Your Audi needs regular oil changes to run smoothly or the engine can break down. In fact, Audi drivers should get their oil changed approximately once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.

We will take you through the risks of infrequent oil changes, the benefits of frequent ones, signs you need an oil change ASAP, and how German Auto Repair can help.

Risks of infrequent oil changes

Unfortunately, your car may have serious problems if you do not change your oil as detailed by your manufacturer.

Your engine’s oil can help keep your engine’s temperature within safe ranges. Naturally, a failure to properly maintain your oil can cause your engine to overheat. This is a very serious problem. In fact, overheating can completely destroy your engine, which is an expensive problem that is certainly better avoided.

Infrequent oil changes can risk malfunctions in the oil pump, an extremely important engine component. A defunct oil pump can render your car un-drivable. So it’s a good practice to ensure your Audi’s oil is changed regularly.

Benefits of regular oil changes

Changing your oil is not just about averting catastrophe. Rather, you may experience considerable benefits when you change your oil at an optimal frequency.

●      Clean engine: Oil can bring dirtdust, and other contaminants into your engine, and this may result in harmful sludge buildup. If you live in a dry or dusty region, this will happen more quickly. As you can likely imagine, this sludge buildup can negatively impact your Audi’s performance. Luckily, frequent oil changes can prevent this process from happening to any dangerous extent.

●      Long engine life: Oil changes can prevent wear and tear on your Audi’s engine. This means that your engine is likely to last longer, something that can save you an enormous amount of money in the long run.

●      Protecting engine parts: Aside from problems with the engine as a whole, dirty oil can cause an array of problems for the many components of your engine. These problems can significantly harm the performance of your Audi. However, frequent oil changes can keep your engine parts running smoothly.

●      Improved gas mileage: Contaminants from unclean oil can build up in your engine, causing friction that reduces engine performance. In the long run, this can reduce your fuel efficiency, something that is both harmful to the environment and to your wallet.

Signs you need an oil change

Luckily, there are several good ways to know whether your car is in need of an oil change. Make sure to look out for these symptoms:

●      Check engine light on: The most obvious sign that your Audi needs an oil change is that your check engine light will come on. This is your car’s attempt to warn you that you need an oil change. When the light is on, we would suggest you conduct further examination.

●      Engine noise: An engine without sufficient oil may experience excessive friction, something you may be able to hear. If you hear strange noises in your engine, such as a knocking sound, your oil may be the culprit.

●      Dark oil: If you suspect it may be time for an oil change, you can check for dirt on your dipstick, since oil that needs changing will have a problematic level of contaminants. Remove your dipstick, wipe it off, and put it back in the oil tank. Remove it again. If the oil is so opaque that it obscures the dipstick, your oil is dirty and may need changing.

●      Exhaust smoke: If your Audi’s exhaust is dark smoke, rather than translucent vapor, your car likely needs maintenance, which may include an oil change.

●      Heavy mileage: Finally, heavy use of your car means you will need to change your oil faster. Consider accelerating your oil-change schedule if you have driven a lot recently. In the long run, it is likely better to err on the side of over-maintaining your engine.

 

Bavarian Workshop for your Audi’s Needs

If your Audi needs an oil change, bring it to our experts at Bavarian Workshop in West Hills, CA. We are happy to serve the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. Call us today for a convenient appointment.

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