January 15, 2019
How to Extend Your Car’s Lifespan
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Since the engine is the heart of your car, the oil is the lifeblood that keeps it alive and moving. Apart from playing a key role in the overall performance of your vehicle, oil also extends its longevity on the road. For these reasons, having your car’s oil changed as often as necessary is one of the essential tasks of a motorist.
While many drivers depend solely on mileage as an indicator of the volume and condition of the oil in their engine, this is not actually the only way of determining when to change oil. There are many factors that tell you when it’s time to give your car the oil change it needs, and you have to know all of them.
Is It Time to Replace Your Engine Oil?
To prevent car problems due to overdue oil replacement, we’ve compiled a list of warning signs you should look out for. Here are 6 signs that your vehicle’s engine oil needs changing:
- Oil smell inside your vehicle
Perhaps the most obvious indicator is the strong odor of oil inside your car, which indicates an oil leakage. If you also happen to smell exhaust fumes, your engine is likely overheating already. Be sure to schedule maintenance right away.
- Loud engine
When oil gets old, it becomes thicker and dirtier, making it more difficult for the fluid to lubricate the engine parts. Because of lubrication failure, your vehicle’s engine starts to produce loud rumbling or banging noises. Once you hear such noises, you must get your oil changed immediately to avoid possible damages.
- Black and murky oil
Good oil has a bright amber color. As it gets old, it collects residue particles from the engine, giving it a much darker and dirtier appearance.
It’s crucial that you take time to check your oil at least once a month. The process is really simple as you only need to remove the dipstick from the engine, wipe it clean, put it back to the oil tank, and remove it again. If the film of oil reaches the “Add” indicator on the dipstick, you need to add more oil to the oil tank. If the film of oil is black and murky, it’s a clear sign that you need to have an oil change. Don’t add oil into the tiny tube where you pulled out the dipstick. Remove the screw-off cap on top of the oil tank and pour a sufficient amount of oil inside.
- Exhaust smoke
Although it’s pretty normal for your car’s tailpipe to emit a translucent vapor, it becomes a warning sign when you start to see smoke coming from it. This can indicate a possible oil leak. If there’s still enough oil left, consult your mechanic to find out what the actual problem is.
- Check oil change and engine lights
Once you see your oil change light illuminated, that’s a clear sign that your car is running low on oil. An illuminated check engine light, on the other hand, tells you that your engine is in danger of damage either from lack of lubrication or certain problems with components. Change your oil as soon as any of these two signals lit up.
- Low oil levels
A car that has insufficient oil runs less effectively than a car with a normal oil level. If you notice a drop in your oil level, you need to add or change the oil before your engine encounters additional problems.
Make It a Habit to Change Your Engine Oil on Time
Replacing your oil is not only a quick and simple process but also one that’s pretty affordable, giving you no reason to skip it during a service appointment. By getting your car regularly checked for oil changes, you’re extending its lifespan and preventing it from suffering unnecessary damage. As a result, you won’t find yourself worrying about costly repairs in the future.
Support Our Veterans with Your Car Donation
Do you have an old car that no longer runs properly? Before this vehicle gets you into trouble, hand it over to us at Veteran Car Donations!
When you do so, you’ll help us fund some of the country’s leading nonprofits that cater to veterans burdened with service-connected disabilities, mental health issues, lack of jobs, and homelessness due to poverty and lack of support.
Your outdated car or motorcycle or any other type of vehicle can finance life-transforming benefits such as mortgage-free and specially adapted homes, free mental health care, employment opportunities, job training, transitioning assistance, education scholarships, financial assistance, and many others.
You will also personally benefit from your charitable contribution since you’ll get to receive the highest possible tax deduction after your vehicle is sold at auction.
Moreover, you’ll find satisfaction in our smooth, hassle-free, and convenient donation process. We’ll take care of all the required documents and tow away your car at absolutely zero cost to you and at a date, time, and place of your own choosing.
For more information on our car donation program, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, you can call our toll-free hotline 877-594-5822 or send us a message online.
You can donate to Veteran Car Donations by either calling us or filling out our secure online donation form. We accept vehicle donations wherever you are in the United States since we have car donation programs in all 50 states.
Show Your Gratitude to our Heroes
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It’s not every day that you get the chance to show your support to those brave men and women of our military who once fought for us to defend our liberties and protect our security. Call us at 877-594-5822 and show your gratitude to our nation’s heroes with your car donation!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023