Why Do I Need to Change My Car’s Oil?

Maintaining the longevity and reliability of your vehicle is important. That’s why routine services, like frequent oil changes, are needed to help keep you cruising in and around Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, NH, for years to come.
Have you ever asked yourself, why do I need to change my car’s oil? If so, this reference guide is for you! We at BMW of Stratham are here to provide insight into the importance of oil changes. Keep reading to learn more or skip ahead to schedule your oil change online!
Why Do I Need to Change My Car’s Oil?
Frequent oil changes are essential for the health of your vehicle. Think of your engine as the heart of your vehicle and the engine oil as the arteries that keep things flowing smoothly. It’s essential there are no blockages in the arteries. That way, everything flows through the heart easily.
When there are blockages, intervention is needed to restore the heart and keep everything healthy.
The same is true about your car’s oil.
The engine oil serves many important roles that help keep your car’s engine running in tip-top shape. For example, the engine oil filters out potential toxins before they can enter the engine. If these toxins were to enter the engine, they could lead to corrosion and decrease the engine’s lifespan.
Over time, these particles combine with the oil and turn into a sludge, preventing oil from properly lubricating the engine components. Frequent oil changes are necessary to keep the engine oil thin, like maple syrup, to keep parts lubricated and toxins out of the engine.
Signs an Oil Change Is Needed
There are many ways you can tell your engine oil needs to be changed. Getting under the hood and checking the color and consistency of your car’s engine oil is the best way to determine whether an oil change is needed. Still, there are some signs you may notice when driving that could mean it’s time for a quick service appointment:
- Loud engine noises
- Smell of oil
- Exhaust smoke
- Decrease in fuel efficiency
If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for an oil change.
How Long Does it Take to Change My Car’s Oil?
Oil changes are a quick appointment. Experienced technicians often perform these appointments in 15 to 45 minutes, allowing you to get back on the road in no time at all.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Car’s Oil?
Each car varies when it comes to oil change frequency. Many factors adjust this interval, like how and where you’re driving. Excessive travel and driving in dusty conditions can shorten the time between oil changes.
Generally speaking, you should change your car’s engine oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
Schedule Your Oil Change at BMW of Stratham
Routine oil changes are essential to keep your vehicle by your side when traveling in and around Stratham, Portsmouth, and Exeter, New Hampshire. When it’s time to change your vehicle’s engine oil, let our team of experienced technicians quickly handle your oil change.
To schedule your service appointment for one of our flexible appointment times, contact us at BMW of Stratham today!