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Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

As a responsible car owner, you know that oil changes are required to keep your vehicle running smoothly on the streets near Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, ME. Do you know how often an oil change is required? What about the signs that your car needs an oil change?

To help answer these questions and more, the team at Ira Toyota Saco has created this quick guide to oil changes. Let’s get started!

Why Do I Need to Schedule an Oil Change?

Why Do I Need to Schedule an Oil Change?Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It pulls toxic particles away from the engine and lubricates the moving parts.

Over time, the engine oil—which should have the viscosity of maple syrup and the color of amber—thickens and becomes dirty. When this occurs, it’s harder for the oil to flow through the engine. As a result, the engine must work harder than usual, which over time could lead to premature aging.

To keep the oil in its ideal condition, changing the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is recommended. For some drivers, sticking to a 3,000-mile interval may be best; for others, it’s 10,000 miles. This depends on the type of oil your vehicle uses.

Five Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

As you travel around town, you might see a handful of signs your car needs an oil change. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Exhaust smoke: Vapers coming out of the rear of your vehicle when you’re driving clearly indicate that an oil change is needed.
  • Smell of oil inside the car: You shouldn’t smell oil or gas in your vehicle’s cabin. If you do, be sure to schedule an oil change.
  • Loud engine sounds: Insufficient oil can lead to the parts grinding against each other. If left unresolved, this can lead to overheating and engine damage.
  • Check engine light is on: A check oil light—or an oil change light, if your vehicle is equipped with one—is an easy way to know if an oil change is needed.
  • Dark oil: When you follow the directions in the owner’s manual and remove the dipstick, if the oil is darker than amber, it should be changed.

Another sign that your car needs an oil change is if you just returned from a road trip. Excessive mileage added to your vehicle can add extra strain on the engine. An oil change is a fast and easy way to give the engine extra TLC.


Schedule an Oil Change near You

If you notice any of the above signs your car needs an oil change, contact our team. A team of ASE-certified technicians staffs our on-site service center. Having graduated from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, our technicians are familiar with every aspect of car service, including oil changes.

An oil change is typically a quick service, lasting about 30 to 45 minutes, once the vehicle is prepared. We invite you to relax in our comfortable client lounge, while you wait!


Where Can I Schedule an Oil Change?

If you’ve noticed any of the above-mentioned signs that your car needs an oil change, contact us at Ira Toyota Saco to schedule an appointment. Thanks to our expertly trained technicians, your car’s oil will be changed in a flash. You’ll be able to return to making trips around Saco, Portland, and Scarborough, Maine, in the blink of an eye.

Complete our online request form to schedule an oil change near you today!


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