When Do I Need to Change My Oil?

If you’re like most drivers living around Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and Carlisle, PA, you should plan to change your vehicle’s oil every 5,000 miles to 10,000 miles. This frequency will depend largely on the type of vehicle you drive and your personal driving habits.

If you aren’t exactly sure how often to replace your engine’s oil and filter, the service team at Faulkner Toyota Harrisburg is ready to help. Our technicians can tailor a maintenance schedule based on the specific needs of your car, truck, or SUV.

Do you want to see in which other ways we provide convenience and peace of mind? Check out this brief guide before scheduling an appointment today!

Why is Changing My Oil Every 5,000 – 10,000 Miles Important?

Your vehicle’s engine is comprised of thousands of intricate metal parts, with all of them moving together at a high rate of speed. This friction creates heat, which can end up damaging your engine if not controlled. Motor oil is designed to lubricate these moving pieces and remove dangerous particles.

Fresh motor oil is typically odorless and amber in color. Your engine’s oil will slowly start to break down over time, transforming into a heavy, dark sludge. If you don’t replace it every 5,000 miles to 10,000 miles, it can lead to several issues, including:

• Weak acceleration
• Overheating
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Broken parts
• Engine seizure

Can I Avoid These Service Issues?

Fortunately, you can avoid most if not all of these issues by staying on top of your oil changes. If you drive an older vehicle with high mileage, it’s especially important to change your oil and filter when the time comes.

The same is true for people who drive pickup trucks or regularly tow heavy loads. The extra weight means your engine is working harder than usual, which naturally breaks down motor oil faster.

To make things easier, put your trust in the skilled hands of our service professionals. Our technicians can quickly determine your specific needs and develop a schedule which works with your lifestyle.

How to Check Your Oil: 3 Easy Steps

While most drivers need to change their oil every three to four months, it’s a good idea to occasionally peek under the hood between checkups.

The great news is that you don’t have to be a certified gearhead to check the health of your vehicle’s oil. All you need is a level parking space and a shop rag!

Part One: The Setup

Warm up your vehicle’s oil pan either by taking it for a quick spin or park it outside and let the engine run for a few minutes. Turn off the engine and then carefully pop open the hood.

Part Two: The Inspection

Typically, your oil dipstick is marked by a yellow or a red ring and sits close to the engine block. Slowly remove the dipstick from its holster and hold it upright.

Take note of how your oil looks and smells. Remember, healthy oil should appear a caramel color and be odorless. Tiny dirt particles are normal and should not cause you any alarm. If your oil looks like thick, black coffee, it’s time to make a service appointment.

Part Three: Check Your Levels

Using your shop rag, wipe the dipstick clean before returning it to its holster. Remove it again, and this time, take note of how much oil is on the stick. At the bottom of the dipstick, you’ll notice two or three small lines. If your oil falls below any of them, you most likely need a quart or two of fresh oil.

Schedule an Oil Change

At the Faulkner Toyota Harrisburg, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and happy on the roads. If you live near Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, or Carlisle, Pennsylvania, stop by our shop or make an online appointment today!