Ford Oil Change Service in York, PA

Changing the engine oil is probably the most common aspect of routine vehicle maintenance, and it's one of the easiest to perform. A typical oil change procedure is pretty inexpensive, and a professional can do it in a minute. But why exactly is changing your engine oil so important, and how often should you change it? 

Our service professionals at Ciocca Ford of York share everything you need to know about vehicle oil changes, including the benefits of regularly changing your oil, how to tell whether your car needs an oil change, and why you should change your oil at our dealership.

Why Are Routine Oil Changes Important?

Better Engine Efficiency

Regularly changing your engine oil helps eliminate dirt and debris that can cause engine clogs and impair performance if left unchecked. If you live in an arid and dusty environment, it's especially important to change your engine oil regularly to prevent the buildup of particulates. Doing so minimizes strain on your engine and improves its efficiency and performance. 

Improved Fuel Economy

Your engine oil is critical in dissipating heat from your system to ensure optimal function. Replacing old and dirty engine oil with clean and fresh oil can help reduce friction and improve fuel economy. 

Engine Longevity

The longer you take to replace your engine oil, the greater the accumulation of dirt and debris you can expect inside your engine system. Running your vehicle on dirty oil inhibits your engine's ability to dissipate heat, and it can lead to the buildup of excess debris that's much harder to get rid of. This will affect your engine's performance and significantly reduce its life span. 

What Are the Signs My Engine Needs an Oil Change?

Many drivers use mileage stickers from previous service appointments to gauge whether an engine oil change is necessary. However, if you haven't kept track, you can expect several warning signs when an oil change is due. Here are some of the things to look out for:

Dark or Grimy Oil

Clean engine oil generally has a light gold color which becomes darker over time. This color change occurs due to the accumulation of heat and debris. An easy way to determine whether your car needs an oil change is to regularly look at the dipstick to check how the oil color changes over time. If you notice that your engine oil is darker when you pull out the dipstick, this is a clear sign that it's time to book a service appointment for an oil change. 

Knocking Sounds

The purpose of oil is to lubricate all the mechanical components of your car's engine to ensure a smooth and quiet ride. Old and dirty engine oil doesn't lubricate engine parts as it should, and this can cause them to rub against each other and create unsettling engine noises. So if you notice that your engine is suddenly noisier than usual, it might be a sign that an oil change is due. 

Dashboard Warning Lights

Today, most cars have a built-in alert system that lets you know when an oil change is necessary. Even if your vehicle doesn't come with this system, other dashboard warning lights can clue you in on whether your engine needs an oil change. For instance, your check engine light switching on can mean your oil change is overdue. 

Exhaust Smoke

Old and dirty engine oil often leads to the emission of toxic gas pollutants from the exhaust when the car runs. Most gasoline-powered cars produce low gas emissions that are mostly invisible. But if you notice your car's exhaust producing large amounts of thick smoke, this might be a sign that it's time for an oil change. 

Burning Smell Inside the Car

A burning smell inside your car usually indicates a problem with the engine or, more specifically, an oil leak. If you also catch the whiff of exhaust smoke or gases, it might mean your engine is overheating due to low or dirty engine oil. In either case, you should schedule a service appointment with Ciocca Ford of York as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine. 

How Often Should I Change My Car's Engine Oil? 

The appropriate oil change interval for your car depends on several factors, including the vehicle type, the engine oil used, and your unique driving habits. A good place to start when determining how often to change your oil is the recommendation provided in your owners manual. Manufacturers' recommended oil change schedules range from every 3,000 to 10,000 miles.

That said, you should only use the automaker's recommendation as a guide rather than a fixed standard. After all, other factors can impact the efficiency and longevity of your engine oil. These factors include your average mileage on regular drives, towing frequency, load size, and environmental temperature. 

Why You Should Get Your Next Oil Change at Ciocca Ford of York

While an oil change is a straightforward procedure that most drivers can perform themselves, there are several benefits to having a professional do it for you. For instance, getting an oil change from our Ciocca Ford of York dealership will save you time if you haven't done it before. You don't have to worry about figuring out the process from scratch, which can be time-consuming if you don't have any previous experience. 

Bringing your car for an oil change at our dealership guarantees top-quality service from expert mechanics. Remember, the health of your engine is critical to your car's overall performance, so you want a service expert who understands what they're doing and won't make costly mistakes that can damage your engine during the oil change procedure. 

Book a Service Appointment With Ciocca Ford of York

Routine oil changes are a great way to keep your car's engine functioning at peak condition. If you need an oil change for your car, contact Ciocca Ford of York today. The professionals at our service department are more than happy to pick and replace the appropriate oil to keep your vehicle's engine performing well without strange noises and toxic emissions.