When Should I Change My Oil?

Why Do You Need to Change Your Oil?

First of all, you might be wondering what’s so important about your car’s oil. Well, think of the engine as the heart of your vehicle. If the engine is the heart, then the oil is the blood that helps it beat.

Oil changes can help keep your Ford running like new for years to come. New oil will keep your engine lubricated and prevent it from overheating.

When Do I Need an Oil Change?

The quick answer is this: every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, different factors may affect how often you need an oil change. Here are a few signs you could look for if you’re wondering whether it’s time to change your oil.

Engine Oil Light Is On

This light may say ‘Change Oil Soon’ or it might look like a genie lamp with a drop coming out of the end. This light will come on when you’re due for an oil change. If the light on your dashboard comes on, schedule your oil change today.

Noise Level or Smell

Clean oil is meant to lubricate your engine. That means it also keeps your engine quiet while you’re driving. If your engine is louder than normal, that might mean you need new oil. In addition, you may smell a burning odor. If this happens, you should bring your vehicle in to get service.

Color of the Oil

A quick way to know when it’s time to change your oil is to check the color of the oil itself. If it’s a light amber color, your oil is clean and doesn’t need to be changed. Over time, oil becomes dark and dirty due to the particles it collects from the engine. If you check the color and it’s a dark brown or black, it’s time to schedule your oil change.

Here are easy steps to check the color of your oil:

1. Let your car run for a few minutes and then turn it off.
2. Open the hood of your car and find your oil dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it off on a rag or cloth to see the color.