When your needle makes a sort of popping noise when you sew that means its dull. I try to change my needle after each quilt. I remove the bobbine and switch plate every 3rd bobbin,and clean it out. It will help your machine perform much better. If it starts to make a squeaking sound this usually means lint build up. That needs to come out. This I have learned by trial and error. lol Your machine should runn semi quietly and listen to it. It will let you know what you need to do. The book that comes with the machine is usually very good.I sew about 6 hours a day.So I have to oil mine more. Good luck in getting to know your machine. Marvel