Signs You Need An Oil Change — Oil change is no doubt one of the prerequisite to consider in car maintenance to ensure that the car is in proper care and last longer. The procedure required for an oil change is actually a very fast and less stressful procedure, especially when the oil change is done by the automative specialist or mechanics.
Oil change in a car technically improves the performance of a car, as well as extending the life span of the car engine and prevent it from momentarily breaking down at unexpected circumstances.
Originally, most people would go with the infamous perception that a car needs to run at least 3,000 miles or last three months before the next oil change, however this is not advised neither is it considered accurate when it comes to proper car maintenance.
Healthy engine no doubts brings about good car performance. To ensure this, you need to keep.a close check on your car. To help with the observation and things to have in mind when it appears you car is craving for an oil change, we have gathered 10 signs you need an oil change for your car.
10 Signs You Need An Oil Change
- Check The Oil Change Or Engine Light
One of the signs you need an oil change for your car is the oil change or engine light indicator. However, this is necessarily for car that have oil change indicator. Thus, with the oil change light, it will indicate when the car lacks oil and in the worst possible situation, the engine light will indicate the necessity for such.
For cars that don’t have oil change indicator, the engine light will serve the same purpose.
You can verify this by checking the dipstick. It is expected for every car user to be observant of this simple and necessary indication that is necessary for proper car maintenance. Failure to take the necessary precautions for lubrication could put the car engine at risk
- The Unusual Engine Sound and Knocking
When you notice an unusual ticking and tapping sound made by the engine this is a sign you need an oil change. Oil are required in order to serve as a protective layer between each and every engine parts in the car and to avoid the harsh, brushing of the metal. This is one of the essence of lubrication to the car.
Hence, oil change is necessary in order to allow the metals in the car to move smoothly, without having the need to brush against each other. The furtherance of the latter, that is the metal clashing against each other, could damage the car engine.
- Change In Oil Colour
The original colour of the oil is a golden-amber with a transculent appearance. Hence, if you notice that the oil colour is different from the aforementioned, then you should consider getting the oil changed. The oil is most likely to change into dirty, dark like color, this is because it gets filled with particles from the engine.
Therefore, ensure to keep a proper check on your engine oil at least once in a month. To check the oil, remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Now take it out a second time. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change.
- Burnt Oil Smell
This is one of the obvious signs you need an oil change to look out for. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle may be overheating.
Other causes of burnt oil smell might be as a result of an oil leak. Either way, it’s advisable to take the car for maintenance to prevent major damage to he car.
- Engine Overheating
Lack of enough lubrication or oil in the car will lead to the generation of more heat, thereby ultimately leading to car overheating. To take of this issue of engine Overheating, use a new, fresh oil and get your coolant topped off to be extra sure.
- More Smoke Exhaust Than Normal
When the weather gets cold, you’ll see some white vapor come out of the tailpipe of you car – this is considered normal. You have nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, if you notice blue, gray, or even black smoke, this is a sign there’s an oil leak. The solution is to go for engine check-up in order to ascertain whether it’s an oil leak or faulty engine.
Get the oil changed and see what’s causing the problem immediately as driving without oil will literally ruin your engine.
- Miles Travelled
The miles you have travelled with the car is also one of the very signs to consider in order to determine the time your car oil change, probably than the normal schedule for changing the oil.
Every car is different, but most should have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months. However, for new vehicles, they usually require a change of oil every 6,000 miles or six months.
To be more sure of the appropriate time for the oil change, check your owner’s handbook for specific guidelines. Consider a high-mileage oil for older vehicles.
- Fuel Inefficiency
When your oil is old, it gets thick as it picks up particles and grime from the engine. Thick, sludgy oil is harder to get to move through the moving parts of the engine, causing your vehicle to burn more fuel.
Getting new, fresh oil in place will glide through the moving components more easily and quickly.
- Regular Change Of Oil
This category has been overemphasized in the previous ones. Regular Change if oil is essential when to comes to maintaining a car as it ultimately prevent s the car form aging prematurely. Hence, it is important to have a schedule for changing oil.
Your schedule for oil change can be every month. This will likely reduce excessive wear and tear on the engine.
What happens if oil change is overdue?
If your oil change becomes overdue, the golden-amber color of the oil will change to black. The also affect the performance of the car engine and might result to further damage to the car engine.
Hence, take the necessary cautions to prevent such occurrence.
How long can you go without an oil change?
Cars are generally expected to go as far as 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. In addition, for vehicles that uses synthetic oil, it’s assumed that the car can go for 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.