Five Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change and Brake Service

Is it time for an oil change? Oil helps your car engine and its parts run smoothly and efficiently. It is imperative to change the oil regularly so that smooth operations can continue. Here are 5 signs that it is time for an oil change.

Suspicious Noises

Are you starting to hear suspicious noises coming from your engine when you drive? Perhaps you hear a clicking or ticking sound when you start the car or grinding noises when you drive. You may also feel suspicious vibrations or shaking when driving or stopping. This may be due to engine parts grinding against each other due to a lack of oil.

Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is on, it may be because it is time for an oil change. Some car models also have a light that turns on after a specific amount of mileage is driven to remind you to change your oil. Check your oil if the light comes on.

Mileage

It is recommended to get an oil change after a certain amount of mileage is driven. Every car is different, whether it is a used Lexus gs 350 new york ny or any other car, so check your manufacturer’s manual for more information. In addition, if it’s been a long time since you last had an oil change, it’s probably time for one anyway.

Oil Color

When engine oil is new, it is usually a brownish color. Over time, it changes color to black because of the dirt and grit that gets mixed in with it. If you notice that your oil is blackish, it may be time to get it changed. Check your oil intensities to make sure they are not too low and look at the color while you are at it.

Brake Suspicions

Your brakes are one of the most important controls that your vehicle has. After all, if you are unable to slow or stop in a timely fashion, you are going to get into an accident. But what are the signs that you need to have your brakes serviced? Clearly, if your check brake light comes on, you need to get to a service garage right away. The light can come on for a range of reasons, but mainly because either your brake pads are worn and need replacing, or your brake fluid is low. Either condition needs to be attended to as soon as possible. Strange noises that occur when you brake can also be an indication that you need brake service. A grinding sound is a sign that your pads have completely worn away, and you are braking with bare metal. Let this go too long, and a simple brake pad replacement job could become an expensive rotor resurfacing or even replacement. If your automobile pulls to one side or the other when you brake, you might have a stuck caliper, the part where the brake pads are attached. Other causes can range from worn or improperly inflated tires to a bad alignment.

Vibrations, when you apply the brake, could be a sign of warped rotors. Rotors can be stressed if you stop frequently while pulling something heavy like a U-Haul or while going up or down a mountain road. You might also have wheels that are misaligned.
If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor before braking, you might have worn pads or a problem in the brake line, like air or a fluid leak. If your brakes engage when you slightly touch the pedal, you may have contaminated brake fluid. One way to prevent brake problems before they happen on the road is to take your vehicle in for its scheduled maintenance. A technician will be able to note if your brakes are due for servicing during the inspection process.