Why Do You Need to Check and Change Your Oil? Thompson Sales Explains

At Thompson Sales, we understand how important it is to sell the right car to the right person. We also understand how important it is to educate buyers to care for their car, whether it’s a new or pre-owned vehicle. That’s why we occasionally use the Thompson Sales blog to offer tips, guidance, and advice on vehicle maintenance. In this entry, we’re going to explain the basics of checking and changing the oil in your car.

How to You Check Your Oil

If you’re new to engine or vehicle maintenance, checking your oil might sound complicated, but it is pretty simple. Make sure your car is parked on a level surface and turned off before you begin. If it’s been running, turn it off and wait awhile before you begin so the engine can cool off. Take a look at your owner’s manual so you know where to look when you open the hood. Open the hood and find the dipstick. This is what you’ll use to check the oil level. Wipe any oil that’s on the dipstick, then reinsert it. Then, pull it back out again and see where the oil is.

There’ll be an indicator on the stick to show whether the oil is low or high. If it’s low, you’ll need to refill it. You can find out where the filler cap is in your owner’s manual, and fill it with the oil the manual tells you to. Be careful not to overfill it, and make sure the cap is screwed back on securely when you’re done.

When you’re checking the oil, Thompson Sales recommends that you look at the color and the level. Oil should be black or darker brown. A lighter color or milky appearance means there could be coolant or some other contaminant present that can do some serious damage to your engine.

How Often Should You Check and Change the Oil?

In our previous Thompson Sales blog, we talked about how important it is to get your tires rotated on an average of about every six months. The same goes for checking the oil. Most people tend to get both checked at the same time when they get their car serviced so that the oil is changed and the tires are rotated by a professional. Just remember that this depends on the make and model of your vehicle, so it’s always best to check the manual.

What Happens if You Don’t Change the Oil?

Your oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. Low or contaminated oil is going to do some serious damage to your engine and your car. This will put you at risk, cost you a lot of money, and potentially force you to end up needing a new car. The oil in your engine keeps it clean, properly lubricated, free of buildup, and running smoothly. As always, Thompson Sales says it’s best to look after your car to get the most out of it.

Get in Touch with Thompson Sales Today

Looking for new and used vehicles? Thompson Sales is just the dealership you need. We’ve been selling new and used cars in the Springfield, MO area for decades, and we can help find the perfect car for you. For the best deals on GMC, Buick and Cadillac, talk to the car sales team at (417) 763-6811 with Thompson today.