Changing Your Oil is Essential to Your Toyota’s Longevity

Getting routine oil changes for your used Toyota car, truck, or SUV can feel like a hassle. However, oil changes are one of the most inexpensive and essential parts of routine maintenance. Whether your Toyota engine runs on synthetic, conventional, or a blend of the two, neglecting regular oil changes will cost you more in the long run.

As a car owner in Atlanta, it’s vital to understand why a used Corolla, used RAV4, or a used Camry requires regular oil changes. We all lead busy lives, but routine maintenance will always end up being less money and time than ignoring your Toyota’s health. This may seem daunting, but Rick Hendrick Toyota Sandy Springs has Toyota mechanics trained to know everything about your car. They will keep your car running to perfection and help you know exactly when your Toyota will need maintenance next.

What Does Oil Do For My Used Toyota?

Motor oil provides lubrication for the moving parts of your engine, which will minimize friction that will cause damage to your engine. This friction will cause your engine to heat up to unhealthy levels and eventually can make your engine start to seize up, and we all know replacing your engine is much more costly than changing your oil.

These factors are precisely why replacing your oil at the recommended intervals is the best way to keep your Toyota running for years to come.

How to Tell It’s Time for a Toyota Oil Change

While it’s important to listen to the recommended intervals your Toyota mechanic provides you based on the engine and type of oil, there are signs that your engine needs an oil change. Here are some crucial signs that your car requires an oil change.

• The Smell of Oil: If you start smelling oil from inside your Toyota’s cabin, the most likely cause will be that you have an oil leak.
• Black or Brown Oil Color: Your oil over time will collect dirt and debris, causing it to turn a darker color. You can easily check the level and color of your oil with the dipstick in your Toyota.
• Check engine/Oil Change Light: If you notice a light turn on your dashboard,
  It means your car has detected either low oil or dirty oil.
• Ticking Sounds When Engine Starts: When your car starts, your engine will immediately start circulating the oil. Old oil will have a thicker texture and make your engine work harder to run. This may cause a ticking noise caused by the valves in your engine working harder to move the oil throughout your engine.
• Knocking Noises or Loud Engine Performance: When you have old or dirty oil, it will hinder the moving parts in your engine from being lubricated properly. This will cause your engine to create more friction and can make your engine create much more noise.
• More Mileage Than a Usual Commute: An excellent common practice when you return from a long vacation or work trip is changing your oil immediately.

Schedule Your Next Toyota Oil Change in Atlanta

Rick Hendrick Toyota Sandy Springs has Toyota mechanics that are dedicated to providing unparalleled service to the people of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, and all surrounding communities. Our Toyota Service Center will keep your used Toyota car, truck, or SUV running at peak efficiency for as long as possible. Just make sure before you schedule your next service that you browse our unbeatable service specials to save a nice chunk of change! We also provide ways to make routine maintenance more accessible by giving you the option to use our Toyota Express Service or finance your next service through Ally Financial. Give us a visit to provide your Toyota the care it deserves!