Keeping your Mazda purring like a kitten involves more than just regular checkups and cleanings. You need to stay on top of oil changes at the Mazda dealer. Engine oil reduces wear and tear on all those moving parts and helps your engine stay cool and collected. But like anything else, oil doesn’t last forever. Over time, it gets dirty and less effective, knowing when to swap out the old oil for a fresh batch can save you from headaches down the road.
When to Change Your Oil
How often you should change your oil can depend on a few factors: the model and age of your Mazda, the type of oil it takes, and how you drive. For most newer Mazda models running on synthetic oil, the sweet spot is between every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. But if you’re the adventurous type, taking your Mazda on dusty trails through extreme weather, or you often find yourself hauling heavy loads, you might need to schedule those changes a bit more frequently.
It’s always a good idea to check your Mazda’s manual for what the folks who made your car recommend. Some newer models even come with a handy reminder system to let you know when it’s time for fresh oil, taking some of the guesswork out of maintenance.
Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change at the Mazda Dealer
It’s Been Too Long
Even if you don’t drive very much, your oil needs to be changed periodically. If you haven’t changed the oil in your car in a year, it’s time for that service appointment right away.
Your Engine Is Making Too Much Noise
If your engine starts to sound noisier than usual, ticking and knocking, it might be crying out for you to replace the oil.
Dirty Oil
New engine oil is clear and amber-colored. Old oil, not so much. If it looks black and gritty, it’s time for it to go.
Your Car Is Lighting Up
An illuminated oil light or check engine light is your Mazda’s way of letting you know that the oil in your car needs some attention.
Smoke Signals
A bit of vapor from the exhaust is normal, but if it starts looking more like smoke, you might have an oil issue on your hands.
Oil Smell
Smelling oil inside the car could mean a leak, and that’s definitely a sign to get things checked out.
Gas Guzzler
If your Mazda is guzzling more fuel than usual, old oil could be to blame. Fresh oil means a more efficiently running engine.
Regularly changing your oil is not just about keeping your engine happy. It’s about avoiding bigger, more expensive problems in the future. Call Bommarito Mazda South County in St. Louis, MO, to schedule your next service appointment today.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
Categories
