Home > 5 Signs You’re Due for an Oil Change

General Service

You’re supposed to change your oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles, or a minimum of once every three months. However, it can be easy to forget when you last had your oil changed. If you suspect you’re overdue for an oil change, looking for a few tell-tale signs can help.

checking oil under hood of car

1. Your Oil is Dark or Dirty.

Check your oil and wipe the dipstick on a white rag or paper towel. Take a look at the color of the oil. Is it dark and dirty? If so, chances are you’re overdue for your oil change.

2. You Can Hear More Engine Noise or Knocking.

You’ve recently noticed that your car is starting to make strange noises. The engine is knocking and you’re hearing more noise from your engine than usual. This could be a sign that your oil is running a little low or, conversely, a sign that your oil simply needs to be changed. Before panicking about unfamiliar noises, check your mileage since your last oil change or bring your car in to

In today’s world we all need our wheels. To get to our jobs or college classes, to pick up groceries and supplies, attend entertainment events, visit friends and relatives, go on pleasure drives and vacations. If we have children, the whole family relies on a good running vehicle as transportation to soccer practice and after school events.

Breakdowns disrupt lives. No one wants to be late for work or class, but we’re not all mechanics who can keep up with essential car maintenance ourselves. Routine checkups are as important for our vehicle as preventive doctor visits are for us. If our vehicle should inadvertently let us down, we need access to a trusted car repair service. Custom Complete Automotive strives to provide guidance and affordable, convenient, reliable service, so customers can focus on their lives, rather than their car’s problems.

employee fixing vehicle engine at Custom Complete Automotive

What We Can Do for Your Car – From Oil Changes to Engine Rebuilds

We are a full-service auto repair shop. Here is a short list of maintenance and repairs we offer:

    In today’s world, people rely on their cars to deliver them safely from place to place. Ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order is important and keeping up with regular maintenance, such as an oil change, is a major part in keeping your car healthy. There are three primary types of oil, including conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend. Most people have heard of synthetic blend oil but might not be sure of its benefits or how it differs from other types of oil.

    synthetic blend oil being poured into oil compartment in vehicle

    What is Motor Oil

    Motor oil is used to keep a vehicle’s engine cool, clean, and lubricated so all the parts can move together smoothly, with less friction and wear. It is made by mixing a base oil with different substances designed to enhance qualities like viscosity or corrosion resistance.

    Differences Between Oil Types

    Conventional oil is made from crude oil that comes from the ground and goes through a refining process. Likewise, most synthetic oil begins with crude oil, though some types are crafted from

    Everybody wants to get the most out of their vehicles, but it is sometimes easier said than done. Life gets in the way and people start to put off things like oil changes and tire rotations. However, with proper care and maintenance the modern car can last hundreds of thousands of miles.

    person inspecting tire tread on vehicle

    Inspecting Your Car

    Perhaps the easiest (and cheapest) way to keep your car on the road is to perform regular checkups. At least once a week you should check the following aspects of your car.

    • Check the fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, wiper fluid, and transmission oil).
    • Check your tires for the correct air pressure and proper tread depth. Improper tire pressure can cause permanent damage to your car’s driveline components, as well as making it dangerous to drive.
    • It is also a good idea to take a walk around your vehicle while it’s running to listen for any strange noises. If there is a strange noise, you should contact a mechanic as soon as possible.

    Service Intervals

    One

    The primary concern of all motorists on the road is safety. Car manufacturers have multiple internal and external features that are designed to enhance your overall safety while driving. However, regular maintenance and inspections are important in keeping these features running properly. One feature that can easily be overlooked is your turn signal.

    repaired turn signal bulb on vehicle

    Importance of Turn Signal Lights

    Your turn signal bulb is both a safety concern and monetary one. Drive with a broken turn signal bulb and you risk getting a ticket or incurring heavy fines. Turn signal lights enable you to clearly indicate which direction you plan to go, as well as safely changing lanes. When your turn signal bulb dies, you will not be able to alert drivers in front or behind of your intended actions. Malfunctioning turn signal bulbs renders your vehicle a safety hazard on the road.

    How to Know You Need a Turn Signal Bulb Replacement

    Your owner’s manual provides a guide on when to replace a signal bulb, though most last for about 4,000 hours. Vehicles today