Your car’s engine is at the center of every action the vehicle takes, making its maintenance essential if you want it to be reliable. While maintenance is essential for your engine, you might not know the signs that it requires maintenance. Recognizing the signs that you need an oil change necessary to prevent unexpected breakdowns of your engine and guarantee smooth travel.

At Paskett Auto, we understand that you may not recognize the signs that your engine needs an oil change. However, with the help of this blog, caring for your engine may become much easier. If you aren’t sure what the signs that you need an oil change are, keep reading to learn how your vehicle behaves when it is time for this crucial maintenance appointment. 

1. Diminished Fuel Efficiency

Ensuring your car is the most fuel-efficient is essential for saving yourself from costly gas bills every time you head to the pump. However, if you notice that your car is not getting as many miles as it used to, this could be a sign that your engine is working harder than it should be. Old and dirty oil is often much less effective at lubricating engine components, causing increased friction and decreased fuel efficiency. If your fuel efficiency has dropped significantly, it is a clear sign that you need an oil change to return it to its previous state. 

2. Dark, Dirty Oil

If you aren’t sure if you need an oil change, one of the easiest ways to check on the health of your engine’s oil is by inspecting its color and consistency. When your oil is freshly poured, it is amber in color and has a smooth texture. As it circulates through your engine, it will pick up dirt and debris, causing the color to darken and the texture to become much grittier. If you believe you need an oil change, pull out the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert it, and check the color of your oil. If it is a deep, almost black color, this is a sign that it is time for you to schedule an oil change. 

3. Dashboard Lights

If you drive a newer vehicle, it may come with sensors that monitor a variety of aspects of your vehicle’s performance, including your oil quality. If your engine oil pressure light comes on, this means you need an oil change. With these modern advancements in your car’s dashboard technology, it is important to listen to these sensors when they notify you of maintenance needs, as it will guarantee your car maintains peak performance. 

4. Exhaust Smoke

If you notice excessive smoke coming out of your car’s exhaust pipe, this may be a sign of burning oil. Old, dirty oil can lose its lubricating properties as it gets older and thicker, leading to increased friction and heat within your engine. As this heat and friction increases, it may cause your oil to seep into the combustion chamber, resulting in more exhaust smoke than your car generally produces. If you notice gray or blue smoke coming from your tailpipe, this is an indication that you need an oil change. 

5. Loud Engine Noises

When your engine is well lubricated with oil, it operates quietly. However, as the oil in your engine becomes old and loses its viscosity, you may begin to hear louder-than-usual noises coming from it. This noise may be a result of the increased friction between the moving parts of your engine. If you begin to notice more noises coming from your engine than usual, you need an oil change. 

The Risk of Not Changing Your Oil

While you may think ignoring a necessary oil change can’t cause much damage to your engine, it may be more detrimental to your car than you realize. Some of the potential consequences of not performing regular oil changes on your vehicle include the following: 

• Engine damage, leading to costly repairs or complete engine replacement
• Decrease fuel efficiency
• Engine overheating
• Reduced engine performance
• Voided warranty
• Shortened engine lifespan

To protect your engine from this kind of unexpected and costly damage, it is important to schedule your oil changes in a timely manner. On average, your car requires an oil change every 5,000 miles to ensure proper care of your engine. 

Don’t Put Off Maintenance When You Need an Oil Change

Neglecting oil changes poses some serious risks to the performance of your vehicle, your car’s overall efficiency, and the longevity of your engine lifespan. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes, is a small investment that may end up saving you from significant repairs and headaches down the road. 

If you’re looking for a reliable auto repair shop to schedule regular oil changes, you should consider working with our team at Paskett Auto. With years of experience performing maintenance on cars for car owners across the Northern Utah area, we’re confident that we can quickly and reliably maintain your vehicle so it runs smoothly for many years to come. 

In addition to oil changes, our team performs tire rotations, air conditioning, and heating system repairs, and much more. If you need an oil change and would like to schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today. 

As cold weather settles in, it isn’t uncommon for your car to begin experiencing its own myriad of problems. From the threat of rust to the risk of a dead battery, winter presents some unique challenges and can be responsible for a wide range of damage to your car. Understanding the most common forms of winter car damage is a great first step to protecting your car throughout the season.

