It is a fairly simple procedure when it comes to changing oil in your car. Good, clean oil improves your car's performance and increases the engine's lifespan, so why do people wait until there is an obvious issue before replacing their oil?
Many drivers rely on mileage as a gauge of when to change their oil, but there are other considerations as well, including the vehicle’s age, quality of the oil and how the car is driven. Over time, the oil degrades and struggles to carry out its functions. Your car will most likely display at least one of the warning indicators listed below once this starts.
A flashing CEL could indicate that there's a problem. The most common scenario when the oil changes light/CEL illuminates is due to insufficient oil in the system, so check the dipstick to see what’s going on and if an oil change is required. However, should the CEL still blinks, this is your vehicle's way of alerting you and the engine could suffer damage from malfunctioning components or a lack of lubrication.
New engine oils actually have a clear, amber, or golden-brown colour. It shouldn't include any debris, grime, or lumps, and should only have a faint oily scents. As a result of exposure to dust or dirt particles produced by internal engine combustion, the hue will eventually turn thick and black. Hence, you should periodically check the viscosity of your engine oil because you might not notice the colour change. Here’s a tip on how to perform a quick check!
- Remove the dipstick fully out of the tube and wipe the oil off using a rag or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick and inspect it
- Use two fingers to feel the oil's texture at the end of the dipstick.
- The oil ought to look smooth, shiny, and somewhat translucent.
If you find the oil gritty or has sludgy deposits, then you will need to replace the oil.
It's fine if Shawty goes "low, low, low." Your oil level, though? Not really. Driving with little to no oil can cause irreversible engine damage and increase your chance of breakdown, especially in hot weather.
When you are inspecting the consistency of the oil, do not forget to check on the level, too!
Make sure it doesn't go over or under the appropriate level. If it surpasses the level, you must remove some of it. However, if the engine oil level is below the level, then it's time to add a quart to ensure it doesn't affect the engine system.
Read the engine oil level on a dipstick
Engine oil ensures engine parts are lubricated so that they can function smoothly and effectively. If your oil is old and left unchanged, it has probably lost some of its lubricating qualities, which means it isn't doing a very good job of shielding your engine parts and that parts are rubbing together when they shouldn't be.
You might be overdue for an oil change if you hear unusual noise in the engine, such as a rumbling or knocking and this could signal that your engine is slowly wearing off due to lack of lubrication.
Some adores in the car, such as the lingering scent of last night’s nuggets, are completely natural. But what about that burning smell? Nope! Apart from ensuring parts are lubricated, engine oil also regulates the engine's temperature and ensures your engine stays cool.
Thus, insufficient oil causes your engine to overheat and emit a burning smell. It could also be a sign of an oil leak, which if left unattended might result in costly repairs. In either case, you should set up maintenance right away.
Overall, stay on top of regular oil changes to prevent excessive wear and tear on your engine and to reduce the need for future repairs.
We provide some of the best oils in the market such as Liqui Moly, Millers, Shell and Castrol. If you’re unsure whether you need an oil change, simply hit us up and we can assist you and also recommend the best oil your car needs.
Just keep the warning indications in mind and have your car’s oil changed when it’s time! You get to enjoy a pleasant drive while your car enjoys a long life!