90% of car owners admit to neglecting their vehicle’s maintenance at some point, and getting an oil change is one of the most forgotten services. But oil is the lifeblood of your car, and it needs to be kept clean for your car to function.
Regular oil changes maintain your car’s smooth performance and protect the lifespan of its engine. How often should you go for an oil change? While we recommend changing the oil every few months, here are five signs that your car needs an oil change ASAP or it’ll break down.
1. Oil Change Light
If you haven’t checked your oil level in a while, the oil light on your dashboard means now is the time to do it. If it’s yellow, you need an oil change or maintenance. No worries if you can’t get it fixed right away, but keep in mind you’ve only got around 100 miles before that blinking oil light becomes a real issue.
But if it’s red, shut off your engine immediately.
2. Dirty Oil
Oil that looks like sludge can cause serious engine damage. When oil turns black, it’s full of carbon deposits from combustion byproducts. These particles build up in your engine and restrict airflow, causing your car to run poorly.
To see if your oil’s in good shape, look at the dipstick or swap out the oil filter. If your oil looks like gunk, drain it out and add fresh oil.
3. Noises
The oil in your engine acts as a protective layer between moving parts. It stops them from rubbing against each other and causing damage. If you hear a ticking sound, bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop.
When this protective layer gets too thin, the metals collide when the engine is running. Grinding noises are an urgent sign to go to a mechanic. The friction between the moving parts will cause the engine to fail if you don’t take care of it soon.
If you hear squealing or grinding noises, your vehicle needs serious care and might already have sustained damage.
4. Blue Smoke
If you see blue smoke coming from the back of your car, chances are your engine is burning oil. Your car might have an oil leak or some other issue.
Call a mechanic as soon as possible—otherwise, the vehicle may overheat and become unusable.
5. Decreased Fuel Efficiency
If you notice that your car’s fuel efficiency has decreased, it could be a sign that your engine is working harder than it needs to because of old, dirty oil. When the engine has to work harder, it burns more fuel to compensate, resulting in lower fuel efficiency.
Getting an oil change can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency and save you money in the long run. So if you’re noticing that you’re filling up your gas tank more frequently than usual, it may be time for an oil change.
Schedule an Oil Change
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact RNS Service for an oil change. We’ll change your oil, check for engine problems, and make sure everything is running smoothly.
With every oil change and maintenance, we check tire pressure, coolant level, oil filter, and perform a digital vehicle inspection. After you’ve been here two times, our system will let you know when you are due again. Once you’re in our system, we send you a custom timed reminder.
You’ll feel better knowing that your car is in good working order, and you can be confident that your engine will last for a long time.
Owen Stoller is a third-generation member of the Stoller family and serves as a Service Advisor at RNS Service in Orrville, Ohio. Carrying on a family tradition that began in 1977, Owen is committed to helping customers make informed decisions about their vehicles through honest communication, technical expertise, and a genuine commitment to their safety.
With five years of professional automotive experience, Owen has earned Master ASE Certification, including the prestigious ASE C1 Service Consultant certification. His combination of technical knowledge and customer service expertise allows him to bridge the gap between the repair shop and the vehicle owner, ensuring every customer understands their vehicle's needs and can make confident maintenance and repair decisions.
Owen earned his bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management from The University of Akron, bringing a strong foundation in operations, organization, and problem-solving to the family business. He is passionate about continuous learning and regularly studies leadership to better serve both the RNS Service team and the customers who rely on them.
As the grandson of RNS Service founder Bob Stoller and the son of Jeff Stoller, Owen is proud to continue the values that have defined the business for nearly 50 years: integrity, quality workmanship, and treating every customer like family. He believes that auto repair is about more than fixing vehicles—it's about building lasting relationships based on trust and helping keep families safe on the road.
Outside the shop, Owen has been married to his wife, Carissa, for five years, and together they are raising their three children, Tucker, Wesley, and their youngest. Family life keeps him busy, whether he's hobby farming, making maple syrup, dreaming up new projects and ideas, or simply spending time with his children. Those same values of hard work, stewardship, and community continue to shape the way he serves customers every day at RNS Service.