6 Signs Your Mitsubishi Needs an Oil Change

If your engine sounds a little off one day, don’t doubt your senses. If you detect the following symptoms of trouble, you probably need an oil change. Luckily, you can easily schedule a service appointment at Redondo Mitsubishi. 

Knocking or Ticking

When motor oil is dirty or low, the engine isn’t properly lubricated. This means friction is building, and you may hear knocking or ticking sounds from parts rubbing or bumping roughly against each other. With bad oil, these noises often arise in the first few minutes after starting the engine; dirty oil takes longer to warm up and properly lubricate all the components. 

Strange Vibrations

The friction created by insufficient oil could cause the car to shudder and vibrate as well. Sometimes vibrations result from misfiring spark plugs, which has nothing to do with the motor oil, so check your oil as soon as you feel your engine shaking. If it’s in good condition, you’ll need to have your spark plugs checked.

Burning Oil Smell

A smell of burning oil most likely indicates an oil leak. When seeping out of a worn seal or gasket, motor oil can run and drip onto superheated engine parts, rapidly burning up in the process. With leaking oil, your engine will run into quite serious trouble unless the situation is promptly fixed.

Smoking Exhaust Fumes

Some engine faults, such as worn rings or pistons, may allow oil to seep into a cylinder, where it burns up with the fuel. This creates bluish smoke that you’ll see emerging from the tailpipe behind you.

Falling Gas Mileage

Your engine needs good motor oil to run efficiently. With diminished or deteriorating oil, friction will rise, preventing the engine from generating power smoothly. This worsens your car’s fuel efficiency, forcing more frequent stops for gas.

Dashboard Warning Lights

Various warning lights will appear on your instrument panel when the motor oil is low or bad. The oil warning light means that something is amiss, and the check engine light will typically also come to life. The oil maintenance reminder is another useful light, there to help you remember to change your oil. 

Refresh Oil Routinely at Your Mitsubishi Dealership

Oil should be changed at least twice a year and more often if you’re an avid off-roader. Scheduling your oil maintenance visits with us leaves nothing to chance and ensures you’ll remember each time your oil needs to be replaced. 

Visit Redondo Mitsubishi in Redondo Beach, CA, for routine oil and engine servicing. 

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