When To Change Oil: Signs Your Car Needs An Oil Change

No one relies on a vehicle more than its driver, which is why it's important to know when it needs maintenance, like spotting signs your car needs an oil change. Keeping your vehicle in its best shape requires taking it to a trusted service center for regular oil changes. At Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach, our team carries out efficient oil changes to properly lubricate your vehicle's engine and boost its performance. Book an appointment at our state-of-the-art service center to keep your set of wheels running for years to come.

5 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

1. The Volkswagen Low Oil Light Illuminates

New car owners may wonder, "What does "check oil level" mean?" Volkswagen models have a series of little lights that illuminate whenever there is an issue with your vehicle. You'll see them light up around your car's instrument cluster in various locations.

One particular symbol to look out for is the "low oil levels" sign. If you own a newer model, this light will usually resemble a yellow genie's lamp with a zig-zagging line underneath it. If it pops on, check the oil levels under the hood to ensure the problem isn't simply a sensor issue. If you want to make sure your vehicle's oil levels are optimal but aren't sure how to check, stop by our service center for quick and reliable help.

2. Dark or Grimy Oil

Signs your car needs an oil change include having dark brown or even black oil in the system. You can check the quality of your car's oil at home. We recommend doing so one to two times per month, depending on how often you drive.

Start by locating your dipstick and wiping the oil off with a light towel or cloth. Here is a pro tip: After wiping the oil off of your dipstick, dip it in and bring it out again to check your oil level. If it's low, bring your vehicle in for service.

Oil will look glossy, amber, and translucent when it's in good shape. If you see a thick or gritty consistency or dirt, grime, or an otherwise excessively dark appearance in your oil, these are dirty engine oil symptoms. Don't continue to drive your car for long distances or you will risk damaging your engine. Instead, schedule an oil change service with us here in Daytona Beach, FL.

3. You've Hit the Mileage Limit

If you've had your Volkswagen model for a few years now, chances are you've already brought it in for service or an oil change at least once before. Check your window for a little sticker with a number of miles on it, then cross-reference that with the number on your odometer. Come see us if the reading is at or above that number.

However, if you have a brand-new model, you might not have had to get an oil change before, so you may not see that sticker. In this case, we suggest getting your first oil change no later than 10,000 miles on the odometer or after one calendar year - whichever comes first. This is the typical range for synthetic oil. If your vehicle uses traditional oil, every 5,000 miles or six months is a likelier milestone. Check your owner's manual or ask us about your specific model to get the most accurate service interval.

4. You Have Issues Changing Gears

Dashboard symbols may reveal issues with your engine, but reduced performance is another undeniable sign that something is off with your vehicle. Low oil could be the culprit if you're not able to shift gears as smoothly as you could 10,000 miles ago. As the oil on your car's gears starts wearing down, it can be harder to shift gears, potentially causing damage to your transmission over time.

This is one of the lesser-known signs you need an oil change, but it's also one of the most important. It should not be ignored if it occurs. A quick fix today could save you from an exorbitantly more expensive repair down the road.

5. Your Car Is Experiencing Other Low Oil Symptoms

When you feel sick, your throat may start to get scratchy, it might be runny, you may feel exhausted, have a headache, or be extra sneezy. Just like experiencing symptoms when you're sick, your vehicle will also show symptoms when it's not "feeling" its best.

Eventually, all new cars for sale will start to experience symptoms of low and/or dirty engine oil when it's past time for a change. Some symptoms may be more severe than others, depending on the quality and amount of oil in your vehicle. For example, having no oil in a car will cause a lot of damage to your internal components, leading to very obvious signs you need an oil change without even needing to check the oil itself.

If your car needs an oil change, you could see excessive smoke coming from its exhaust. You may also start to smell oil inside the cabin, which is a greasy scent that can come about due to oil leakage.

Knocking, bumping, rattling, and other abnormal noises from your vehicle's engine can also be an obvious oil change sign. Generally, if you hear a noise that you've never heard before, make an appointment with us (whether it's an oil change issue or not) as soon as possible.

Find Reliable Oil Change Services

Now that you are aware of how to know if you need an oil change, the next step is to address the issue when you notice it. Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach is your one-stop shop for routine maintenance and more intensive repairs. As a Volkswagen-certified shop, we know exactly what your model needs to fulfill its potential for longevity.

When you visit us for a quick and easy oil change service, we will also run a routine inspection to ensure everything else is running smoothly. Plus, we can show you how to apply one of our service specials to secure even more savings on your next appointment.

After recognizing when to get an oil change for your vehicle, schedule a swift appointment with our Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach team and let us handle the rest. Our seasoned experts are trained to work on an array of Volkswagen models spanning from different model years. If you have a used Volkswagen Jetta, a new Atlas, a leased Golf GTI, or any other model, we'll take care of it in our shop and ensure it receives the specialized care it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do you really need to change your oil?

How often you need an oil change depends on the make and model of your car and what kind of oil it takes. Conventional oil has a shorter life span than synthetic oil, for example. However, most people should request this service approximately every six months to reduce the risk of engine overheating and damage. Oil changes are among the most crucial ways owners can take care of their vehicles.

What happens if an oil change is overdue?

An overdue oil change can lead to a range of issues with your car, including increased engine wear, difficulty shifting gears - which can lead to a damaged transmission - reduced fuel efficiency, overheating, and eventually engine failure. Oil changes are a basic maintenance task, yet they are absolutely essential for the proper functioning and longevity of your vehicle, so make sure to prioritize them.

How long can I go without an oil change?

How long your vehicle can go between oil changes depends on the type of model you have and the oil that it requires. Conventional oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while full synthetic oil allows for longer intervals. Some vehicles with full synthetic oil can go between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Check your owner's manual to learn more.