Oil Changes Archives - Highline Car Care

Oil Change: How to Inspect Your Car’s Oil

in Maintenance, Oil Changes/by Highline Car Care

For vehicle owners, regular oil changes are an essential auto maintenance task that helps ensure a car’s engine will run smoothly for years to come. Changing your motor oil regularly helps remove dirt and particles from the engine and lubricate it, resulting in improved performance, lower emissions, and better fuel economy.

Oil plays an integral role in keeping your engine running both efficiently and safely, but as important as it is to get regular oil changes, it’s just as crucial to check on the condition of your oil before each change. Doing so allows you to identify any auto problems that may be present beneath the hood while they’re still minimal.

Reasons to Inspect Your Oil Before an Oil Change

Inspecting your oil before an oil change is a wise preventive measure that can help you to avoid potential issues with your vehicle’s engine. Properly monitoring the condition of oil in your car, truck, or SUV can alert you to any existing problems while they are still small and easily remedied. This helps keep your automobile running smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

Oil Filter Issues

Oil that is too dark or has a burnt odor can indicate an oil leak or a clogged oil filter. If this problem is not identified and addressed in time, it can lead to more serious issues, such as oil sludge build-up in the engine. Oil sludge will cause your car’s oil to become less effective at lubricating the engine’s various components; this could eventually cause them to wear out prematurely.

Fuel Injector Issues

Inspecting oil before an oil change helps identify any unusual odors like gasoline being present in your oil. This could be caused by a leaking fuel injector or fuel injector seal, which requires prompt attention from a qualified auto service professional. Otherwise, the problem could lead to an oil-fuel mixture that is less effective at lubricating your engine and can create a dangerous build-up of pressure in the oil system.

Miscellaneous Issues

Oil that contains metal shavings or other debris is indicative of an underlying issue with parts such as the oil pump, oil pan gasket, or valve cover seal. All these problems need to be addressed before they get worse and possibly cause even more damage to your engine.

How to Inspect Your Car’s Oil

Inspecting oil is a relatively easy process, and there are a few practical steps you can take to check the oil in your car.

First, pop the hood of your vehicle and locate the oil dipstick. Wipe it off with a clean rag or cloth, then re-insert it into its tube. Pull it out again and check the oil level on the dipstick; it should be between two marks on the dipstick showing “safe” levels of oil.
Next, check for oil leaks around any hoses or gaskets that connect to the engine block, as well as any loose connections that could result in oil seeping out. Pay special attention to areas around the oil filter and oil pan gasket, which are often sources of oil leaks.
Finally, look at the oil itself. Your oil’s color should be amber or yellow; if it’s black, that means the oil is burning off and needs to be changed. Check for any debris as well as the oil’s smell – if it has a gas-like odor, that could mean there’s a fuel injector leak.

If you notice any of these oil issues, it’s important to take your car to an auto service professional right away for further inspection and potential repairs.

Professional Auto Maintenance and Oil Change in Gilbert, AZ

Highline Car Care is an expert auto service company providing oil changes and other auto maintenance services in Gilbert, AZ. Our team of certified technicians specializes in oil changes, oil filter replacements, oil inspection services, and more. We use only high-quality oil and oil filters to ensure your engine is running at its best. Contact us today to schedule an oil change or any other auto service your car may need.

4 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

in Blog, Maintenance, Oil Changes/by Highline Car Care

How often do you change your car’s oil? If you can’t remember the previous time you had an oil change, it’s probably been too long. When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most critical things you can do is keep up with regular oil changes, especially if you want to avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly.

At Highline Car Care, we recommend getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Contact us today at (480) 336-2889 to schedule an oil change in Gilbert, AZ! However, if you’re not one to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule, keep in mind these telltale signs indicating it’s time for an oil change.

1. The Oil Light Comes On

The oil light is one of the easiest ways to know it’s time for an oil change. If it comes on in your car, it means that the oil pressure inside your engine is low and needs to be replenished. A drop in oil pressure can be caused by several things, such as oil leaks, oil sludge, or simply being low on oil.

The oil keeps all of the moving parts within your engine lubricated and running smoothly. When oil levels get low, it can cause friction between these parts, leading to expensive damage.

2. Your Exhaust Smells Bad

If you notice your car’s exhaust smells bad, it could be a sign that your oil needs to be changed. When oil breaks down, it can start to form sludge, which can clog up your engine and cause your car to emit strange smells.

3. You’ve Been Driving a Lot

If you’ve been putting a lot of miles on your car lately, it’s probably time for an oil change. Most mechanics recommend getting a professional oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, although this number can differ depending on the model and make of your car as well as the type of oil used. If you’re not sure how often to change your oil, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.

4. Strange Engine Noises

Another sign that you need an oil change is if your engine starts to make strange noises. If you notice your car making a knocking sound when you start it up, this is a sign of low oil pressure and means you’re due for an oil change.

If you hear any other strange noises coming from your engine, such as hissing or bubbling sounds, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic right away to have it checked out. These could be signs of bigger issues beyond just needing an oil change.

What Happens If You Don’t Keep Up with Oil Changes?

