10 Signs You Need an Oil Change
Dark or Dirty Oil. One of the most obvious signs you need an oil change is dark or dirty oil.Loud Engine Noises. The reason you put oil in your car in the first place is to lubricate the engine.Oil Change or Check Engine Light. Perhaps the most obvious oil change sign is the oil change or check engine light on your dashboard.Exhaust Smoke. There is a difference between car vapor coming from your vehicle in cold weather verse exhaust smoke.The Smell of Oil Inside Cabin. Follow your nose to detect this sign your car needs an oil change.Overheating. Your car engine pumps oil throughout to help lubricate engine parts to prevent friction as it does its job.Low or Falling Oil Level. Not having enough oil is just as bad as having old or dirty oil.Poor Fuel Economy. Knowing the signs you need an oil change is all about noticing minor changes in your vehicle’s performance.Ticking Sounds When Starting. The moment you turn your engine on, oil is moving throughout the various parts.Shaking While Idle. Your car shaking while idling is another sign your car needs an oil change.How do you know if you need an oil change?
Check Engine or Oil Change Light. The most obvious alert that there's an issue with your oil will come from the car itself.Engine Noise and Knocking.Dark, Dirty Oil.Oil Smell Inside the Car.Exhaust Smoke.Excessive Mileage.Change Oil Promptly.What happens when oil change is overdue?
In fact, if you wait too long for an oil change, your smooth and clean oil will turn into dirty sludge. When this happens, your engine must work harder to fight through the buildup of muck. It loses its lubrication, and decreases heat absorption. This means that your car will be susceptible to major issues.
How Does not changing your oil affect your car?
Go long enough without an oil change, and it could eventually cost you your car. Once motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer draws heat from the engine. The engine might overheat and either blow a gasket or seize up. If the heat doesn't cause a gasket to blow, it will warp the parts in your engine.
Related Question What are signs you need an oil change?
Why is my change oil light on when I just changed my oil?
The light could be on after an oil change because of an issue with the oil pump. If this is the cause, there could be not enough oil circulating through to the various parts. Performing regular oil changes should help prevent this from happening, but parts do wear out.