Have you performed an online search for an “oil change near me”? Do you recognize the signs that your car may be low on oil? Oil changes are best left to a Mazda-certified technician.
Here are the signs that the oil in your car is due for a replacement.
Oil Discoloration
Pull out the oil dipstick when the engine is cold. Examine the oil on the tip of the stick. Healthy oil should be brownish yet clear.
If the oil appears almost completely black and gunk-like, then it may be time for a replacement.
Car Vibrations
Shaking and vibrations can be caused by a number of issues. Vibrations when the car is idling may be a sign the oil has thickened and is not lubricating the metal engine parts properly.
This leads to destructive metal-on-metal friction, causing the vehicle to vibrate.
Ticking Sound During Startup
The oil runs through the engine the minute you turn the ignition. If the oil has thickened, it takes longer to move.
This may manifest in the form of an audible ticking sound as the engine is warming up. The ticking comes from the valve that’s working extra hard to shuttle the thickened oil.
Oil Change Light
Perhaps the most clear-cut indicator of your car needing fresh oil is the oil change dashboard light coming on.
In most models, this icon is in the form of an oil canister with a drop of oil coming out. This is your car telling you directly to check the oil. Don’t ignore it.
Have you noticed any of the above signs lately? Make an appointment at Champion Mazda to schedule an oil change. We perform an oil change and flush on all Mazda models, from the Mazda3 to the Mazda CX-9.
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