Oil Change Doylestown, PA

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The rate at how often you should change your oil depends on the make and model of your car and the type of engine oil you use. Your best bet is to check your vehicle owner’s manual and see what your car’s manufacturer recommends.

A good, general rule of thumb is to have oil changes performed every six months or 5,000 miles. If you use synthetic oil, you may be able to extend that interval-possibly up to 12 months or 10,000 miles, or even longer. Again, checking your owner’s guide is the best policy here, as every car runs differently.  If you need an oil change, call the certified oil change technicians at Fontaine and Sons at 215-766-9750.

What are the benefits of changing your oil?

  • Cleaner engine
  • Longer engine life
  • Lower vehicle emissions
  • Better gas mileage
  • Better engine performance

An oil change is an easy service to perform on your own, but for the best results, you’ll want to consult a professional. We can consider everything, from climate, to your vehicle and mileage, to the way you drive, before recommending which oil is right for your car. To help you figure out when you’re going to need an oil change, our team at Fontaine and Sons is going will give you a few pointers.

Why Are Regular Oil Changes Important?

It’s no secret that engine oil is one of the most essential components of your car. Your engine is made up of many moving metal parts, and it needs oil as a lubricant to keep those parts running smoothly. Oil will help reduce friction and the risk of your engine overheating, which is crucial for a healthy engine.

All that is fine and well, but why does engine oil need to be changed? Like other fluids operating in a hot environment, oil is subject to breaking down or becoming contaminated over time. By regularly changing your oil and filter at Fontaine and Sons, you can avoid excessive wear and tear on your engine and costly engine repairs.

 

Signs You Need an Oil Change    

Delaying an oil change, or simply ignoring the warning signs. could lead to significant damage that would cost thousands in repairs. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for various warning signs. Here are a few of the signs that you should look for that are alerting  you it’s time to schedule an oil change:      

The Check Engine Light Has Appeared

In the same way your fuel light may come on when your car needs more gas, the oil warning light alerts you of low oil levels. Gauges and sensors monitor the oil pressure levels and notify you when they drop beyond a safe level. If you notice the light flickering on your dashboard, pop the hood to check your oil levels. Simply remove the dipstick and wipe it on a cloth or towel (preferably a white cloth to check for the oil’s color). If you noticed a dark color as opposed to a more golden shade, you may want to schedule an oil change since dirt has entered the oil. Insert the dipstick fully and remove it again to check the current level. If the levels are low, add fresh oil until you reach the fill line.

The Oil is Dark in Color

When you go to check the oil level using the dipstick, take a rag and wipe the dipstick so you can see the oil and its color. When oil is fresh, it almost has a honey color. But when oil is nearing the end of its lifespan, it will have a black and sludgy-looking appearance. Oil has a variety of functions for your vehicle, one of which is keeping your engine components clean. In doing so, it actually picks up the dirt and debris which leads to its discoloration. When you notice that your oil is dark in color, it is time to schedule an oil change.

Unusual Engine Noises

One of your oil’s main functions is to keep the moving metal parts and components in your engine well lubricated. It allows these parts to move efficiently without causing too much strain on each other. However, when your oil becomes dirty, gritty, and less effective, these parts will start to make louder noises that are easily noticeable. Listen for any clicking, knocking, or grinding sounds during your trips, because they could be telling you that it’s time for an oil change.

Burning Oil Smell

From time to time, leaks occur under the hood which require immediate attention. If you notice a foul burning oil odor, you may have an oil leak and the surrounding hot engine parts could be in jeopardy. If you notice the smell while driving, pull over immediately to allow the engine to cool. Once cooled, check your oil level with the dipstick to determine if a leak is possible and whether you can continue driving or not. If the levels are low, do not continue; contact your local service provider for a tow.

Clunking and Knocking

The two main reasons oil is essential for your vehicle is its ability to both lubricate all the various gears and parts while distributing heat to keep the engine in healthy shape. As dirt collects in the oil or as fluid levels decrease, the effectiveness of the engine and its parts suffer. The constantly moving inner workings of the engine and its components can cause loud knocking, grinding, or clunking sounds. When you hear the noticeable banging of either a broken rod or other unhinged part, seek immediate service to prevent further damage. 

If you’ve detected any of these signs, or you’ve kept track and know that you need an oil change, contact Fontaine and Sons.  Our team of technicians performs oil changes daily, so you can relax knowing that your vehicle is in the hands of experts. We’ll change the oil, the oil filter, and we’ll properly dispose of your old oil.