How to Determine When Engine Oil Should Be Changed
2 Answers
Identifying the right time to change engine oil is as follows: 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 on the spread oil are harder, it indicates greater degradation of the oil's performance, and a change is needed. 2. Time: For full synthetic oil, it is recommended to change it every six months or 8,000 kilometers. For semi-synthetic oil, it is advised to change it every 6,500 kilometers or three months.
To determine if the engine oil needs changing, I usually start by checking its color and viscosity. When I pull out the dipstick, fresh oil is typically golden yellow, clean, and transparent, while used oil may turn dark black, become thicker, or overly thin. If the color is deep black or contains metal particles, it indicates aging. I also sniff the oil—fresh oil has a mild, pleasant scent, whereas old oil with a burnt or sour odor likely means it has degraded and should no longer be used. Another method is to drip a small amount onto a tissue paper; if it spreads unevenly or leaves residue, it’s time for an immediate change. Additionally, following the vehicle manual’s recommended maintenance schedule is crucial—my car requires an inspection every six months or 5,000 kilometers. Prolonged oil neglect increases engine wear, raises fuel consumption, and may lead to serious failures. As an average car owner, I check the oil level weekly to ensure driving safety. If anything seems off, I promptly visit a professional shop for replacement to prevent minor issues from escalating. Daily city driving, especially in traffic jams, accelerates oil degradation, so frequent checks are essential. In short, maintaining a healthy lubrication system extends engine life and saves on repair costs.
