How to Determine if a Car Needs an Oil Change?

[JasperLynn]

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.

[SaraRose]

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.

[OEllie]

I prefer to maintain my car's oil issues myself, mainly by checking the color and condition. A few minutes after turning off the engine, pull out the dipstick. Fresh oil is bright amber, while old oil turns pitch black, cloudy, or contains metal particles, indicating it's time for a change. For viscosity testing, drop a bit on paper—if it spreads slowly, the lubrication is poor, and it should be replaced. Pay attention to the engine sound; if it becomes hoarse during startup, the oil might be failing. I drive a lot and follow the manual's mileage recommendation, such as changing every 5,000 km, but in heavy city traffic, I change it at 4,000 km. The garage's advice is important, but adjust based on actual road conditions. For example, change oil more frequently in extreme heat or dusty weather to prevent engine wear. A simple monthly self-check saves time and effort. 150 words—no problem.

[OBenjamin]

For beginners learning to drive, here's a simple way to judge when to change oil: if the dashboard warning light comes on, go for an oil change. If there's no light, check the owner's manual—typically every six months or between 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers. If unsure, drive to a 4S shop for a free oil check. I pull out the dipstick monthly; if the oil looks too dark or murky, that's your signal. Don't delay, or the engine may overheat or even stall on the highway—too dangerous. Newbies tend to forget, so I set phone reminders for regular maintenance, ensuring safety and extending engine life. 120 words suffice.

[LoganAnn]

I believe the oil change interval depends on both mileage and time. My car doesn't get driven much, but after half a year, the oil will degrade. Even if I've only driven 2,000 km, the viscosity increases and lubrication decreases. I check the dipstick monthly for color changes – once it darkens, I change it as soon as possible. The manual's standard might say every six months or 10,000 km, but with harsh weather or frequent short trips, I change it earlier. If the engine starts making dull noises or fuel consumption suddenly spikes, those are bad signs. Addressing them promptly can avoid major repairs. I keep a maintenance log to track each oil change date, making it easy to manage my vehicle's health. Word count: 130+.