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 Texas RV Service and Repair LLC 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 RV, 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 RV 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 RVs have lights specific to oil changes, while others only have check engine lights that may signal an oil problem. Don't hesitate to bring your RV to Texas RV Service and Repair LLC 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 Texas RV Service and Repair LLC, you may hear a knocking sound, indicating your engine is in danger of failing due to lack of lubrication. 

Your professional mechanic at Texas RV Service and Repair LLC 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 Texas RV Service and Repair LLC 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 RV. 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 Texas RV Service and Repair LLC 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 RV. 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 RV'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 RV uses conventional oil or synthetic oil and if you recently completed a month or so in which you drove your RV more often than usual.

Our Texas RV Service and Repair LLC service technicians will correctly identify your RV's recommended oil type and complete a maintenance checklist to determine if your RV has other problems, such as a clogged oil or air filter. 

Visit Texas RV Service and Repair LLC for Oil Changes and Lubrication System Maintenance

Texas RV Service and Repair LLC has been proudly helping our neighbors in Georgetown, TX to keep their engines running smoothly since 2024. We can help you set up a maintenance schedule for oil changes and other critical services that keep your RV running smoothly.

Fill out our online request for an appointment, call us at (737) 773-2050, or visit us at 8810 N I-35, Georgetown, TX 78626. We offer clear communication, fair pricing, and reliable service to everyone who becomes part of the Texas RV Service and Repair LLC family.