What Are the Symptoms of Needing an Oil Change?
3 Answers
When the engine oil is insufficient, the parts of the engine will rub against each other, leading to damage over time. Without the cooling effect, during high-speed operation of the engine, phenomena such as burning the crankshaft and bearing shells are likely to occur. It is recommended to replenish the oil as soon as possible when it is insufficient. Below is more relevant information: 1. The Role of Engine Oil: Engine oil, often referred to as the 'blood' of a car, serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption. 2. How to Add Engine Oil: When adding engine oil, it is generally sufficient to keep the oil level at the midpoint of the dipstick's marked range. Ensure the car is parked on a safe and level surface, as measuring the oil on an incline will yield inaccurate readings. Do not overfill the oil beyond the upper limit, as this can increase resistance on the crankshaft, leading to additional friction losses. Moreover, it can raise the pressure in the crankcase, increase oil consumption, and impair engine combustion.
I drive a lot, and the most obvious sign when it's time to change the oil is that the engine noise becomes louder. During cold starts, it rattles like a broken gong. The fuel consumption is also significantly higher than usual—last week on the highway, it was nearly 1 liter more per 100 kilometers. I opened the oil cap to check, and the oil was as black as soot, sticky to the touch when I dipped my finger in. Sometimes, I even smell a burnt odor, like scorched wires. The mechanic last time said this kind of oil has lost its cleaning power, and sludge buildup in the engine can scratch the cylinder walls. Now, I check the dipstick half a month early—after all, repairing an engine costs ten times more than an oil change.
Deteriorated engine oil loses lubricity, causing severe engine damage. Metallic friction noises become especially noticeable at high RPMs, sounding like sandpaper grinding metal. A blotchy diffusion ring on oil test paper indicates excessive contaminants and depleted additives. If the oil pressure warning light illuminates, stop the vehicle immediately - by that point the oil pump can barely function. One owner ignored this until the oil solidified into sludge, resulting in an 8,000 RMB repair bill. I recommend checking viscosity every 5,000 km, with more frequent changes for stop-and-go city driving - urban start-stop cycles cause twice the wear of highway driving. Regular oil changes are like blood transfusions for your engine; skimping on maintenance leads to costly repairs.
