How to Determine if a Car Needs an Oil Change?
2 Answers
You can determine whether the engine oil needs to be changed by observing its color. There are three methods to assess if the oil requires replacement: 1. Using an oil test strip to observe abnormal phenomena: Purchase an oil test strip with a diameter of 9-11 cm, place a drop of oil on it, and check the next day. If the edges between the oil ring, sediment ring, and diffusion ring appear harder, it indicates significant degradation of the oil's performance, and the oil should be changed. 2. Changing based on driving experience: If you notice sluggish acceleration or reduced power while driving, it's a sign that the oil needs to be replaced. 3. When the engine oil shows a noticeable change in color.
I remember when I first started driving, I didn't know when to change the oil. Later, I started keeping track of the mileage during every maintenance. The manual suggests changing it every 10,000 km, but since my car uses synthetic oil and I often drive on highways, I change it every 8,000 km to avoid engine damage. Checking the oil dipstick is simple: after parking, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and observe. New oil is transparent yellow, while old oil turns black and sticky like dirty oil. If it feels rough or has a strange smell, it's time to change it. Even if you drive less, you must change it every six months because the oil oxidizes and deteriorates. My friend delayed it, and his engine noise increased, costing thousands in repairs. Timely oil changes protect the engine, save trouble and money. The key is not to blindly trust online advice—checking it yourself is the most reliable. About 160 words.
