Getting a regular Ford oil change in Baltimore is crucial to ensure your engine is well-lubricated and purrs like a kitten. Clean oil will improve the fuel efficiency and performance of your EcoSport, Bronco, or F-150 and ensure the engine lasts longer.
You Haven’t Changed the Oil for Six Months
Sticking to Ford’s factory-recommended oil change intervals, every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or every six months, is essential to keep the moving parts lubricated, prevent dirt and debris from reaching the engine, and ensure your vehicle stays on the road longer.
The oil change intervals for your specific model are in your owner’s manual.
The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor Is at 15%
The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) helps you keep track of oil changes. When the IOLM reaches 15%, schedule an oil change. Waiting until the monitor is at 0% is risky and can cause engine damage.
The Oil Level Is Low
If you change the oil at the recommended intervals, there will be enough oil to lubricate the moving parts sufficiently. A lack of oil can significantly increase the risk of a breakdown and cause permanent engine damage.
The Oil Warning Light Is On
When the oil pressure drops or your car overheats, the oil warning light on your dashboard will be triggered. This light is a warning that your engine is not getting enough lubrication.
The Oil Is Old and Contaminated
If you notice the oil is not an amber color but has turned dark brown, thick, and grainy, it’s old and dirty. Contaminated oil will not lubricate the metal parts effectively, causing friction and heat, and ultimately damaging components.
Your Car Is Leaking Oil
Brown puddles on the ground under your car or oily spots around your engine are telltale signs your car is leaking oil. The leak could be from an improperly sealed drain plug, deteriorating engine gaskets, or a loose oil filler cap.
Your Engine Is Overheating
It is imperative to change the oil to safeguard and lubricate your engine regularly. Old oil deteriorates over time, loses its protective qualities, and doesn’t lubricate the metal engine components, leading to friction and overheating.
You Smell Burning Oil
Smelling burning oil, especially if it’s stronger inside your car’s cabin, is a definite sign it’s time for an oil change. When the oil gets too low, it’s not changed regularly and becomes old and dirty, or there’s oil leaking onto the hot engine parts, you’ll smell burning oil.
Get an oil change as soon as possible because it can quickly lead to more serious problems under the hood.
You Hear Knocking or Grinding Noises
Ensure your engine has enough oil to prevent friction between the metal parts. A lack of oil and proper lubrication will cause horrible knocking and grinding noises under the hood from the damage being caused to the components.
It’s crucial to stay on top of your Ford’s oil changes. Follow the factory-recommended intervals and avoid skipping oil changes. If your Ford shows any of the above signs, call Koons Ford of Baltimore now for an oil change to keep your engine lubricated and protected.
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