Changing the engine oil is one of your responsibilities as a car owner to ensure that the engine runs efficiently and boosts your fuel economy. The engine oil works to lubricate the moving parts to prevent friction and clean and cool them to avoid overheating. However, the engine oil breaks down over time due to contamination by dust, dirt, and debris in the surrounding parts losing its lubricating properties.
Its chemical makeup changes and makes it less effective, so changing the engine oil from time to time is essential. Neglecting oil change can lead to significant engine problems down the road, which translates to costly repairs. An oil change price is way lower and worth it in the long run because it saves you from expensive repairs.
Here is how to know if your car needs an oil change.
Check the oil level
An essential thing to do as a car owner is regularly to check your engine oil levels. You can easily open up the bonnet and locate the dipstick. Ensure you do this when the engine is excellent. The dipstick is shaped like a ring protruding from the engine. Remove it and wipe it clean to locate the level of the oil. Then dip it in the engine once more and check the level to get an accurate reading.
Most dipsticks are marked in two levels to identify the lowest and maximum levels, which you can confirm from your owner’s manual. Ideally, you should not let the oil levels drop below the minimum mark and should not overfill it to ensure the engine performs efficiently.
Study the color
When checking the level of your engine oil, take your time to study its color too. Think and dark engine oil indicates that it is contaminated and needs a replacement. You can tell by checking the consistency of the oil. Please take a little bit from the dipstick and rub it between your forefinger and thumb. If the oil is coarse, it is contaminated with dirt and needs a change.
It’s been many miles since your last oil change
Manufacturers recommend changing your engine oil when you clock 3000-5000miles or often if you use your car for longer journeys. However, checking your owner’s manual for the recommended period between engine oil changes is best since every manufacturer may differ. For instance, Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5000 miles while ford says the ford fiesta can go 10,000 miles between oil changes.
A dashboard warning light is on.
Modern cars keep track of oil changes thanks to computerized sensors that inform you when an oil change is due. The oil replacement reminder light is set depending on your car’s recommended oil change interval, and the mechanic must reset it after every oil change to ensure it is accurate.
Engine oil level keeps dropping.
If the engine oil level keeps dropping below the minimum level indicator on the dipstick, there is a problem. That means the oil has lost its properties; therefore, you are using more of it to run the engine. There could also be a leak, and an inspection is necessary.