If you want to keep your engine in good shape for a long time, then you probably already know how important oil changes are. The problem, however, is knowing how often you need one. This post can help you figure it out.

How You Can Know If It's Time for Your Next Oil Change

Knowing when to get an oil change can be tough for most of us who only have a basic understanding of how cars work. There are, however, a few ways your car can alert you when it's ready to have its oil drained and replaced. Knowing what to look for will help you stay on top of oil changes and keep your engine in great shape for a long time.

Take a Look at Your Oil

One of the easiest ways to know if your car is ready for an oil change is by looking at the state of your oil. Even if you don't have much experience with motor oil, checking on your oil monthly will help you become a pro. To check your oil, first, locate the oil dipstick. Once you're sure you've found it, simply remove it, clean it off with a clean rag, and stick it back in its place. Remove it once more and take a look at the oil on it. Your oil will most likely be black in color, but that doesn't really mean anything. Most oil will turn from a light brown color to black within its first weeks of use. What you will have to look out for are floating particles in your oil. These indicate that your oil filter is no longer able to do its job properly. Since the filter helps trap dirt and other contaminants in your oil, over time it will fill up and no longer be able to do this. As a result, your oil will get dirty and no longer offer the same engine protection as when it was clean. If your oil has turned thick and opaque, then it's probably quite old and in need of a change. These easy to follow steps can get you through your first oil check successfully!

Check Your Dashboard

Your dashboard has quite a few indicator lights that will let you know when there is an issue with your car that needs to be resolved. Newer model cars have an oil light that will alert drivers when it's time for an oil change, but don't confuse this light with the oil pressure light. If your oil pressure light has lit up, this means you no longer have enough oil for your car to operate safely, which is a huge issue that needs immediate attention. Older model cars may not have an oil light, so their check engine light will be what alerts drivers that their oil needs replacing. This, of course, isn't always the case with this light because it can light up for a number of reasons. However, if you haven't had an oil change in a while, check on that first when this lights up. If your oil is looking less than great, it's probably time for an oil change. To keep your engine better protected for longer, make your next oil change a full synthetic oil in San Diego, CA. If you've never used a synthetic oil before, Synthetic Oil Inc can help you learn all about the benefits of using a synthetic oil. To learn more, give them a call at (800) 653-0323. If you're ready to make your purchase, stop by their online shop for a full range of the best AMSOIL Oil products.

Listen to Your Engine

Most newer model cars tend to have impressively quiet engines. One of the many advantages this offers is that it won't be hard to notice if your engine starts making unusual sounds or more noise than is normal. If you do notice this is happening in your engine, it may be the result of old oil no longer lubricating as well as it used to. Your oil circulates through your engine helping to coat tiny metal parts so that they can work without causing more friction or heat under the hood. If your oil is old and no longer able to perform this functions, these parts will be left exposed. This means more metal-to-metal contact that can cause grinding and knocking noises in your engine. Not only will this noise be unpleasant, it also means your engine is suffering unnecessary wear and damage.

The Best Synthetic Oil Change in San Diego, CA

Now that you're sure your car needs an oil change, be sure to make it a synthetic oil change in San Diego, CA. Contact Synthetic Oil Inc at (800) 653-0323 to get the best recommendations for your specific vehicle. You can also browse their full range of products in their online shop.