4 Tell-Tale Signs Your Car Engine Needs an Oil Change

When clean, the oil flowing in your car engine optimises your car performance by lubricating moving engine components and also by cooling the engine during internal combustion. Over time, however, the oil becomes dirty due to normal engine operations and will become less effective at its job. When this happens, the old oil will need to be removed and replaced with fresh oil. If you continue driving a car when engine oil change is overdue, the engine may act up and require costly repair work or it may suffer irreversible damage.

Fortunately, engine oil is one of those auto parts that leave a trail of evidence when they need changing. Here are 4 tell-tale signs your engine oil demands changing: 

When the oil light comes on

The warning lights on the dash of your car are designed to warn you when something is wrong with your vehicle. When the oil change light on your dash gets illuminated, that's a clear warning that your engine oil level has dropped below the recommended level. Therefore, you should check your engine oil level by removing the oil dipstick. If the oil level is too low, you will need to change your oil. Before you can change the old oil, check if your engine is leaking oil.

When your engine makes loud noises

While clean oil keeps your engine healthy and gives a quiet performance, it begins to disintegrate and become contaminated over time. This causes your engine oil to lose its ability to effectively lubricate the engine parts. Poor lubrication can cause moving metal components to rub against each other, leading to loud engine noises. Not only does this irritate the driver but also causes engine components to wear out faster. If you ignore the loud knocking, roaring or rumbling noises coming from your engine, you will be harming your engine.

When your car interiors start smelling oil

Another warning sign that your engine oil change is overdue is when you start smelling burnt oil within your car. For the most part, this is due to engine overheating, meaning your oil is not effectively cooling the engine.

When the smoke from your exhaust tailpipe is heavily coloured

A healthy engine with clean oil emits a translucent vapour through the exhaust tailpipe. When heavily coloured smoke starts coming from your tailpipe, know it is time you give your engine an oil change.

Never ignore any of the above warnings signs, as changing your engine oil in good time is a great way to forfend costly engine repairs and engine parts replacements. For more information, contact an auto servicing business.