8 Signs Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Regularly changing the oil in your car is really important for keeping it running smoothly. When you get an oil change, the old, dirty oil is taken out of the engine and replaced with new, clean oil. It's also a good idea to change the oil filter at the same time.

Most mechanics suggest getting an oil change every 3,000 miles, but some car manufacturers say you can wait longer, like up to 5,000 miles. However, the best time to schedule an oil change for your car depends on things like how old your car is and what kind of car you have.

As time goes on, your engine oil starts to break down and lose its effectiveness at lubricating and absorbing heat. Eventually, the clean oil in your engine will turn into dirty sludge, which can cause even more issues. If you don't change your oil regularly, you can run into all sorts of problems. 

 

Here are eight common signs that your car needs an oil change:

1. The oil change or check engine light is on

If your car's oil is low or needs changing, it will let you know through warning lights on the dashboard. One of these lights is the oil change light, which tells you when there's not enough oil. You can also check the oil level yourself using the dipstick. 

In more serious situations, the check engine light might come on. This means your car is in danger of damage because of problems with parts or lack of lubrication in the engine.

 

2. Your engine makes strange noises 

When your car's oil gets old or thin, it can't do its job properly. This might cause strange noises from your engine while you're driving. If you hear a ticking noise when you start your car, it could mean it's time for an oil change. Clean oil helps your engine start smoothly, but dirty oil can make it take longer, causing that ticking sound.

Good oil lubricates your engine and its parts, keeping everything running smoothly. But when the oil is old and dirty, it doesn't work as well. Parts might rub together, making weird noises like knocking, ticking, or grinding.

 

3. Dirty and grimy oil

When the oil is clean, it looks light amber and a bit transluscent. But as you use it, it gets darker and collects bits of stuff from the engine. You might not notice this happening, so it's important to check your oil regularly, like once a month.

To check it, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then put it back in. Pull it out again and look at the oil on it. If you can't see through the oil and it looks dark, it's time for an oil change. Thick or grainy oil won't keep your engine lubricated properly.

 

4. Low oil level

If your car's oil level is low, it could harm the engine. To check it, use the dipstick. Take out the dipstick completely and wipe it clean with a cloth to see the oil level clearly. Put it back into the engine and then take it out again to get the right reading. Look at where the oil marks on the stick. Usually, the dipstick has two marks showing the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum lines. 

 

5. A burning smell

If you smell something burning in your car, it's a sign that something's wrong. It could mean your engine is getting too hot. If you smell oil, it might mean there's a leak. In either case, it's important to get your car checked right away.

 

Read: 14 Tips to Lower Your Car Maintenance Costs

 

6. Dark smoke from the exhaust

Dark smoke could be a sign of different problems like a leak in the exhaust system or issues with the catalytic converter, or it could be because of low or weak engine oil causing problems inside the engine. If you notice smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe, it could mean your car needs an oil change.

 

7. Trouble shifting gears

If your car has trouble shifting gears, whether it's automatic or manual, it could mean there's a problem. Smooth gear shifts are important for speeding up and slowing down. If you notice anything weird with the gear changes, it might be time for an oil change.

 

8. Your car keeps stalling

If your car keeps stalling, it could be because of low engine oil, bad oil, or an oil leak. If you're having trouble with your engine, it's important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Sometimes, all you need is an oil change to fix the problem.

These are some signs that your car might need an oil change. Getting an oil change is easy and inexpensive, and it's one of the best ways to make sure your car lasts longer. Good quality oil and the having the right oil levels can stop your engine from wearing out too quickly, meaning you'll need fewer repairs later on.