What are the signs that a car needs an oil change?

[EmilyLee]

The signs that indicate an oil change is needed are as follows: 1. Increased engine noise during operation. 2. Symptoms of reduced engine power and sluggish acceleration. 3. The oil turns black and contains impurities. 4. The oil emits a foul odor; if the oil deteriorates, it will have a strong, unusual smell. Additional information: When changing the oil, it is best to replace the oil filter as well. The oil filter's function is to trap impurities in the oil. If not replaced promptly, the accumulated impurities can cause blockages. In mild cases, this can lead to insufficient oil pressure and poor lubrication of mechanical components, while severe cases can result in excessive engine wear.

[EmeryFitz]

If my car needs an oil change, the first thing I'll notice is that the engine noise becomes significantly louder, especially during acceleration or when going uphill, sounding rough and heavy. Secondly, fuel consumption will increase. For example, what used to cost 80 yuan to drive 100 kilometers might now cost 95 yuan, making it feel more expensive. The lubricating effect of the oil decreases, leading to increased internal friction in the engine and reduced thermal efficiency. When checking the oil, its color may turn black or contain metal particles, and the viscosity becomes thinner. At idle, the car might shake unstably, as if it has a cold. In severe cases, you might even see blue smoke from the exhaust, indicating oil burning. I always stick to regular maintenance, changing the oil every 8,000 kilometers, because delaying an oil change accelerates engine wear and leads to much higher repair costs. Last year, my neighbor neglected to change the oil and ended up spending over 5,000 yuan on a major engine repair.

[VanStella]

As a young driver who hasn't been driving for long, I've personally experienced oil-related issues. That time when I drove to the countryside, I suddenly noticed the engine was running much louder than usual, with an intense buzzing noise, and it felt like dragging a heavy load. The oil warning light on the dashboard also came on. At first, I thought it was a minor issue and ignored it, but then my fuel consumption skyrocketed, burning an extra half-liter per kilometer. The oil color changed from light brown to thick black, and it felt thin to the touch. I looked it up online and learned that old oil loses its lubricating properties, reducing engine protection. Failing to change the oil promptly could lead to lubrication failure and increased piston wear. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the dipstick every three months—only when the oil is clear and at the right level do I feel at ease.

[OLeilani]

There are warning signs when engine oil is overdue for a change. The car may feel sluggish, struggle more than usual when climbing hills, and experience unstable idling with noticeable shaking. Fuel consumption may abnormally increase, and the oil may turn black, cloudy, or contain impurities. If left unchanged for a long time, engine noise will increase, and vibrations become more apparent. The lubricating function of the oil weakens, increasing friction between components and affecting the overall system efficiency. In severe cases, blue smoke from the exhaust may indicate internal leakage. I prioritize vehicle safety and remind everyone to follow the manual for regular maintenance to avoid unnecessary damage.