At Paskett Auto, we understand just how detrimental this season can be to your vehicle. Our team has compiled a list of the most common winter car damage, so you can prepare accordingly and prevent costly repairs throughout the coldest months. If you want to keep your car safe this winter, keep reading to see what we recommend. 

Understanding the Impact of Winter on Your Car

While your car is strong enough to withstand the cold, it isn’t going to do so without some risk of damage. Throughout the cold winter months, you may find yourself dealing with more car problems than you do throughout the remainder of the year. Cold weather can be especially harsh on different parts of your car, making it more difficult for your car to run. 

This colder weather can thicken essential fluids, freeze motor components, and impact your fuel economy. With extreme temperature fluctuations and unsafe road conditions, it isn’t hard to understand why more car owners experience damage to their vehicles throughout these colder months. By understanding this common winter car damage, however, you can do your part to keep your car and yourself safe. 

Failing Spark Plugs

While new spark plugs shouldn’t experience too many problems during the winter months, it isn’t uncommon for older spark plugs to struggle through the cold. Older spark plugs are more susceptible to corrosion, making it difficult for them to spark once temperatures drop. When they fail to spark, you may be stuck out in the cold.

To protect yourself from this winter car damage, it is best to schedule a maintenance appointment ahead of time to ensure they’re in the best working condition. If they aren’t, it is best to replace your spark plugs before they cause more problems. Don’t put this replacement off, as waiting may leave you stranded when you’re least prepared for it. 

Low Tires

Changing temperatures are known for causing fluctuations in your tire pressure, leaving you with low tires when they drop. For every ten degrees, the temperature drops, your tire pressure can drop 1 psi. When the weather fluctuates or drops 30 or more degrees, this may mean that your tire pressure drops well below the recommended PSI.

If you notice your low tire pressure sensor coming on, don’t ignore it. Improperly inflated tires can wear more quickly or unevenly, requiring replacement before their lifespan is up. They may even make navigating icy roads more difficult. As soon as the sensor comes on, fill them up to keep yourself and your tires safe from winter car damage. 

Dead Battery

Your car’s battery needs to be replaced every four to five years to ensure everything runs smoothly. However, you may not have replaced it in quite some time, leading to a higher risk of experiencing a dead battery throughout the winter months. As it gets colder, your car battery may lose as much as 60% of its power, making a dead battery one of the most common forms of winter car damage. 

To protect yourself from a dead battery during the winter, it is best to have it tested during your winter maintenance appointment. Your mechanic will be able to tell you whether your battery needs replacing or recharging before the cold really settles in. Prevent unexpected dead batteries this winter and have it checked out by a mechanic ahead of the cold weather. 

Frozen Mechanisms

When the temperature dips below freezing, it doesn’t just impact your engine. Things like your locks, door handles, and windshield wipers may also freeze under these lower temperatures. Moisture that creeps in may make it difficult to open car doors, roll down windows, or properly clear your windshield.

When dealing with frozen mechanisms, it is best to act with caution. Use products designed for deicing to address frozen locks or doors, as any other product, like hot water, may lead to more problems. As for your windshield wipers, it is best to clear away ice and snow before attempting to use them, as the cold weather may make them brittle and lead to premature breaks. 

Cracked Windshield

It isn’t uncommon for car owners to experience damage to their windshield during the winter months, especially if they are dealing with minor damage before the cold hits. As the temperatures drop, the glass on your windshield contracts. This contraction can lead to the spread of even the smallest cracks or chips on your windshield. 

While you might think the small crack or chip on your windshield isn’t worth addressing, repairing it promptly may save you more money in the long run. If you notice any minor damage to your windshield, address it before the weather gets too cold to avoid costly windshield replacements. 

Repair Winter Car Damage with Paskett Auto

While there are many things you can do to protect yourself from common winter car damage, some damage is unavoidable. If you’re experiencing winter car damage, turn to our team at Paskett Auto for help. With years of experience maintaining and repairing cars from across the Wasatch Front, we’re confident that we can help you as well.

From oil changes and windshield wiper blade replacement to brake inspections and tire rotations, our team does it all. If you are dealing with winter car damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today for help. 

While you may enjoy the benefits of snowy weather, including snowboarding, skiing, and sledding, these are less-than-optimal conditions for driving your car. Icy roads, snow-covered highways, and below-freezing temperatures can be detrimental to your car if you don’t take adequate steps to prepare it.

At Paskett Auto, our team wants you to prepare your car for winter ahead of time so you can avoid any unexpected breakdowns. If you want to prepare your car for winter, continue reading to see what steps we recommend. 

