If you're not great at keeping up with car maintenance, this post can help you decipher when it's time for your next oil change.

How to Know If Your Car Is Ready for an Oil Change

Unfortunately, there's no escaping oil changes if you're a car owner. Going to the shop to get your oil changed may not be the most tricky part of it all; knowing when to get your oil changed can baffle many. Since there isn't one set rule for how often these are needed, it can be hard to know when it's time to make your next appointment. Luckily for you, we've compiled a list of a few signs that indicate it's time for your next oil change.

Loud Engine Roaring

Engine noise is standard for many cars, so this doesn't automatically indicate your oil is old and in need of changing. If, however, your engine starts to produce new sounds or it gets louder than usual, this may mean it's time for an oil change. Why is this? Basically, your oil performs a few basic functions that keep your engine happy. One of these functions is lubricating the small metal parts that are in constant motion when your engine is running. Your oil circulates through your engine coating these tiny metal parts so that they can move more efficiently without coming into contact with each other. This helps reduce friction and heat under the hood, keeping your engine happy. When your oil is old and no longer able to lubricate these parts properly, they can be left exposed. This means they no longer have a film around them preventing metal-to-metal contact. As these parts come into contact with each other, they may create new sounds in your engine. If you hear knocking, rumbling, or roaring, this may be because your oil isn't doing its job. To prevent your engine from being damaged, be sure to give it a synthetic oil change as soon as possible. To check out AMSOIL's full range of synthetic oils for all of your vehicles, click here! To keep your engine better protected for longer, be sure to give it a synthetic oil change. If you're not sure what benefits synthetic oil can produce, contact the pros at Hartmans Inc. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more about how their AMSOIL Oil products can help your engine live a longer and healthier life.

How to Check Your Motor Oil

The easiest way to know if your oil needs to be changed is by visually inspecting it regularly. If you're not big on car stuff, you may not be very excited about checking your oil, but we promise it isn't very hard. To start, pop open your hood and locate the oil dipstick. Pull this out, clean the oil off the stick with a rag, and put the dipstick back. Once again, pull the dipstick out but this time look at the oil on it. To start, check the level of the oil. If it's lower than the indicator on the dipstick, depending on the condition, you may need to change it or simply top it off. Next, look at the oil itself. If the oil is black, there is no need to panic. Although oil is usually an amber color when new, it will turn black within a couple weeks of it being in use. What you should look out for are particles in the oil and the thickness of this fluid. Particles floating in your oil indicate that your oil filter is no longer able to collect and hold onto debris. It may be too full, resulting in dirty oil. This is why it is so important that you change your oil filter every time you get an oil change. If your oil is looking quite dirty, start scheduling your oil change appointment. Next, look at the consistency of your oil. If your oil is so thick that you can't see the dipstick through it at all, then it's time for new oil. Older oil can become thicker and more sluggish, reducing its ability to flow properly. To keep your engine protected from damage, an oil change will be necessary. For step by step instructions on how to check your oil, check out this post!

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

If your car is ready for its next oil change, be sure it's a synthetic oil change. For the best quality synthetic oil, check out what AMSOIL Oil has to offer. To find the best products for you engine, contact Hartmans Inc at (316) 686-1069. Check out their online shop for products like their Signature Series 0W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, which is made to outperform conventional oils.