaking oil. Smoke from the engine or the smell of burning oil may also be an essential sign of an engine oil leak. Also, the engine overheating could possibly be a product of an oil leak.
Learning when to replace your vehicle’s oil is also critical to prevent damage to the engine in your vehicle. While some may suggest a short oil change interval from 3,000-5,000 miles, it is recommended to have your oil changed every six months or 5,000 to 7,000 mi., whichever one comes first. If you are worried about when to have an oil change you should contact our service department for more accurate info about your vehicle.
Kearny Mesa Volkswagen invites you to schedule your next oil change at our San Diego area service center. Our factory trained Volkswagen technicians are certified to service all manufacturers’ vehicles. Schedule your next visit online or in-person.