While you’re out on the road, pistons, rods, the crankshaft, and various other moving components work furiously away inside your car’s engine. Without proper lubrication from high-quality motor oil, friction and heat will rapidly build up, leading to all kinds of engine trouble. Here, we’ll look at how often you should visit your nearest Nissan dealer for an oil change, plus a few significant signs that your motor oil might be growing old.
Every 7,500 to 10,000 Miles is the Norm
With durable modern synthetic motor oil, you can usually drive for 7,500 to 10,000 miles before you need to change it. This usually works out to once every six months. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for your particular model and motor oil. You can also ask a trusted technician for their recommendations.
Some Driving Conditions Wear Oil Down Faster
Be aware that some driving conditions are considered severe, meaning that your engine and oil are under more strain. If you regularly drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, for example, you should consider having your oil refreshed more frequently. Likewise, regular short drives of under five miles, towing heavy trailers, extremely hot or cold climates, and particularly dusty, dirty, or salty roads can all cause your oil to degrade more rapidly than usual. If you’re putting your vehicle through this sort of strain, you might need to change your oil three or even four times a year.
Signs You Need To Change Your Oil Soon
If you forget to change your motor oil, you might notice your engine gradually losing power. As friction builds inside the engine, you may hear strange knocking and ticking sounds as the moving parts start to rub against each other without proper lubrication. Overheating may cause the temperature gauge to rise steadily upward on your dashboard, and you might even see white vapor escaping from under the hood if your coolant starts to boil.
The check engine light is also likely to come alive on your dashboard if you experience motor oil problems. If you use the dipstick to visually check your oil, you’re likely to find that it’s dark and rather grimy in color, filled with little particles and contaminants. Any of these warning signs should prompt you to see a technician right away.
Set Up a Suitable Routine at Your Nissan Dealership
Many drivers find it best to set up a scheduled oil refreshment visit at their local dealership. This way, you don’t need to worry about accidentally forgetting this important maintenance task. A trusted technician can ascertain the most suitable schedule for your vehicle and usual driving conditions and send you reminders when the time for a visit is almost due.
Have your oil checked and changed today by qualified professionals at Ed Martin Nissan. We offer an impressive inventory of over 600 new and pre-owned Nissan vehicles and top-notch customer service for everyone who steps foot through our doors.
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