If you don’t keep up with oil changes, it can cause some serious damage to your car. Not changing your oil can also cause your engine to overheat. Since oil helps keep the engine cool, a lack of oil or dirty oil can cause the engine to overwork and eventually overheat. This could do some serious damage to your engine that may be irreversible.

Schedule an Oil Change in Gilbert, AZ

If it’s been a while since your last oil change, or if you’re due for one based on the mileage on your car, don’t wait any longer.

At Highline Car Care, we provide oil change services to help keep your car running smoothly. We can also check for any other issues that may be causing your car problems and recommend the best course of action.

We understand the significance of having a dependable technician on your side. Since 15 years ago, we’ve treated every customer with a level of respect and courtesy as if they were our own family. We have been in your shoes before, and we strive to make each visit as pleasant and painless as possible.

Major Problems that Occur When You Skip Your Oil Change Service

in Blog, Oil Changes, Uncategorized/by Highline Car Care

As a car owner, you know your vehicle requires routine maintenance to function properly and last as long as possible.

You’re probably aware that you should change your oil regularly, but you’re probably unaware of why. An oil change is an essential thing that you can do for your car because it protects other engine components.

Car manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and General Motors advise car owners to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles. Yes, the frequency may vary from one car manufacturer to another, but the message remains the same.

If you’re unfamiliar with oil changes or why they’re so important, this article will explain what they are, why they’re so important, and the problems you can expect if you choose to skimp on your oil change.

What Is An Engine Oil Change Service?

An oil change replaces old motor oil in a car’s engine with new oil. This is done because engine oil degrades and becomes less effective over time, increasing the risk of engine damage.

While new engines are built to last longer and run more efficiently, they still require routine maintenance, such as oil changes.

However, most people don’t consider how significant oil changes are to the overall health of their car until something goes wrong. Let’s look at why oil changes are essential and what problems you can avoid by changing your oil regularly.

Engine Damage

An oil change helps to prevent engine damage by removing oil buildup.

The oil in your engine will degrade over time due to heat, friction, and pressure. This oil collects contaminants that can damage critical engine parts as it powers your engine. A regular oil change will remove this buildup, extending the life of engine components.

An oil change can also help prevent engine damage caused by low oil levels. If your engine runs out of oil, it can severely damage internal components. This is particularly true in modern engines that run on synthetic oils. These oils are more expensive than conventional ones, but they better protect against engine wear and tear.

If your vehicle’s engine is equipped with a low oil sensor, you may receive an alert when the oil level is low. However, it is best to check your oil level regularly and get an oil change when necessary.

Limited Engine Performance and Fuel Inefficiency

Neglected oil changes can cause a vehicle to be inefficient in fuel consumption.

Oil over six months old tends to break down and thicken, a process known as viscosity breakdown. This impairs your engine’s ability to efficiently regulate internal temperatures and causes your vehicle to become sluggish.

If you change your car’s oil regularly, you can avoid problems with viscosity breakdown and improve the oil’s ability to transfer heat away from critical components. It can also remove air bubbles, which can cause your engine to struggle when running at full power.

Oil changes can also help your engine run at a cooler temperature. An overheated engine can cause severe damage and reduce the lifespan of critical parts.

Protection Against Sludge And Deposits

An oil change can protect your engine from sludge and deposits, which can cause damage.

Oil can collect tiny particles of dirt and debris as it degrades. These particles can build up and cause deposits in your engine. Sludge and deposits can reduce oil flow and cause critical parts to fail.

On the other hand, changing your oil can remove larger particles from your engines, such as grit and dirt, that would otherwise accumulate in deposits.

Compromised Driving Experience

Driving with a clogged engine or low oil levels can result in severe internal component damage and, as a result, unsafe driving conditions.

For example, we’ve discussed how not changing your oil can cause your engine to run at high temperatures. Temperatures in the engine that are too low or too high can jeopardize the structural integrity of various components.

An oil change, on the other hand, can help remove sludge and deposits and protect against engine damage or failure caused by low oil levels.

How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil, and Can I DIY?

As previously stated, you should change the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. However, if you don’t have the owner’s or vehicle’s manual, there are methods to determine the recommended oil change schedule, including how to DIY.

Various online guides, for example, will provide this information based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

However, if you want to do it yourself, ensure your car is parked on a level surface and that you have the correct amount of oil for your vehicle. This will help prevent oil from spilling out of the engine while removing the old oil filter. Wear protective clothing because oil changes can be messy.

Finally, make sure to use a high-quality filter. You don’t want to skimp on the filter because it will affect your vehicle’s performance.

Need Help With Oil Change in Gilbert, AZ for Your Car? Contact Us Today

An oil change is much more than a quick trip to the gas station. It’s a necessary part of car maintenance that helps protect and extend the life of your engine. This is especially important if you have an older vehicle.

Why not contact Highline Car Care for more information on how to keep your car healthy and happy for many miles to come? We provide the best auto repair and maintenance services in Gilbert, AZ, and the surrounding areas.

Call us at (480) 933-5255 to speak with one of our automotive experts today.