• Engine oil
• Motor oil
• Oil change
• Vehicle
• Car
• Mechanic

Engines are composed of several metallic parts that are constantly moving and rubbing together. 

This friction produces heat that could be detrimental to the engine’s ability to function properly. 

Hence, engine oil is specifically made to flow through these moving parts to lubricate,  absorb the heat and prevent it from overheating. 

Eventually, your engine oil will acquire dirt and gunk, and must be replaced; because regular oil change can help extend your engine’s longevity and enhance its overall performance. 

So why do drivers delay changing their oil? 

This is usually because a lot of car owners rely solely on mileage when determining the right time for an oil change. 

Some obvious warnings are oftentimes ignored which results in fluid breakdown, and in turn, causes malfunctions in their engine. 

We want to help your car run in its optimal condition for as long as possible. 

So we’ve created a guide to the top 9 signs you need an oil change:

1. Low Oil Level

Oftentimes, the bottom of your dipstick represents that your engine oil level is around a quarter low. 

If your engine oil is below its safe level, driving your car further can cause permanent engine damage and increased risk of your car stalling or breaking down, especially in warm weather.

Hence, you should check your oil level weekly, or once per month at the very least. 

If your oil level is low but your mileage is still within your required oil change cadence, you may be fine just topping off. 

However, if you are at your required oil change mileage or beyond, it’s important to have your oil changed. 

2. Dark and  Dirty Oil

You can easily perform a visual check on the state of your oil from the comfort of your own garage.

Wait for the engine to cool and then pop the hood.

Pull the dipstick out from the oil reservoir and wipe it with a paper towel.

Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again to observe the color and consistency of your engine oil. 

If the oil is translucent, yellowise – You’re good to go! 

If it's dark, that's usually okay, too. Oil becomes darker as it runs through engines, sometimes almost immediately, so color isn't always a reliable indicator that you need an oil change. 

However, when you check the consistency and oil seems to have a lot of gunk or grit in it – it’s probably time to change it.

Let us also reiterate the importance of checking your vehicle’s oil at least once per month to ensure that you are giving your engine the care and attention it deserves. 

3. Unusual Engine Noise

To  promote a healthy car engine,  manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles.

If your oil is old, it has likely lost some of its lubricating properties which could be causing the metallic parts of your engine to grind against each other.  

The friction usually causes knocking or even loud noises from your engine. 

Ignoring unusual noises could cause long-term damage to your engine. 

Stay on top of your oil change schedule  to help reduce the risk of malfunction or premature wear of your engine.

4. Burnt Oil Smell

As mentioned above, motor oil has two jobs: to lubricate engine parts, and  to regulate the engine's temperature.

An old and dirty oil has likely lost a significant portion of its lubricating feature which could lead to more friction. 

More friction means more heat; and like other gauges on your dashboard, remember to keep an eye out on your engine temperature, as it could already be overheating.

If the cabin is starting to smell like burnt oil, then you know it's something to do with your engine oil.  

An overheating engine can cause serious damage to your car and when taken for granted, can even ignite a fire. 

So once you notice a burnt oil smell inside your car, get an oil change right away!

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On the other hand, you should also keep in mind that it could mean that your engine oil is dripping somewhere, causing it to burn on hot engine parts.

There are plenty of potential areas for oil to leak:

Oil plug – This is the drain plug in your engine’s oil reservoir. If damaged or not tightened properly, it may cause an oil leak. 

Oil filter – It filters the gunk and dirt from your motor oil, so it must be replaced after every oil change. If not placed properly, damaged or deteriorated, it may also cause an oil leak.

Valve cover gasket – Oil can also leak through the edges of a valve cover gasket. Make sure it’s properly tightened and secured.

Oil sending unit – The sending unit or pressure switch can leak the oil if the gasket is damaged. 

Oil pan gasket – The oil pan gasket seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine. It can also leak at any point around its circumference.

Front and/or rear seals – Check if there’s any leak from the front or rear main seal.

5. Excessive Exhaust Smoke

Gasoline engines produce translucent white smoke, unlike diesel engines, which produce black, soot-like exhaust. 

In a cold environment, you may also notice a visible cloud produced from your tailpipe. This is mostly water vapor, and it will dissipate as the engine warms to operating temperature.

However, If you actually start seeing blue or gray smoke come out of your exhaust, then you know that there’s something wrong. 

If the exhaust is grayish, it is more likely caused by an incorrect fuel-to-air ratio, as your engine is burning  too much fuel. 

Blue smoke, on the other hand, is caused by oil being burned along with the fuel. 

Your engine will eventually be low on oil aside from the possibility that there’s  oil dripping onto the exhaust system. 

If you notice smoke being emitted, replace your oil immediately, and don’t forget to check for leaks. 

Smoke can also indicate faulty parts in your engine. So if you see too much gray or blue smoke even when there’s enough engine oil in your vehicle, have a professional mechanic check your vehicle as soon as possible.

6. Persistent Check Engine Light

If you notice a Check Engine Light illuminating on your dashboard, it means that there could be an issue with your engine.

 Engine issues could be brought about by a variety of factors, but oftentimes, one of the main culprits is low engine oil levels for a prolonged period of time.

If the Check Engine Light illuminates while the Oil Change Light is on, it could mean that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of being damaged due to lack of lubrication and overheating. 

7. Shaking While Idling

Your vehicle shaking while idling is another sign that your car needs an oil change. 

Motor oil thickens through time due to dirt and gunks, which reduces its effectiveness in lubricating the engine parts. 

The friction between the metallic parts can create abnormal vibration or shaking, and can get worse depending on the texture of the motor oil.

This sensation becomes more noticeable while idling. 

Hence, avoid idling as much as possible and make an appointment for a diagnosis. [6]

8. Ticking Sounds When Starting

The engine immediately begins circulating the motor oil as you start your vehicle. 

If the oil has too much gunk, it would be harder for the oil to lubricate the engine’s components, so starting the engine would take more time and effort than it should. 

You may hear ticking noise coming from the valves while your engine warms up. 

Get an oil change right away as serious engine damage can result if you ignore the issue. 

9. Poor Fuel Economy

Anticipate needing to change your oil sooner than usual,  every time you go on a long-distance trip. 

As engine oil gets old, it gradually thickens and will eventually turn into an almost sludge-like substance. Thicker oil makes it harder to lubricate the engine parts, which makes it work harder and burn more fuel. 

Reduced fuel efficiency can be harder to detect than some of the other signs. 

Fortunately, most modern cars have modes measuring fuel efficiency, so it’s recommended to keep an eye on it, especially during a long trip.

Every car is different, but oil change is generally recommended every 3000 miles or three months, while newer vehicles usually require an oil change  every 6,000 miles or six months. 

It's best to check your owner’s manual for a more exact oil change and maintenance schedule for your vehicle.