The best thing you can do for your car, truck, or utility vehicle is to bring it to Sellers Automotive for oil changes every 3,000 miles. This mileage milestone is the point at which the oil filter starts to get dirty. As the dirt builds up on the oil filter, it will clog. A clogged oil filter will cause the following problems and has the potential of seriously damaging your engine.
Engine Performance Trouble
The motor oil relies on the oil filter to remove the dirt and sediment that it picks up as it circulates through the engine. This keeps the motor oil clean as it protects and lubricates the moving parts. A dirty oil filter will cause dirty motor oil to circulate through the engine and affect your engine’s performance. You will not get the normal power out of your engine, and the acceleration will start to lag.
Noticeable Loss of Gas Mileage
Because the engine is not performing as it should be, it will use more gasoline or diesel fuel to operate. Consequently, you will notice that your automobile is not getting the gas mileage that it normally gets. This can be extremely frustrating with gas prices what they are these days. In fact, if you are on a tight budget, you may not be able to keep enough gasoline in your automobile.
Noticeable Loss of Oil Pressure
You will also notice that the engine does not have the normal oil pressure because the engine control unit, the main computer chip, will turn on the oil light on your dashboard. This light is an indication that the motor oil and oil filter require immediate attention. You’d never want to see the oil light illuminated on your dashboard. This can mean bad news for your engine.
Metallic Noises in the Engine
In fact, if metallic noises are accompanying the oil light, you need to pull over right away and turn off the engine. The metallic noises are a symptom of an engine that does not have motor oil circulating through it. In other words, the oil is stuck behind the oil filter. If you continue to drive your vehicle when the engine is making the metallic noises, you will damage it beyond repair.
Excess Exhaust Hydrocarbons
Finally, dirty motor oil increases the hydrocarbons that are released in your exhaust. Unfortunately, if your vehicle is due for an emissions test, it will fail it.
Call Sellers Automotive in Sanford, NC, today to schedule an appointment for an oil change for your car, truck, or utility vehicle.