How Often For An Oil Change? 6 Ways to Tell It's Time

To keep your car running smoothly, it's important to check your oil levels regularly. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, as well as cleaning, cooling, and protecting those parts. This keeps your engine from seizing up or damaging itself.

However, the lubricating properties of engine oil don't last forever. The oil gradually becomes dirty and the chemical makeup changes, making it far less effective.

As such, engine oil needs to be changed regularly. But how often, and how can you tell that it's due? Here are six ways to spot if your car needs an oil change:

How To Check Your Oil Level

Checking your oil levels at home gives you a clear update on the state of the current oil. If you understand which traits to look for, you can tell when it needs to be changed. To start, you should:

• Open up the bonnet of the car.
• Locate the dipstick (it will be shaped like a ring, protruding from the engine)
• Take the dipstick all the way out
• Give it a wipe with a clean cloth, so that you get a clear reading
• Reinsert it back into the engine
• Remove it once more

Most dipsticks are marked in two places. One identifies the minimum oil level, while the other shows the maximum level. If you're unsure about the markings or their location, check your owner's manual.

With the dipstick freshly removed, you will see the oil level reading. If the level is high, the stick will be covered in oil up to the "max" mark. If the level is low, oil will not cover the stick or it will only cover up to a certain point.

It's important to never let your engine oil drop below the minimum mark, as this will force the engine to operate without oil. Just as importantly, do not overfill the engine, as this can lead to the oil overflowing. That's not only wasteful, but can lead to damage.

Do I Need An Oil Change?

Even if your dipstick shows an appropriate amount of oil, you may still need an oil change. Here's how you can tell:

Check The Colour

When checking your dipstick, examine the oil's colouring. Fresh oil has a transparent, light-brown colour. Over time and through use, this will turn darker and can even become thick and black. The thickness is caused by debris that's formed in the engine, travelled throughout, and gathered in the oil.

Once your oil loses its transparency and turns black, you need to change it. This refreshes the supply and provides your engine with clean oil to use, thus improving its functionality.

Check The Consistency

Even if the oil isn't visibly thick, it may still have a thick consistency. Using your fingers, smear a portion of oil off the dipstick and then rub it between your thumb and finger. If the oil is coarse or you can feel any grittiness, this indicates it's dirty and contaminated. For the same reasons as above, it should be replaced.

It's Been Many Miles Since Your Last Oil Change

Engine oil becomes dirty and ages through use. If you frequently take your car for long journeys and clock a great number of miles, it may be time for an oil change.

In the past, manufacturers recommended changing the oil every 3,000 miles. However, with the advancement of synthetic engine oils, a change is unlikely to be needed this often. Instead, gauge it based on your car, its manufacturer, and the advice of your mechanic.

For example, Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles for a Yaris, while Ford suggests one every 10,000 miles on a Fiesta. You can check your driver's manual for a standard timeline, or ask your mechanic during your vehicle's next check-up.

Dashboard Oil Replacement Light Is On

Can't remember the last time your oil was changed? Luckily, most modern cars keep track of this for you.

If your car provides the feature, a dashboard light or message will illuminate when your next oil change is due. This reminder will be set as per your manufacturer's recommended timeline and must be reset after each oil change. To tell if your vehicle has this light, check your owner's manual.

Keep in mind: this isn't the same as an oil pressure dashboard light. That will issue an alert when you're driving with insufficient oil in the engine (which can lead to permanent engine damage). If you see this light, represented by a dripping oil can, you should stop the car and turn the engine off immediately.

Oil Level Keeps Dropping

If you've topped up your engine oil, but the level keeps dropping below the minimum indicator on your dipstick, it suggests a deeper problem. As engine oil loses its lubricating properties, your car will use more of it to ensure the moving parts keep running smoothly.

An engine that needs continual top-ups suggests:

• An oil leak
• The need for a complete oil change

Increased Engine Noise

Pay attention to any new or strange noises coming from your engine. This may include an engine that's louder than usual, or a sudden grinding sound.

As the oil ages, any moving parts in the engine may begin to grind against one another, causing major damage if not addressed. Likewise, the engine may be working harder to function without fresh oil, thus becoming louder.

In either case, it's recommended that you get your engine checked out and replace the oil if anything sounds amiss.

Getting Your Oil Changed

If you have any doubts or believe you are due for an oil change, visit your nearest Autofusion centre. We will check your oil for free.

If your oil needs topped up or changed, we only use high-grade oil specifically recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. We also offer an engine oil and filter change service, so your vehicle can perform at its best.