Why Is It Important To Prepare Your Car For Winter?  

During the winter months, many unpredictable factors make it an incredibly unsafe time to drive. When so many factors are unpredictable, it is important that everything within your control is predictable, including your car. These steps you take to prepare your car for winter don’t just keep you safe but also other drivers on the road. If you are looking to stay safe on the road during the winter months, it is important that you take several steps to ensure this. 

Winterizing Your Car

If you want to prepare your car for winter, there are several steps you should take before the weather picks up. If you want to winterize your vehicle, you should consider following this checklist:

• Check Your Tires: The roads during the snowy winter months are slick and, with inadequately prepared tires, can be difficult to drive on. If you want to prepare your car for winter, inspect your treads. Do the penny test to ensure your treads are thick enough. You may struggle to find traction on the road if they aren’t. In addition to checking the tread, you should ensure your tires are adequately inflated. If they are regularly leaking or the treads are bare, you might need new tires. 
• Schedule An Oil Change: The colder weather thickens your oil, making it more difficult to lubricate your engine adequately. Scheduling an oil change ahead of the winter months ensures that your engine is protected against the winter weather and prevents premature wear and breakdown of critical components.   
• Inspect Your Battery: Your car’s battery has a lifespan of three to four years. If it has been a while since you replaced your car’s battery, you might want to consider taking it to an automotive repair shop. They can determine if the battery is weak and needs a replacement. 

Preparing To Drive In Winter Weather

Preparing to drive may be intimidating if you have recently moved to a place that receives snowfall and you’ve never driven in snow before. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety while driving in winter weather. 

• Give Yourself Extra Time: Driving in the snow may take longer than anticipated. To drive safely in the snow, give yourself extra time so you don’t have to rush in this inclement weather. 
• Drive Under The Speed Limit: As stated above, driving in snow may take longer than anticipated. Driving under the speed limit is best so you don’t risk sliding across slick road surfaces. 
• Remove Snow And Ice From Your Car: Blocked vision makes driving in the winter incredibly difficult. To prepare your car for winter driving, ensure your windshield and windows are cleared of ice and snow. 
• Don’t Accelerate Or Slow Down Quickly: Accelerating or slowing down too quickly can lead to your car slipping across icy surfaces. When you are driving, ensure you accelerate and slow down slowly. 
• Wear Your Seatbelt: You can control your driving, but winter weather is unpredictable. Wearing your seatbelt is the best way to stay safe while driving in the winter. 

What To Do If You Get Stranded

Being stranded during a winter storm is intimidating, especially if you aren’t prepared for it. There are several things you should do if you get stranded, including the following:

• Call For Help: If you get stranded during a winter storm, the first thing you should do is call for help. Calling for help ensures that someone knows where you are if your cell phone dies. 
• Make Yourself Visible: When you are stranded on the side of the road, you want to do everything in your power to make yourself visible. By making yourself visible, you protect your vehicle from collisions with other vehicles that may drive past. It may also help people find you if your vehicle is partially covered in snow. 
• Determine If You Can Leave: While it is often safest to stay in your vehicle, you should determine if you can safely leave your vehicle and make it to a safe shelter. However, it is safest to stay in your vehicle when in doubt. 
• Avoid Exposure To Carbon Monoxide: If your car’s exhaust is blocked by snow and you continue to run your vehicle, you risk exposure to carbon monoxide. Clear the tailpipe if possible to avoid this. 

What To Keep In Your Car’s Emergency Kit

One of the best ways to prepare your car for winter is by ensuring you have an adequately packed emergency kit. There are many important items to keep in your car’s emergency kit, including the following:

• First aid kit
• Flashlights and batteries
• Shovel
• Raincoats, gloves, and tarps
• Blanket
• Drinking water and snacks
• Jumper cables
• Flares and reflectors

Prepare Your Car For Winter With Paskett Auto 

Preparing your car for winter is essential for your safety and adequate car maintenance. If you are looking for an auto repair shop to prepare your car for winter, our team at Paskett Auto is the perfect team for you. With years of experience, we can quickly make any necessary repairs and ensure your car is ready for the colder months. In addition to services to prepare your car for winter, we provide emissions tests, air conditioning repairs, and more. If you want to prepare your car for winter or would like to speak to a member of our team about the other services we provide, contact us today.