How to Determine if Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed
3 Answers
Methods to determine if engine oil needs to be changed: 1. Observe with an oil test paper. Take a small amount of oil from the dipstick and drip it onto the oil test paper, then let it sit overnight, waiting for the oil to fully spread on the paper. If the edges between the oil ring, sediment ring, and diffusion ring are harder, the more the oil performance has degraded. 2. Judge based on driving feel after an oil change. Engine oil has a 'shelf life' in terms of performance. If you feel a lack of power in the car or slower acceleration during a certain period, it indicates that the oil needs to be changed. Additionally, if you notice a significant improvement in power after an oil change, it suggests that the previous oil change interval was a bit too long. Next time, you can consider changing the oil 500 kilometers earlier, gradually finding a more accurate oil change interval.
To determine if the engine oil needs changing, I usually check three simple things. First, I look at the mileage. Conventional oil should be changed every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, while full synthetic oil can last over 10,000 kilometers. In my driving experience, I always keep maintenance records, and if there's a lot of city traffic, the oil degrades faster. Second, I check the oil color and viscosity. I pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check again. Fresh oil is light yellow like honey; if it's too dark or sticky enough to form strands, it's time for a change. Checking before driving saves time. Third, I pay attention to how the car feels. If the engine noise increases during acceleration or fuel consumption rises, the oil quality may have deteriorated. For safety, change the oil regularly—don’t wait until the engine warning light comes on. Developing good habits can keep your car running longer and smoother.
As a car enthusiast, I have my own ways to determine when to change the oil. Pay attention to the performance changes of the oil during daily driving: old oil with poor lubrication can cause the engine to make knocking sounds, especially with increased noise during cold starts. Try some simple tests yourself, like using an oil test strip to observe the diffusion ring of a drop of oil—blurred edges indicate high impurity levels and it's time for a change. Also, consider the driving environment; high temperatures in summer or extreme cold in winter can accelerate oil degradation, and dusty country roads can dirty the oil quickly. Regularly check the oil dipstick with gloves on, and if the oil appears unusually thin or dark, it's time to change it. Good oil ensures smooth acceleration and a more enjoyable driving experience.
