Is it time for an oil change? 5 signs that you're due

Not everyone is on a car care schedule - we get that. Life gets in the way and you get so busy that car maintenance can be pushed to the wayside until it's absolutely necessary. However, if you want your car to stay in top-notch condition, keeping up with routine car care is essential - especially when it comes to oil changes. If you don't have your car on an oil change schedule, Toyota of N Charlotte is here to help. Check out these 5 signs that you need to make this car maintenance appointment at our Toyota Service Center today. 

Don't miss these 5 signs that you need to schedule an oil change 

1. Your oil is the wrong color. 
Normal, clean motor oil is typically caramel or tan in color and free from debris. Keep that in mind - when you check your oil, it should never be dark in color (dark brown or black) or have flecks of dirt or debris in it. If you notice either of these signs, you need a Charlotte oil change. Dirty oil can't keep your car's engine cool or lubricated, which means you run the risk of your car overheating or parts inside the engine breaking. 

2. You can smell oil inside the cabin. 
If you smell motor oil inside of the cabin, you need to schedule Toyota service at Toyota of N Charlotte immediately. This means you have an oil leak, which can be costly and dangerous. Don't delay in fixing this issue. 

3. Your oil level is too low. 
Do you know how to check your car's oil level? When you pull the dipstick out of the engine, you'll see two tic marks on it. Your oil level should be somewhere in between those two tic marks. If it's falling below the bottom mark, you're running low and you need to schedule a Charlotte oil change. Remember, oil is what keeps your engine from overheating or breaking! 

4. You hear rumbling or knocking noises. 
Do you hear knocking, rumbling, or other strange noises coming from inside the engine bay? This can indicate that your oil level is too low and things are breaking inside your engine. Call Toyota of N Charlotte to set up an oil change and let them troubleshoot as soon as you can. 

5. Smoke is coming out of the exhaust pipe. 
Vapor coming out of your car's exhaust is fine, but the moment you see smoke, you've got a problem with your oil. Let our car care service center get things back on track under the hood. 

Toyota of N Charlotte can get your car back on track 

Want to schedule an oil change? Call us! Toyota of N Charlotte's service center is open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. You can also swing by and see us at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Hunterville.