Oil Change near Suffolk VA

What Oil Does

When your body is active, staying hydrated helps keep you cool, energized, and less prone to injury. Oil plays a similar part in your car’s engine. When your engine is running, there are several moving parts in action that are constantly rubbing together. Oil helps to keep these parts lubricated, so they don’t wear down as quickly.

Those parts, along with the combustion inside your engine, can also generate a large amount of heat and by-products like metal shavings that can gum up your engine. Your oil also takes care of both of these issues by carrying the heat and by-products away from the engine.

When Should I Change My Oil?

As mentioned, you should have your oil changed every 5,000 miles to 10,000 miles. This is due to the fact that over time, oil can become less effective and become dirty or lose its viscosity. However, when this happens can also depend on where, when, and how you drive.

For that reason, it’s a good idea to be wary of the following signs that you may need an oil change:

1. Noisy Engine. If your oil has lost its lubricating properties, you may hear a knocking or grinding noise from your engine due to the moving parts rubbing together.
2. Change in Oil Texture. New oil is typically a translucent amber color, which will usually darken over time. However, oil will also become grittier as it removes particles and dirt. If you find it becoming thick and grainy, it may be time for a change.
3. Low Oil. A low oil level will typically be brought to your attention by a specific oil change dashboard light or a general check engine light. You can also check it manually with the dipstick under your hood.
4. Excess Exhaust. While it’s normal to see some steam from your exhaust on colder days, modern vehicles typically don’t release visible exhaust. If you see what looks like smoke trailing behind your car, it could be a sign of old oil or possibly a more serious issue.

Our Service Center

At our Mazda service center, our Mazda-trained technicians are ready to help you. Whether it is an oil change or a more involved maintenance need, our team is meticulous about caring for your vehicle. They work to provide the most convenient service experience possible, so you can get back on the road.

If you think you’re due for an oil change or any other service need, you can easily schedule an appointment right from our website with our online scheduler.

About Suffolk VA

Enjoy the great outdoors in Suffolk at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s a great place for biking, fishing, hiking, or just observing the local wildlife. At the center of the preserve, you’ll find Lake Drummond, where you can see cypress trees emerging from the shallow water.

Suffolk also offers plenty of other indoor activities. You can catch a show at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts or get a bite to eat at local restaurants, like Ryan’s Steaks and Cakes or Harper's Table.

Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today!

If you’re due for an oil change near Suffolk, Virginia, or notice any of the signs listed above, our team at Cavalier Mazda is here to help. Contact us or go online to schedule an oil change today!