When you opt for a truck like the 2016 Nissan Titan, you expect a lot. Attractive and functional interior, serious towing potential, and substantial payload capabilities – to name a few. But to keep a half-ton truck like the Titan in optimal condition, oil changes are key. You've probably heard hundreds of times how important oil changes are to the well-being of a vehicle, but you may not know why. Continue reading to learn the importance of oil changes, how to check your oil level, and ways know if your vehicle's oil needs to be changed.
Importance of Engine Oil
As you already know, engine oil is vital to a vehicle's engine, and regular oil changes and oil level checks must be performed in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But why is it so crucial?
Engine oil works to lubricate the moving parts inside your truck's engine. It also works to clean, cool and protect these parts and prevent the engine from seizing up. Unfortunately, engine oil gets dirty and its chemical makeup changes and becomes less effective over time. This causes it to lose its lubricating properties. As a result, engine oil must be changed regularly in order to keep your engine and vehicle running efficiently.
How to Check Your Oil Level
Checking your engine oil level is one of the easiest automotive maintenance services you can perform yourself. Just follow these steps:
- Pop the hood.
- Locate the dipstick.
- Pull the dipstick all the way out.
- Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth.
- Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine.
- Remove the dipstick once more.
- Look at the tip of the dipstick. An engine with a proper oil level will reach the Full line on the dipstick.
- Replace the dipstick and close the hood.
How to Tell if Your Truck Needs an Oil Change
By now, you are probably wondering how to tell if your truck is in need of an oil change. Here are some ways to know.
Color
When you check your oil level, be sure to inspect its color. Good oil is a transparent light brown. Oil that is no longer good will appear darker, even black. If your oil loses its transparency and turns black, it is most likely loaded with particles and gunk and needs to be changed.
Consistency
Along with color, it is also important to check the consistency of your oil. To do this, take a little bit of oil off the end of your dipstick and rub it between your thumb and forefinger. If the oil feels coarse or gritty, this is a sign that the oil contains contaminants and needs to be replaced.
Increased Engine Noise
Does your truck's engine seem to be noisier than usual? If so, this could be a sign that your oil is in need of replacing. The longer engine oil goes without being replaced, the less efficient it becomes, losing its lubricating properties. This causes moving engine parts to grind against each other and become damaged. If this issue is not addressed, you are looking at serious engine repairs and costs.
Oil Level Continues to Drop
Has your oil level continued to drop below the minimum indicator on your dipstick – even after topping it off? If so, this could mean there's a problem. As engine oil loses its lubricating properties over time, your truck's engine will end up using more oil to ensure it's working parts continue to run smoothly. If an oil change or topping off your oil doesn't help to keep the correct amount of oil in your engine, this could be a sign of a leak.
Visit our dealership in Harrisburg, PA to learn more about the 2016 Nissan Titan and engine oil tips.