Knowing when to get an oil change can be a tricky task. There is no one size fits all rule, but there are certain things to look out for in order to keep your engine working well.

How Your Car Tells You It's Ready for an Oil Change

Now that you're sure the 3,000 mile oil change rule is nothing more than a myth, how are you supposed to know when to change your car's oil? There are a few ways your car will let you know that it's ready for a brand new bottle of oil, you just have to be attentive and know just what to look for. To help you out, we've compiled a list of the most common signs that indicate you need to get your oil changed.

Unusual Noises in Your Engine

All engines make at least a tiny bit of noise while they're operating. While this is completely normal, if your engine starts to make more noise than usual or starts to make new nosies, you should definitely check out what's causing this. While noises under the hood can be caused by a great deal of things, your oil may be the reason. This is because your oil acts as a lubricant for all the tiny metal parts that are hard at work when your engine is on. If your oil is old or running low, these parts won't be lubricated well enough to perform their job as usual. They may be left exposed, causing metal to metal contact. If you hear grinding, knocking, rumbling, or roaring under your hood, check on your oil. Don't let your car run like this for long since not having enough oil can cause a serious amount of damage to your engine.

Your Check Engine Light Won't Turn Off

If your check engine light has recently lit up but everything seems to working just fine, your car may be telling you it's time for an oil change. This may only be true for older model cars since most newer cars have their own oil light that alerts you when you need to get your oil replaced. If you can't remember when you last had your oil changed, definitely check on your oil when this indicator lights up. Don't confuse this with your oil pressure light because they are two separate issues that both need attention right away. If your oil is looking like it's ready for a change, be sure to make it a synthetic oil change in Williams County. There are many benefits of synthetic oil, including longer oil change intervals that save you time and money. To find the perfect AMSOIL synthetic oil for your car, contact Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. at (701) 572- 3780. You can also browse their online shop for the best AMSOIL Oil products.

What Does Your Oil Look Like?

You may actually be able to tell if your oil needs to be changed simply by looking at it. This, of course, requires a trained eye that knows what to look for, but it isn't as hard as it sounds. You may start to worry if you see black oil on your dipstick, but this is perfectly normal. Most engine oil will start off a light brown color and turn black within the first weeks of use. Instead of simply basing your opinion on the color, look at other indicators. If you can see particles floating around your oil, this will tell you your oil is quite dirty and your oil filter isn't doing great. If your oil filter is too full, it won't be able to trap dirt and other contaminants. This means your engine is more exposed to contaminants and buildup that may shorten its life. Another thing to look at is how translucent your oil is. New oil will be a bit translucent, but as it gets used and worn down, it tends to get thicker and opaque. To check this, remove the dipstick from the oil, clean it off with a rag, put the dipstick back in its place, and remove it once more. If you can't see the dipstick through the oil, consider getting an oil change. For a step by step guide on how to check your oil, click here!

The Best Oil for a Synthetic Oil Change in Williams County

If after careful inspection you've decided it's time for an oil change, be sure to make it a synthetic oil change in Williams County. If you're not sure what products you need for your oil change, don't hesitate to contact the experts at Advanced Filtration Technologies, Inc. Give them a call at (701) 572- 3780 for expert advice and recommendations.