Remember the exhilaration of driving your Volkswagen for the first time? The smooth ride, the purring engine, the envious glances from passersby: those were good times. But to keep that feeling alive, you’ve got to give your car some care. A crucial part of that care is regular oil changes from your local VW dealer.
Why Change the Oil?
Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your vehicle. Its job is to lubricate all those intricate engine parts, keeping them from grinding against each other. But over time, oil can get contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris. When that happens, it can’t lubricate as well, leading to increased engine wear. Regularly changing the oil ensures your engine always has a fresh supply of clean, effective lubricant.
How Often Do I Need an Oil Change at the VW Dealer?
Back in the day, the golden rule was every 3,000 miles or so. But with advancements in both engineering and oil quality, many modern VWs can go longer. Generally, for newer models, you’re looking at every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but your VW’s manual will have more specific guidance.
Signs That Scream “Change the Oil!”
Oil or Check Engine Light
These lights are intended to let you know when there’s trouble, and one of the most common reasons for them to turn on is that it’s time for fresh oil. If either of these lights comes on, you should schedule a pit stop.
Increasing Engine Noise
Oil provides a protective barrier between the parts of your engine. As it wears out, the engine might become noisier.
Dark or Dirty Oil
Fresh oil has a golden hue. Over time, it turns dark brown or black. You can check the color by pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean, dipping it back into the oil, and then checking the color. If your oil looks more like mud than honey, change it.
Oil Smell Inside the Car
Smelling oil from inside your car could mean you have an oil leak. If you can also smell gas or exhaust fumes, things could be worse, and you might have an urgent oil problem.
Exhaust Smoke
Some vapor coming from the tailpipe is normal, especially in winter. But if you notice smoke instead, check your oil.
Playing the waiting game with your oil may seem harmless, but it can do serious damage to your car in the long run. If you haven’t changed your vehicle’s oil recently, take a moment and pamper your car. Call Sisbarro Autoworld Volkswagen and schedule a service appointment today to treat your engine right.
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