Blog / Hillsboro Subaru Service

How Long Has It Been Since Your Subaru's Last Oil Change?

oil change2

Are you worried that it's been too long since your last oil change? As motor oil starts to degrade, excess friction and heat can build up inside the engine, which might lead to all kinds of expensive trouble. If you ever notice the following issues, head to your local Subaru dealer right away to have your motor oil refreshed. 

How Long Has It Been Since Your Subaru's Last Oil Change?

Knocking or Ticking Sounds

If motor oil starts to diminish or thicken as it fills with contaminants, it can no longer lubricate properly. This causes the moving internal engine parts to start knocking and rubbing against each other more noisily. When cold or thickened oil takes excessive time to circulate around an engine, it can also cause odd ticking sounds.

Poor Engine Performance

As an engine requires high-quality oil to function, any reduction in the volume or quality of oil may cause a loss in engine efficiency. So if your engine seems to have less powerful acceleration than usual, you might have to top up or change your motor oil. 

Dropping Gas Mileage 

An insufficiently lubricated engine will also begin to guzzle gas less efficiently. This means you'll be stopping at gas stations more frequently. 

Overheating Engine

Alongside the cooling system, motor oil plays a role in controlling the temperature inside the engine. If the oil stops lubricating properly and friction rises, the engine may start to overheat. If this happens, you'll see the temperature gauge on your dashboard rapidly rising into the red.

Smells of Burning Oil

As heat rises inside an engine, the oil can start to burn. Leaking motor oil might also burn as it drips onto super-heated engine components. If this happens, you're likely to catch a whiff of burning motor oil from inside the car's cabin.

Smoke in the Exhaust Fumes

The problems caused by old, low, or degraded motor oil can also cause smoke to pour from the tailpipe. Thickening exhaust fumes should never be ignored as it usually indicates a potentially serious engine problem. 

Low or Dirty-Looking Oil

All drivers should regularly check the level and condition of their motor oil. If your oil ever appears to be low or dirtied by contaminants, consider topping it up or having it refreshed at once. 

How Often To Visit Your Subaru Dealer for Oil Servicing

Motor oil should typically be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or about once every six months. However, this interval might vary depending on your particular vehicle and regular driving conditions. Always check your owner's manual for the specific guidance the manufacturer offers. You can also ask for advice at your local dealership.

Have your oil refreshed today by courteous, experienced technicians at Royal Moore Subaru. We're a full-service dealership offering great vehicles and a great customer experience for everyone who steps foot through our doors.

Posted in:

Related Posts

serv

Ensuring Your Subaru's Longevity with Regular Maintenance

Routine maintenance is the key to longevity for any car. As a vehicle owner, if you want to enjoy peak performance and resale value for as long as possible, make sure you follow the essential maintenance tips laid out below. For your ease and convenience, you can schedule top-notch Subaru maintenance servicing at your local Subaru dealership today. Ensuring Your Subaru's Longevity with Regular Maintenance Oil Changes The condition of the engine often determines the lifespan of any vehicle. If you want your car to last a long time, you need to reduce engine wear and tear at all costs. The number one factor combating engine wear is the motor oil; never miss an oil change and your car will live far longer. Fluid Top-Ups All the other fluids in your vehicle are also vital for overall longevity. The coolant should always be kept fresh and topped up to ensure the engine doesn't overheat. The transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid also need to be periodically flushed and refreshed. more Transmission Servicing When it comes to vehicle longevity, the condition of a modern transmission is almost as important as the engine. Modern automatic transmissions are extremely complex and can be very expensive to repair. In addition to keeping the transmission fluid fresh, every four to seven years, the entire transmission should be fully serviced. Brake Servicing Along with maintaining the brake fluid, the various brake components also need to be checked twice a year by a professional. This includes the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. Not only does this combat deterioration, but it also helps keep you and your car safe from collisions and potentially catastrophic damage. Tire Checks and Rotation Likewise, car tires play a significant role in road safety. Worn-out or uneven tires can also cause harm to other connected car parts. It's important to check the air pressure in your tires once a month and have them rotated twice a year. Air Filter Replacement To keep your engine in great working order, the air filter also needs to be inspected and replaced once every year or two. If the engine's air filter ever becomes clogged up, it can rapidly lead to engine trouble, which is no good for vehicle longevity. Battery Testing Given how important electricity is in modern cars, you should always keep a close eye on the condition of your battery. Car batteries tend to last four to five years. The moment your battery starts to fail, have it replaced with a new one. Schedule Routine Subaru Maintenance at Your Local Subaru Dealer Sometimes, all it takes is missing a single oil change or fluid top-up to cause significant damage to a car. You can avoid this risk by setting up a routine servicing schedule at your local dealership. This is one of the best ways to ensure vehicle longevity. Visit Royal Moore Subaru in Hillsboro, OR, today to have all of these vital vehicle services, and many more, carried out by experienced technicians. We're dedicated to helping the region's drivers enjoy optimal vehicle performance, enjoyment, and safety for longer.

