Island Kia takes pride in the quality of vehicles we put out on the road! To keep your Kia running as well as possible for years to come, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. One of the most important things to pay attention to is your oil. If you’re not sure how to tell when it’s time for an oil change, we’re here to help!
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One of the first things to look for is an oil pressure warning light illuminating your dashboard. The sensors in your vehicle will let you know when the oil starts getting low. Once you see this light, it’s important to get your oil checked and topped off as soon as possible.

The second sign to watch out for is stalling. While most newer vehicles come equipped with fail-safe features to prevent severe damage to your engine, stalling can still wear your engine out quickly. Expensive parts can be damaged to the point of needing repair, and engine stalling is often a result of low oil.

Third, listen for clunking or knocking noises. Oil helps to lubricate all the parts in your engine, without enough oil they rub together and create friction which loosens engine rods. The rods get thrown around the engine and cause the noises. As soon as you hear any noises, it’s time for an oil change!

Fourth on our list is an engine that repeatedly overheats. Once again, the lubrication that oil provides comes into play. When your oil is low, metal parts creating friction heat up far more than they should as you drive. As the temperature rises, the heat can damage your engine past the point of repair and even cause a fire on the road. If your vehicle ever overheats, remember to give the engine time to cool down before opening your hood to prevent an explosion and burns.

Number five, burning oil smells. If you ever smell burning it’s vital that you stop the car and pull over right away. Burning oil can be due to a leak in your engine. If there is a leak and the oil is too low, don’t drive the vehicle again until it has been towed to a shop and the oil levels have been brought up to the necessary levels.

Finally, if your car is sluggish, it’s time for a tune-up. Without enough oil, your engine will strain to run. When your engine is this stressed, it can be damaged and will significantly reduce your fuel efficiency.

Whether you already own a Kia or are looking to invest in one, Island Kia can help. We have a wide variety of new and used inventory and can’t wait to help you find the perfect vehicle. Once you do own a Kia, you can schedule services with us by calling 718-727-7000. Our sales department can also be reached at the same number and we are conveniently located at 1581 Hylan Boulevard in Staten Island, New York!