How to Determine When Engine Oil Needs to be Changed
4 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.
I think oil change judgment can be solved with a simple test. Just drop a drop of oil on a white paper. If the oil spreads quickly with clear edges, it means the oil is still good. If the oil drop is concentrated and black, it's time to change it. My car usually undergoes this test every 7,500 kilometers or every six months to prevent oil aging and component corrosion. If there are abnormal vibrations or a sudden increase in fuel consumption while the engine is running, those are also signs of dirty oil—don’t ignore these small changes. When checking the dipstick, if the oil level is too low, it might indicate a leak and the need for a top-up. Identifying issues in time can save money and bring peace of mind. Make it a habit to check the dipstick once a month—it’s the most effective practice.
After driving for so many years, I can clearly tell when the engine oil is dirty: the engine sounds rough when starting, acceleration isn't smooth, and fuel consumption spikes—all warning signs it's time for an oil change. Pull out the dipstick for a look; if the oil is black and thick, don't hesitate. Regular maintenance is crucial. Newer cars might have an oil indicator light, but I trust manual checks more—testing when the engine is cold gives the most accurate reading. Follow your car's manual for oil change intervals, typically every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. Using overly old oil can damage the engine, which isn't worth the risk.
