The power and smoothness of your Acura’s engine depend largely on the oil. It’s important to keep your motor oil as fresh as possible with regular changes. If your oil ever becomes too low or degraded to properly lubricate and protect the engine, you may notice the following signs of trouble. You can save your car from serious damage by visiting your local Acura dealership in a timely manner for an oil change.
6 Signs Your Acura Needs an Oil Change
Your Oil Light Appears
When your oil is low or needs a change, the oil service light will typically come to life on the dashboard. This light shouldn’t be ignored; when it comes to motor oil, changing too often is far safer than leaving your engine unprotected for periods.
Your Oil Is Leaking
Have you ever found a dark puddle staining the driveway under your car? Unless the puddle is another vehicle fluid, it means your oil is leaking. If you suspect a possible leak but aren’t sure, put a piece of cardboard under your car when parked and see how it looks when you return.
You Smell Burning Oil
When leaking, motor oil often drips onto super-heated engine components, which burns the oil up. You may smell this burning oil and perhaps even hear it hiss. Leaking oil means your engine is unprotected and friction is rapidly rising.
You See Exhaust Smoke
Sometimes oil can leak internally by seeping into a cylinder and mixing with the fuel inside a combustion chamber. Therein, the oil will burn up when ignited. This causes smoke to pass through the system, emerging from the tailpipe.
Your Oil Looks Dirty
It’s advisable to check how your oil looks frequently. If it appears to be very dark and grimy, filled with contaminants, you should probably replace it. Thickened, dirty oil loses its cleaning qualities and can no longer lubricate as thoroughly.
Your Oil Is Too Low
When you inspect your oil, also check its level. Never drive when the oil is low as the engine will lack sufficient protection. If the low oil looks fine, top it up; and have it flushed if it’s dirty. If your oil keeps diminishing in volume, check under your car for evidence of a leak.
How Often To Change Motor Oil at Your Acura Dealership
You’ll usually need to change your oil twice a year. This interval should become more frequent if you put your motor oil under excessive pressure with regular short drives of under five miles, towing heavy trailers, or prolonged commutes in stop-and-go traffic.
Have your oil promptly refreshed today at Open Road Acura of Wayne in Wayne, NJ. Our experienced technicians work diligently to keep the cars of all our customers in the best possible condition.
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