February 17, 2023
Forgot the Last Time You Changed Your Oil?
Photo by Tim Mossholder under Unsplash License
Think of engine oil as the blood of your car. It’s what keeps the components of your engine moving and operating smoothly. Good, clean oil enhances your car’s performance and extends the life of the engine. Conversely, dirty oil can cause your engine to wear down and eventually stop working properly.
That’s why you should change your engine oil regularly. Although every car is different, most of them should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months. If your car is new, you can change your oil every 6,000 miles or six months. If you have an old car, better use high-mileage oil. Check your owner’s handbook for specific guidelines.
That question is, if you don’t pay attention to your odometer or forgot the last time you changed your oil, how would you know that it’s time to change your engine oil? Veteran Car Donations lists the signs that will tell you that you need to replace your oil.
- The smell of oil inside the car
If you notice the smell of burnt oil inside your vehicle, there’s something wrong with your oil. It normally means two things: There’s an oil leak somewhere or your engine is overheating. Either way, take care of it right away by getting that leak fixed and the oil replaced.
- Exhaust smoke
Since modern vehicles don’t release visible exhaust from their tailpipes, seeing something like a cloud of smoke trailing behind your car could mean that your motor oil has become too old to function well. Gray or blue smoke usually indicates an oil leak. Unless it’s just some translucent vapor coming out, have your engine checked by a professional.
- Engine noise
When driving with poor oil quality, you’ll notice your engine producing a knocking sound. In extreme cases, you may hear rumbling sounds, suggesting that your engine’s slowly tearing itself apart due to lack of lubrication.
- Poor gas mileage
You’re overdue for an oil change once you see that your gas mileage is no longer what it used to be. That’s because engine oil eventually thickens as it gets old, turning into a sludge-like substance if left unchanged. Thick oil makes it much more difficult for engine parts to move, causing them to use more fuel.
- Dirty oil
While this is a no-brainer, we feel like we should include it here so we could remind you to check your oil at least once a month. How else will you find out if your oil is getting darker and dirtier without taking a look at it?
It’s quite simple. First, remove your dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Take it out again. If the dipstick markings aren’t visible through the oil, you’ll need to change the oil.
- Shaking while idling
When the oil gets dirty, the level of friction in your engine increases, affecting the quality of your ride. You may feel unusual vibrations or shaking motions even when your car is idling.
- Overheating
Not having enough oil won’t sufficiently lubricate your engine’s components. This will result in your engine getting hotter, causing it to overheat.
- Low oil level
A drop in your oil level is a clear indicator that you need to add or change the oil immediately. Otherwise, your engine will encounter additional problems that will surely cost you more money in repairs.
- Oil change light
The most obvious sign that your car needs an oil replacement is when the oil change light on your dashboard turns on. If you ignore this sign, you’ll put your engine at risk of extreme damage.
Donate an Unwanted Vehicle for a Worthy Cause
You can easily improve the condition of your car with an oil change. What’s not so easy to do is to keep your car running when its vital parts get damaged due to extreme wear and tear.
When your beloved car is showing signs that it’s ready for retirement, say goodbye to it by giving it a new and worthy purpose. You can do that by simply contacting us at Veteran Car Donations and turning over that vehicle to us. We’ll use that auto to bring positive changes in the lives of the struggling veterans in your community.
Our team will have your vehicle fixed before putting it up for auction. The proceeds will go to our veteran and military nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of former U.S. service members who are homeless and impoverished, unable to find jobs, and suffering from disabilities as well as serious illnesses, including mental disorders.
Our nonprofit partners use the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with housing assistance, financial aid, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, educational scholarships, and many other benefits.
Donating to Veteran Car Donations will enable you to receive valuable rewards, such as getting entitled to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season and getting a professional pickup and towing service from us anywhere in the country at no cost to you.
More valuable than these material rewards, you’ll get to experience the priceless joy and satisfaction of doing something that will help uplift the lives of our nation’s heroes — those men and women who put their lives on the line so we can live in freedom and peace.
We take almost all types of vehicles regardless of how old or worn-out they are. Aside from standard cars, we also accept RVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, jet skis, golf carts, snowmobiles, ATVs, company trucks, and many others.
For more information on our vehicle donation program, head over to our FAQs page. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 and one of our donation specialists will walk you through our quick and simple donation process. You can also contact us here.
Turn Your Unwanted Car into a Life Changer Today!
Photo by Erik Mclean under Unsplash License
Your car donation will go a long way in transforming the lives of our disadvantaged heroes in your community. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now!
Last Updated: October 30th, 2023