Signs You Need to Change Your Car's Engine Oil
Posted on: 23 June 2017
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Servicing your vehicle is significant if you want it to continue performing efficiently. There's a lot involved with car servicing, so you need to be keen on how various components of your car perform. One of the main components of your car is the engine. Your car's engine requires oil to perform efficiently. The engine oil will become old and dirty over time and you need to know when it does so that you can change it and prevent any potential engine problems. Here are signs to look for before you take your car to a mechanic.
The Oil Appears Dark in Colour
The easiest way to know it's time for you to change your car's engine oil is to look at its colour. Pure and clean engine oil appears amber or honey brown in colour. If yours is dark, it's time for a change. When checking the oil colour, look at its level too. This means you need to make it a habit to check your engine oil regularly. To check the oil, you simply need to locate the oil dipstick, which you will find easily once you open up your vehicle's bonnet. Remove the dipstick and use a piece of cloth to wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick then take it out all the way and look at the readings. Usually, there will be markings for maximum and minimum levels on the dipstick. Change the oil if it's past the minimum level.
Your Engine Runs Louder
Oil lubricates parts of your engine and ensures there's a thin barrier between these parts. The barrier in turn prevents metal-to-metal contact and that's why an engine with properly functioning oil will run smoothly. As the engine oil breaks down over time, becoming older and dirty, its ability to lubricate the engine parts will reduce, leading to louder engine noises. You may also hear rumbling or knocking sounds, and this will happen if you don't change the oil early enough.
Sputtering Performance
Sluggish performance is another sign that you need to change your engine oil. Dirt particles can build up slowly in your engine oil as it ages. This means some of the build-up can find its way into the oil filter, clogging it in the process. This is usually the case when you haven't changed your engine oil for a considerable amount of time. With the filter clogging and the oil losing its lubricating capacity, the power of your engine will be reduced. This why it can sputter or be sluggish in performance, especially on acceleration.