Keeping your Mazda running smoothly and extending its engine life requires taking it to your Mazda dealer for a regular oil change. Clean oil will properly lubricate the components, limit friction and wear, and keep your engine in top running condition for thousands of miles. Below are ways to help you determine when your Mazda needs new oil.
Check if the Engine or Oil Light Is On
When the oil light comes on, your Mazda needs new oil. The check engine light comes on when the oil pressure is low or the engine gets too hot. If the oil is old or dirty or there’s not enough oil for lubrication, it will damage your engine. To keep all the parts well-oiled, follow your car’s maintenance intervals in your owner’s manual and bring your car to us for regular oil replacements.
The Oil’s Color or Consistency Has Changed
As the oil flows through your engine, it becomes darker and thicker due to heat and contaminants. If the oil is no longer an amber-brown color, has turned brown or black, and is thick, it’s old and dirty. Contaminated oil loses its ability to lubricate the engine parts properly.
You Notice Oil Leaks
If you see brown puddles under your car or an oily residue around your engine, your Mazda has an oil leak. Oil leaks can come from several points, such as the drain plug, oil filter, or engine gaskets. Get a leak fixed as soon as you notice it to prevent serious damage.
You Smell Burning Oil
If you smell burning oil around your car or inside the cabin, check for oil leaks. When leaking oil drips onto a hot part of the engine or exhaust system, it causes a burning oil odor.
Your Engine Is Overheating
As the oil in your engine ages, its ability to lubricate the engine parts diminishes. This will increase friction between the moving parts and cause your engine to overheat. If your car’s engine temperature rises, ask one of our technicians to check why immediately to avoid further complications.
You Hear Strange Engine Noises
Engine oil stops metal-on-metal contact between the moving engine parts. When there isn’t enough oil, the parts will start to grind against each other, and you will hear knocking or tapping noises.
You Notice Excess Smoke From the Tailpipe
While seeing light vapor from your exhaust during cold weather is expected, excessive smoke billowing out of your tailpipe could be a warning sign of more serious issues, such as an oil leak or a malfunctioning engine component. Maintaining your engine’s health is as simple as following the oil replacement intervals in your Mazda’s owner’s manual. Call Auffenberg Mazda of O’Fallon in Shiloh, IL, today to book an oil replacement. Our team of experienced Mazda technicians knows what it takes to keep your engine in top shape.
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