How to Determine When Engine Oil Needs to be Changed
2 Answers
There are several methods to determine if engine oil needs to be changed: 1. Smell test. Open the vehicle's front hood, pull out the dipstick and smell it. If there is a strong sour odor, the oil has deteriorated. 2. Finger rub test. Take a small amount of used oil and rub it between your fingers repeatedly. If it feels less viscous, contains particulate impurities, or even feels rough, it's time to change the oil. Below is additional information about engine oil: 1. Engine oil must meet the VW50200 standard. 2. Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines operate under more complex conditions and require higher performance oil, so full synthetic oil should be used. 3. When choosing an oil brand, focus on the oil's long-term performance.
As someone who frequently takes long-distance drives, I've developed a habit of checking the oil when the engine is cold by pulling out the dipstick for a close look. If the oil is as dark as ink, greasy, and sticky to the touch, it's time for a change. Mileage is also a good indicator—my car's oil starts getting dirty every 6,000 kilometers. Don't forget the time interval; oil can oxidize and degrade if left too long. If it's been over six months without a change, it's time to be cautious. I also check the dipstick immediately if the engine noise increases or acceleration feels off. Once, I forgot to change the oil, and the engine noise became noticeably louder, but it quieted down after fresh oil was added. Safety first—regular oil changes help avoid major engine repairs. I recommend checking the oil every few thousand kilometers and following the intervals recommended in the vehicle's manual.
