How do you know when your engine oil is due for change? What are the signs that an engine oil change is needed?
Regular maintenance is essential for vehicles to last longer and prevent them from breaking down. The most important maintenance for your vehicle is engine oil changes. It is important to change your engine oil every 10,000km or once a year. Your engine can overheat and become metal swarf if you delay an oil change. These are some of the signs to look out for when your engine needs an oil change.
1- Engine oil that is thick and dark
If your vehicle’s engine is not running, lift the hood, pull the dipstick, and then wipe the area with a light-colored cloth. Clear or light amber should be the color of your engine oil. It should not be thick, lumpy or dark brown. You should immediately visit a service center if there are any shimmery spots.
2- Hard Gear Changes
Engine oil helps to prevent overheating due to friction by lubricating the engine parts. If you delay changing the oil, the fluid becomes thicker and less effective. This causes extreme gear changes, lags, or vibrations when you accelerate or decelerate.
3- Strange Engine Sounds
You should hear a slight clicking or rattling sound when the car is in motion. This is an indication that your camshaft is not properly lubricated. Thicken oil can take longer to circulate within the engine. You may experience a clicking sound when the engine is first started.
4- Check engine light
The engine fault lamp will illuminate if your vehicle doesn’t have a warning lamp that shows the time for the oil change. The engine fault lamp will also illuminate if engine oil has been contaminated to the point that it poses a danger to driving safety. You will need an OBD reader to identify the fault code.
