An oil change is one of the simplest, yet one of the most important maintenance services you can provide for your Audi. Fresh motor oil is essential to extend longevity of the engine, and to improve performance – fresh oil lubricates better thus the entire system works with less strain. Engine oil should be changed regularly, as over time it picks up dirt and grime, and various contaminants that naturally get created as a by-product of age, and multiple pieces of metal moving in close proximity.
Signs your Audi is overdue for an oil change
While we highly recommend checking the Owner’s Manual for the recommended oil change interval, the rule of thumb is that, if using fully synthetic oil, your vehicle should have oil change every 5,000 miles or every 6 months. IF you have not kept track of time or miles since the last change (at Adams Autoworx we will keep track for you), here are some signs that it’s time for an oil change:
- Check engine or oil change light
A telltale sign that it’s good time for an oil change is when check engine or oil change lights illuminate. These are self-explanatory – it’s time for a visit to your local mechanic.
Fresh motor oil is a bright amber color. If you look on a dipstick and see dark or almost black color, it’s high time for an oil change.
The Owner’s Manual should show dashboard warning lights with explanations. On most vehicles, there is a low engine oil indicator, which often looks like an ancient oil lamp. Older vehicles especially might be prone to burning oil, and this indicator comes on when oil levels are really low. If you drive an older vehicle, we recommend having a quart size engine oil bottle in the trunk. When this indicator comes on, pull over where it is safe to do so, check the oil level, and if needed, add oil to the engine before driving further. We also highly recommend taking your car to a professional mechanic as soon as possible to find out the cause of the low engine oil.
And of course there is just sheer mileage - if you traveled a lot of miles in the previous months, your Audi is probably overdue for an oil change. Call Adams Autoworx in Castro Valley – we provide complete auto care, including oil changes, oil leak detection and repair, and hundreds of other maintenance services and repairs that will keep your Audi happy.