What are the signs that the engine needs an oil change?
3 Answers
Car should change the oil precursors are: 1, the car's engine noise becomes louder, the oil becomes thinner; 2, the oil pressure warning light may come on, the oil pressure is too low. Here is more about the oil: 1, the oil is called the blood of the engine, the oil in the engine plays a role in lubrication, cleaning, sealing, heat dissipation, buffering, rust prevention. Oil consists of two parts, base oil and additives, the base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining the basic properties of lubricating oil. 2, additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil performance, giving some new properties, is an important part of lubricating oil. Under harsh working conditions, only qualified oil can reduce the wear of engine parts and extend their service life.
After driving my car for a few months, the engine noise started to become particularly loud, somewhat like a tractor buzzing. This is usually caused by aging engine oil leading to insufficient lubrication. Fuel consumption has also noticeably increased, with more money spent on gas for the same distance. Checking the dipstick, I found the oil color was very black or somewhat sludgy, not as clean as new oil. If the oil level is low, the car might shake noticeably when starting, and the power feels weaker, making it difficult to climb hills. If not changed in time, the engine wear will worsen, potentially leading to expensive major repairs. I've developed a habit of visiting the service station every six months or after driving 5,000 kilometers for an oil change—it's simple and cost-effective. Regular maintenance can extend the car's lifespan and make it run smoother. Remember, warm up the car for a while before checking the oil to avoid misjudgment.
As someone who has been driving for decades, I can sense abnormalities in the engine during daily driving: the vibration becomes noticeably stronger at idle, acceleration feels sluggish and weak when stepping on the gas pedal, as if the engine is being held back by something. The internal sounds of the engine become noisier, and the dashboard occasionally lights up warning lights—this is not a good sign. If the engine oil becomes thicker or the level drops, the lubrication effect decreases, friction increases, and the temperature also tends to rise. Extra caution is needed during long-distance drives to avoid breaking down halfway and damaging the car. I always check the fluids regularly; changing the oil isn’t just about replacing the oil—it also includes cleaning the oil passages and filters to ensure the engine stays healthy. These lessons were learned the hard way. When I was younger, I didn’t pay attention, and the repair costs doubled as a result. Now I’ve wisened up and recommend everyone follow the manual for maintenance.
