How to Determine When a Car Needs an Oil Change?
3 Answers
Methods to determine when a car needs an oil change include: noticeable color changes in the oil, abnormal observations when using an oil test strip, and judging based on the driving feel after an oil change. Regular oil changes ensure optimal performance. Engine oil can be categorized into mineral oil and synthetic oil, with synthetic oil further divided into full synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. Mineral base oils are widely used, with approximately over 95% of vehicles utilizing them. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in a base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers.
As a car enthusiast, I rely on three main methods to determine when to change the engine oil: First is checking the mileage - conventional mineral oil typically needs replacement after 5,000 km, while full synthetic can last 8,000-10,000 km. Second is inspecting the dipstick - after wiping it clean and reinserting, if the oil appears black and thick like soy sauce or has a noticeable gasoline smell, it's time for a change. Third is listening for unusual sounds - if you hear metal friction noises during cold morning starts, it indicates insufficient lubrication. I also monitor oil consumption - needing to top up more than 1 liter between services suggests possible engine oil burning. Oil change intervals should also consider driving conditions, with frequent stop-and-go traffic or off-road use requiring earlier changes.
I think the simplest way to determine when to change the oil is to set a phone alarm. I make it a habit to change it every six months, even if I haven't driven enough miles—after all, oil oxidizes and deteriorates when exposed to air. During routine maintenance, I also ask the mechanic to perform an oil sample test to check the metal particle content and assess engine wear. Checking it yourself is easy too: after parking and turning off the engine for ten minutes, pull out the dipstick and drip the oil onto a tissue. If the diffusion ring exceeds three dark areas or the oil ring boundary is blurry, it's time for a change. Remember to use oils with different viscosities for different seasons—in winter, opt for 0W or 5W grades for better low-temperature flow. If you notice a sudden increase in fuel consumption or sluggish acceleration, it's likely due to aged oil.