battery

Getting a New Car Battery for Your Subaru

The best time to replace your car's battery is before you need it. This means you need to know the signs that your battery is on its way out the door. Read on to learn about when your battery needs changed and what kind of battery you need. The certified professionals at your Subaru dealer have the knowledge to get you a new car battery and back onto the road without delay. Get Your New Car Battery At Your Subaru Dealer One of the first signs you need a new battery is when your engine is slow to crank or takes multiple tries to start your car. You may also find that your battery light is illuminated on your light panel. These are both signs that you need to get into your dealership to have the battery checked and replaced if needed. Misshapen Battery Case Another sign you need to replace your battery is if the battery case is bloated or misshapen. This can happen when the battery has been exposed to high heat or overcharged. Additionally, if you notice that your battery is leaking, it's time to get into the shop and get it replaced before it causes further issues with your car. Types of Batteries There are three main types of batteries to choose from. These are gel-cell, AGM, and SLA batteries. The gel-cell batteries are primarily found in older models and may not be offered in the appropriate sizes and specs for your car. SLA, or 12-volt sealed lead-acid batteries, are the most common battery found in modern cars. Some high-performance vehicles come with lithium-ion batteries. AGM, or absorbent glass mat batteries, can be found in many modern vehicles and use a similar chemistry makeup as SLA batteries. AGM batteries are more durable and claim to handle more charge cycles than SLA batteries. Choosing the Right Battery Determining the right battery can be difficult as you need to balance price, cold crank amps, physical size, and warranties. You can look in your owner's manual to find the specs for your battery. Alternatively, you can reduce stress by taking your vehicle to your dealership and letting the certified technicians find the correct battery, install it and dispose of the old battery for you. Your vehicle is an important investment. Make sure that you choose an auto service center that is reliable and trustworthy with plenty of experience to perform your maintenance and repairs. Call us at Royal Moore Subaru to schedule an appointment with our certified technicians, who have the knowledge and experience to provide you with top-notch service.

tires

Time for New Tires? Visit Your Subaru Dealership

Good tires have a major impact on how well your Subaru handles and can even affect the fuel economy of your vehicle. When you need new tires, the best place to go is your Subaru dealership. Time for New Tires? Visit Your Subaru Dealership Getting a flat isn't the only time you need to replace your tires. If there are visible cracks or bulges on the sidewall of your tires, then your tires could have an air leak that could lead to a flat in the future. Consistently low tire pressure is another sign that your tire might be leaking. Another sign that you might need to replace your tires is a low tread. The tread wear indicator on your tire can be checked before you get on the road. Balding tires can be dangerous because of the lack of friction between your tires and the road, as well as the risk of getting a flat because of road debris. more What Happens During Tire Service? At your dealership, tire service usually involves inspecting the tread on your tires, rotating your tires, balancing your tires, aligning your wheels, and examining your suspension. If your tires need to be replaced, your mechanic will usually recommend replacing all four tires at once. You might need to replace your tires every four or five years. Tires should generally be rotated every six months. Which Tires Should You Buy? It's important to buy tires that meet your performance needs for the season. All-season tires are generally a good choice since they perform well in all climates, particularly if you don't anticipate a hard winter or a hot summer. However, you may want to opt for winter tires in Oregon if you expect to be driving on snowy, icy, or slushy roads throughout the winter. Winter tires are made with a softer rubber material that maintains traction on slick roads and stays flexible even in frigid temperatures. What Are the Benefits of Buying Tires From Your Dealership? When you buy tires from your local dealership, you can be confident that you are purchasing high-quality tires that will last for the next few years. Additionally, your Subaru dealer backs your tire purchase with a Subaru 24-Month Tire Protection Plan. This warranty plan will cover the repair or replacement of your tires for 24 months and comes with Subaru Tire Roadside Assistance. The tires on your vehicle play a vital role in the overall handling, performance, and safety of your Subaru. If your tires are damaged or your tread is running low, it might not be safe to drive. Book tire replacement service at Royal Moore Subaru today.