An oil change is an important part of vehicle maintenance. When done regularly, this maintenance service helps to extend the life of your engine and improve its overall performance. But many car owners and drivers ignore oil changes that can cause a serious problem. When you ignore oil changes, you risk engine failure. So, you must be aware of the warning signs of an overdue oil change. An oil change is a quick and simple process that improves your car’s performance. Lubrication service optimizes the performance of your vehicles by reducing friction. Most drivers know the importance of oil changes but they fail to identify when engine oil is due for a change. Many drivers rely on mileage rather than other oil change warning signs to determine when it’s time to schedule service. However, many factors determine the frequency of oil changes and several signs indicate it’s time to change the oil.
Why & When Change Oil?
Failing to identify common signs of an oil change can create a problem. A regular oil change keeps the engine clean and healthy which impacts your car’s overall performance. It is the oil that lubricates the moving components of the engine and reduces friction. Whether it’s a car, generator, bike, or lawnmower, any machine that has an engine should be lubricated with oil. This is because an engine consists of internal parts that keep moving and rubbing with each other. As a result, heat and friction are produced due to this constant movement. Oil helps in lubricating these moving parts, resulting in absorbing heat and preventing friction.
Oil change certainly is an important maintenance routine. If you’re unsure when oil is due for a change, here are some warning signs.
1. Oil Gets Dark or Dirty
New, clean oil is slightly translucent and has an amber color. When your car’s engine keeps working, dust and dirt gets accumulated, making the oil dirty. When oil collects particles from the engine, its color turns dark. So, if you’re unsure whether the oil is due for a change, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and put it back in. If the oil is dirty, you won’t be able to see the dipstick through the oil.
2. Mileage
An easy sign to change oil is keeping an eye on your odometer. If you’ve traveled a lot of miles recently, consider scheduling an oil change service. The ideal oil change frequency varies for different cars. However, most models need oil replacement every 3,000 miles or three months. If your car is new, it may only need an oil change every 6,000 miles or six months. To get a better idea, you should check the owner’s manual of your car for specific guidelines on the oil change.
3. Noise or Smell
If your engine is making a knocking noise or you smell oil inside the car, there’s a problem. The oil acts as a protective coating or layer between engine parts. It prevents friction and ensures the quiet functioning of the engine. But if oil isn’t doing its job properly, you may hear some odd noise. If you hear knocking or rumbling sounds, it is possibly due to a lack of lubrication. There could also be an oil smell due to an oil leak. Whether there’s an odd smell or noise, schedule maintenance immediately.