You simply can’t ignore the importance of engine oil to the performance and lifespan of your car. Getting routine oil changes is important as you know, however, our Clermont Toyota Team wants to dive in deeper. Your engine oil should already be changed regularly if you're already doing so. If you're not, you need to be to ensure your car's engine is healthy (and our Clermont techs can help). Today our Clermont auto service techs are talking about how to check engine oil and also how to spot dirty engine oil.
How does dirty engine oil affect your Clermont Toyota?
Over time, your engine oil becomes dirty; there's no way to avoid it. As our engine oil runs through your Clermont Toyota engine, it picks up dirt, debris, and grime, as well as keeps it cool and lubricated. As dirty oil accumulates over time, it becomes thick and sludgy, making it's cooling and lubricating functions nearly impossible. A car's engine can suffer long-term, irreparable damage as a result.
Routine oil changes are crucial to keeping your engine running the best it can. At our Clermont auto service center, we suggest checking your engine oil routinely. Our Toyota of Clermont's car care techs are here with tips with yourengine oil! Let's learn more!
Knowing how to check your Clermont Toyota's oil is the first step to spotting dirty engine oil. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to get into the grit.
First, turn your car off and wait a few minutes for it to cool down.
You can usually find it near the center of the engine when you pop the hood.
Pull the dipstick out and examine the oil on it.
Check the tic marks at the end of the dipstick. The oil level should fall between the two tic marks. if it's below the bottom one, then it's too low, and an oil change is needed immediately.
Keep in mind the color of the engine oil. In addition to being caramel or tan in color, it should also be free of visible dirt. In the case of dark brown or black liquid, or if you see visible debris or dirt in it, then it needs to be changed.
Changing dirty engine oil as soon as possible is essential. Dirty oil quickly becomes sludgy and thick, and it can't do its job of cooling and lubricating your car's engine, which can lead to the aforementioned expensive repairs.
Clermont auto service technicians recommend monitoring for these additional signs of dirty engine oil:
You're driving and you're seeing smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe
Your engine bay is making knocking sounds
When you drive your car, you smell oil inside the cabin
Noises or roughness in your engine
Bring your car to Toyota of Clermont if you notice any of these signs! You can schedule a regular engine oil change with our techs and you'll be notified every time your car needs maintenance.
Follow up on Regular Maintenence
Would you like to schedule an oil change or have questions? Follow up with us and call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike on State Road 50 at 16851 State Road 50 and we're open seven days a week. Call us, schedule online, or stop by!