Every vehicle owner has to stay on top of their car’s maintenance needs, and a regular oil change is chief among those. For an Audi owner, it’s even more important to keep your car in peak condition. Your owner’s manual will have information on when the manufacturer recommends having your oil changed, but the timing of your maintenance schedules can be affected by your own driving habits. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to recognize when you need an oil change in case you need to bring your Audi in sooner.

What Are Obvious Signs I Need an Oil Change?

Typically, you’ll want to have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. However, this deadline isn’t set in stone. In fact, there are numerous indicators that it’s time to bring your vehicle in for an oil change sooner rather than later. Some of the key signs to look out for include: 

Dark and silty oil on the dipstick

If you notice that your oil is dark or silty, or if there are any floating particles in it, then you may need an oil change. That is because a lack of oil can cause parts of your engine to rub and grind against each other, leading to shavings and other particles to appear in the oil tank. 

Low oil levels

In addition to checking if your oil is dark and silty, you should also ensure that it’s at the right level. Your Audi should have an indicator for your current oil level, and other cars will indicate this on their dipstick. You don’t want too much or too little oil in your engine. 

Check engine/oil lights

If you see the check engine light appear on your dashboard, then something might be wrong. While this light can be triggered by any number of issues in your vehicle, it’s always a good idea to check to see if the oil is the culprit. In most vehicles, there is also an oil level light that will indicate if your levels are too low or if the oil is too thin. 

Get Your Oil Changed at Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River

Now that you know the prominent signs of needing an oil change, the next step is to find a reliable service center. If you live in the greater Upper Saddle River region, then you’ll be happy to know that Jack Daniels Audi is a fully staffed and reputable Audi oil change service provider. Schedule your oil change with us today and check on our current service specials for an opportunity to save.