What are the characteristics of an oil change?
3 Answers
The characteristics of an oil change are: 1. Check the viscosity of the oil; if there is no viscosity, the oil needs to be changed; 2. The oil color turns black; 3. Excessive black particles, metal shavings, or carbon deposits in the oil; 4. Whether the smell of the oil is correct. The effects of using inferior oil are: gum and incompletely burned substances can accumulate on valves, intake passages, and combustion chambers, affecting engine performance and causing engine damage. The functions of oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts through the flow of the lubricating oil.
When it comes to the signs of needing an oil change, I have my own set of observations: When the oil color changes from its original light yellow to gradually turning black, resembling coffee grounds, it's time to pay attention; if the engine noise increases or there's a rattling sound upon startup, and the acceleration feels less smooth; a sudden increase in fuel consumption is also a signal, as dirty oil increases friction; never ignore the oil indicator light on the dashboard; and when the time or mileage is up, such as after six months or driving 5,000 kilometers, it's time to act. I've found that changing the oil on time can extend the engine's life and make the car run quieter. It's advisable to check the oil dipstick every month—wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it, and then check the color and level. If it's dirty or low, head to the repair shop promptly to avoid minor issues turning into major repair bills.
From experience, the signs for an oil change are quite straightforward: First, the oil oxidizes, turns black, and forms clumps, feeling sticky and not flowing smoothly; second, vehicle performance declines, such as idle shaking or weak power output, making uphill driving noticeably harder; third, the oil emits unusual odors like burning or sourness; fourth, the oil level is too low or there are signs of leakage. Additionally, the engine overheating warning light is another indicator. I make it a habit to record maintenance times to ensure changes every six months or by mileage. Ignoring these signs can lead to oil lubrication failure, accelerating engine wear—repairs can be costly. Regularly checking the oil condition saves both hassle and money. Many shops now offer promotions, so timely action is cost-effective.
