For your car to give you good service then it needs to be well maintained. One of the ways of ensuring this happens is by changing your oil. This brings out the need to know some of the signs that signal that you need to change your oil.

The Oil Looks Black and Gritty

This is one you have to train your eye to see. The original color of oil is more of a honey brown, and that’ll quickly darken after a few weeks of use. Once you start to see particles mixed in with that black oil, it’s time to change it out. You don’t want to overload the filter to the point that it’s missing contaminants that’ll gunk up in the engine.

Your Engine Running Louder Than Usual

Oil lubricates your engine. Without lubrication, the guts will start to rub, grind probably describes it better, against each other, creating more unpleasant noises than you’re used to from under the hood. Get some new oil in there stat.

Sourced from: http://www.complex.com/sports/NaN/Invalid%20date/5-signs-you-need-to-change-your-oil/your-engine-running-louder-than-usual

Prevention has always been better than cure. There is nothing as bad as your car battery bringing issues when you are on your way to an important meeting. You should know the tell signs so that you can deal with the issue before it happens.

Sign 01

Slow engine crank:

When you attempt to start the vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.

Sign 02

Check engine light:

The check engine light sometimes appears when your battery power is weak.

Sign 03

Low battery fluid level:

Car batteries typically have a part of the casing that’s translucent so you can always keep an eye on your battery’s fluid level. If the fluid level is below the lead plates: (energy conductor 🙂 inside, it’s time to have the battery and charging system tested.

Sourced from: http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/cf/batteries/car-battery-problems-when-is-it-time-for-a-new-battery/

Wheel alignment is done to enable your car tires perform well on the road. It is also done to ensure the tires last longer and also improve on how you handle your car so that it does not vibrate or pull in a single direction.

WHAT IS TIRE ALIGNMENT?

Alignment refers to an adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension – the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels. It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. The key to proper alignment is adjusting the angles of the tires which affects how they make contact with the road.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A TIRE ALIGNMENT?

There are a couple ways to tell if your car needs a tire alignment. If you’ve noticed one or more of these indicators, you should have your alignment checked by a licensed service technician immediately.

• Uneven tread wear
• Vehicle pulling to the left or right
• Your steering wheel is off center when driving straight
• Steering wheel vibration

Sourced from: http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/tire-alignment

If your car is becoming sluggish, squeals or vibrates then it would be recommended that you take your car for a tune up. Getting a new car is expensive so the best alternative is to always pay attention to what your car is saying.

1.Warning lights

Those little indicators on your dashboard that light up when starting the car and that sometimes stay illuminated are there for a reason – to indicate a problem or potential problem with a vehicle system or component. Pay attention to these indicator lights, and when they illuminate, get them diagnosed at your earliest opportunity. They could be indicating something as simple as a burned out taillight or more serious problem, such as a transmission failure. Diagnosing and fixing a minor problem can help you avoid a much bigger and costlier problem down the road.

2.Stalling

If your vehicle suddenly begins stalling at intersections, when you try to accelerate, or at other times, not only is this a warning sign of trouble lurking but it also can put you in a dangerous situation. Engines are designed to deliver reliable performance, particularly when you need it most, such as merging onto a highway. The cause could be fouled spark plugs or a clogged fuel filter, or something else entirely.

3.Hard starts

You’re allowed to be a little sluggish first thing in the morning. Your vehicle isn’t. If it won’t start when you need it to, if it takes several turns of the key before it does start, or if it starts but won’t stay running, you’ve got a problem. It could be a weak battery or a defective starter or a host of other problems.

Sourced from: https://www.driverside.com/auto-library/9_signs_your_vehicle_needs_a_tuneup-996