Signs You Need an Oil Change

You want your Lexus to run smoothly and efficiently throughout its lifetime, and that means getting regular service and maintenance. Your regular service interval should be enough to catch most issues, but what if you notice something seems “off?” For example, are there signs you may be overdue for an oil change? Read on with the expert service team here at Lexus Downtown, as we run down some warning signs to watch out for in regards to your engine oil.

Goopy Oil

Fresh oil is translucent and amber coloured. If you check your oil manually and you notice that it’s become dark, dirty, and sludgy, that means it’s collected a lot of dirt and particulates. You’ll want to get it replaced with some clean oil as soon as you can.

Engine Noises

When your oil gets old, it loses viscosity. This means less lubrication for the mechanical parts of your engine, and that can cause them to rub or knock against each other in a sub-optimal way. If you start to notice a knocking or ticking noise coming from the engine, that could be a sign things aren’t running smoothly and you need to get your oil checked.

Engine Heat

That lack of lubrication may not just cause knocking, it can also cause friction. If your engine starts running hotter than normal, you should get your oil checked promptly. An overheated engine can seize up, which can lead to serious engine damage.

Engine Efficiency

When your vehicle isn’t running efficiently, it takes more fuel than normal to run. A harder working engine will have a reduced fuel efficiency, and that means more trips to the gas station to top up. If you’ve been filling up more than average, you might consider getting an oil change to see if that might help.

Get Your Certified Lexus Service at Lexus Downtown

Our team has been specially trained at Lexus Academy to give your vehicle the best possible care. Our state-of-the-art service centre is fully equipped to handle any Lexus vehicle, including hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs. Book your next service appointment today, with the team here at Lexus Downtown in Toronto, ON.