Oil Changes

Maintaining Engine Vitality: The Importance of Oil Changes

Some people consider a DIY oil change a source of pride, but it could be a big mistake. You may not notice problems such as fuel contamination that can lead to extensive engine damage and very costly repairs. To be safe, choose professionals like ours at East End Auto for oil changes and other maintenance.

We can ensure that you have the proper oil capacity and check for other problems affecting your engine. If your oil is sludgy or consistently low, preventive maintenance to other parts of your vehicle, such as the oil and air filters, can help save your engine down the road.

The Importance of Motor Oil to Engine Longevity

Motor oil lubricates your engine, preventing wear and tear from friction. Not keeping up with vehicle oil changes can affect engine performance, reduce fuel economy, and cause emissions problems. 



If your oil capacity or oil quality is low and you don't address it, your engine could fail.

Signs You Need an Engine Oil Change

Several things to look out for to tell you it is time for an oil change.

Check Engine or Oil Change Light

Some vehicles have lights specific to oil changes, while others only have check engine engine lights that may signal an oil problem. Don't hesitate to bring your vehicle to East End Auto when these lights come on.

Engine Noise and Knocking

If engine parts aren't getting clean oil for protection, they may start brushing against each other. The strange sounds you hear may be metal-on-metal. 

Never ignore this sound. If not addressed by qualified professionals like East End Auto, you may hear a knocking sound, indicating your engine is in danger of failing due to lack of lubrication. 

Your professional mechanic at East End Auto can diagnose the problem causing your engine noise and provide a fair estimate to fix it.

Smoke From the Tailpipe

You may always notice some exhaust from your tailpipe, but it should look like a translucent vapor. If the exhaust from your car is black, it may indicate an oil leak.

Bring your car to East End Auto for service immediately if you notice black exhaust smoke. While an oil leak is a potential culprit, you may also have a leaking fuel injector, a bad regulator, a clogged air filter, or a bigger engine problem.

Burning or Oil Smell Inside the Car

You never want to smell oil burning inside the cabin of your vehicle. It is a clear sign of an oil leak. Other burning smells may indicate that your engine is overheating.

Whether you smell burning you can't identify or oil, gas, or exhaust fumes, visit our respected service professionals at East End Auto so we can diagnose and repair the problem before it turns into a much more expensive fix.

Dark or Sludgy Oil

Engine oil starts as an amber color and gets progressively darker as it runs through your vehicle. It's time for an oil change if it gets to the point of being dark brown or black. 

These darker colors are due to sludge buildup, and oil sludge can cause severe damage to other components if it continues to travel through your engine. You may also notice a change in the oil's viscosity or its resistance to flow. If your oil is sludgy and drops in blobs from the dipstick, it is too thick.

Exceeding Manufacturer's Recommendations

You should start with your vehicle's owner's manual for the proper oil change interval. How often you bring it in for a change may depend on several factors, such as whether your vehicle uses conventional oil or synthetic oil and if you recently completed a month or so in which you drove your vehicle more often than usual.

Our East End Auto service technicians will correctly identify your vehicle's recommended oil type and complete a maintenance checklist to determine if your vehicle has other problems, such as a clogged oil or air filter. 

Visit East End Auto for Oil Changes and Lubrication System Maintenance

East End Auto has been proudly helping our neighbors in Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Two Harbors, and surrounding communities to keep their engines running smoothly since 2002. We can help you set up a maintenance schedule for oil changes and other critical services that keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Fill out our online request for an appointment, call us at (218) 525-7965, or visit us at 5077 Jean Duluth Rd, Duluth, MN 55803. We offer clear communication, fair pricing, and reliable service to everyone who becomes part of the East End Autofamily.