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2004 VW Jetta oil/brakes/etc.
I have a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
I know that oil needs to be changed no more than every 5,000 miles (it uses regular oil). However, the last company that changed the oil didn't give me a sticker telling me at what mileage the oil needs to be changed again and the company doesn't log the mileage. I asked the guy that changed the oil what the mileage it needs to be changed at (I asked about a month later). He gave me a rough estimate. My question is, how many miles does it take to start damaging a car (after the last oil change) and what are some common problems the car will experience? Nothing has happened that I'm aware of, but I'd just like to know.
I have this really annoying rubbing noise that happens when I start braking for red lights and such. One person told me it could be the brake hardware. Does that sound correct?
Also, I am at the 40,000 mile mark. What are some things that will need to be maintenanced (not the nitty gritty details, just the bigger things)?
Thanks
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Want to answer more questions in the Technology category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Cars?
Something I have always lived by is change the oil every 3000 miles, though 5000 is good too. That is something my dad taught me. This is because when I drive a vehicle, I want to make sure that the car runs for a long, long time (200,000 + miles). If I loose track of the exact mileage, then 3 months after the last oil change.
Your best bet? Go ahead and get it changed, then write down the mileage and keep it in your glove box.
As for those who never change their oil? It would run quite some time before the engine just gums up from the oil being so dirty it no longer properly lubricates. However, I would place my wager on that engine never running to a 150,000 mile mark.
Your car has 40,000 miles. That is pretty low mileage, so you shouldn't need a tune up, but do get a professional opinion.
Take your car to a garage and have your brakes checked. If the pads are getting worn, change them asap. If you let it go, you will cause damage that is costly to repair.
If you ever question the safety of your car, take it to a mechanic with any questions.
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well if you don't know when to get it changed and when the last time was and what your mileage was when you did it it's time to get it changed again. you should keep track of that yourself. that's something that is important and you should keep a log of for your own records.
as for when damage begins to be done i can't say. every engine is different. i've seen engines that run fine on dirty oil for years and thousands of miles i've seen engines that when they need their oil changed lock up and will not start at all. that's what you'll notice though. on bad oil an engine will try to start (assuming the battery and starter aren't old and damaged too) and make noises like it wants to but will either take a long time and multiple tries to start or wont at all. and that's pretty much what happenes if you have bad or old sludgey oil. in science class they like to tell us that oil and water don't mix. problem is they do. at the high heat an engine runs at what will happen is the old dirty oil will mix with the water that's in the air and condensation that might form on the fuel injector tips/intake valves and cause actual major damage because it becomes a thick cheese like sludge and will warp and destroy the valves. oil is a key, key, fluid in a car's running. and needs to be clean and fresh for optimum efficiency. i'm gonna suggest to you that you go get it done soon and keep track of the time and mileage when it was done and even if the place you go to does that for you, keep track for your own records.
and as for the rubbing noise. that's simple. your brake pads are wearing down. you can go to just about any mechanic and have them get you some new ones for about 200 bucks. your brake pads are composite metal devices (usually made of magnesium and such) that press down onto to your brake disks (rotors) and slow the car to a stop. but they wear down over time and since your car's an 04 i'd say you're in the market for new ones as they need to be replaced every so often to keep from damaging the rotors, axles, and well other cars in your not being able to stop. so get those changed. you'll be able to stop on a dime again.
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Just go get a tune up, and that will answer all your questions. Its possible that you might need some break fluid.
Or you might need some new breaks. Just go to a garage and good it looked over. No need to take chances.
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