Best time to change engine oil

Why do you need to change the motor Engine oil?

Engine oil is essential for the car to work smoothly and safely. The engine has many moving parts that slide or rotate at high speeds. Engine oil prevents the moving parts from coming in contact with other surfaces, leaving a layer of oil between them. This way, all the moving and static parts can remain intact for longer.

Using motor engine oil has a variety of benefits, such as:

• Boosting the performance of your engine
• Lessening the release of hazardous emissions
• Extending the life of your engine

However, for the oil to function properly and do its role in the engine, it should have particular specifications. When buying engine oil, you can see many different types of engine oils, even under the same brand, each with different characteristics and features.

Prolonged exposure to heat changes causes the oil to break down. Add oil contamination with dirt and other particles, and you will have a different oil than you used. The difference can be minimal at the beginning and goes unnoticeable. Later, you may see a difference in the performance. The oil you have then loses most of its properties and gets less capable of absorbing heat and lubricating the surfaces.

At this point, the oil changes from being the life essence of the engine to a dangerous poison. And you should change it with new oil to avoid any possible problems.

signs it is time to change engine oil

Car owners do not usually take some oil and analyze it to check the properties. So how do you know if you need to change engine oil? Do not worry! It is easier than you think. Some signs may scream loudly go and change engine oil. Here are some signs of dirty motor engine oil.

• Check engine or oil lights

We do not want to state the obvious, but they can be good reasons to check the oil. Many reasons can cause the check engine light to flash. One of them is having something wrong with the oil. Oil light, on the other hand, could mean you have dirty oil, an oil leak, or other issues with the oil. Check the oil and consider changing the oil when you see it flashing.

• Hearing noises coming from the engine

One of the main functions of engine oil is to protect engine parts from wear and tear. A lubricant layer between the surfaces makes it easier for them to move smoothly. Loud noises from the engine can indicate the present oil is not functioning as a lubricant.

• Smelling oil inside the car

Typically, it is not possible to smell the oil while you are driving. If you can smell the oil, you probably have an oil leak. Check the oil immediately to avoid any further possible damage.

• Having dark-coloured oil

Engine oil usually has light colours. Different particles and dirt cause the oil colour to change. Dark-coloured engine oil may suggest you need to change the oil soon.

• Excess amount of smoke

It is normal to have smoke coming out of the exhaust. Burning fuel to run the engine results in emitting smoke. An excess amount of smoke, with the smell of burnt oil, maybe a sign of an oil leak.

• Decreased fuel economy

Spending more money on fuel when you do not drive more than usual can decrease fuel efficiency. Lubrication plays a crucial role in improving engine power delivery.

How often should motor engine oil be changed?

This can be a tricky question sometimes because we do not have one answer that fits all situations. People with new cars still in the warranty are advised to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some new vehicles now come with a built-in oil sensor that monitors the condition of the oil and alarms you when you need to change it.

After the warranty expires, you can determine when it is time to change the oil based on logic and common sense. Experts nowadays say you should change the oil every 10,000 kilometres for petrol cars with regular use and every 7,000 kilometres for diesel cars with regular use.

It is essential to keep in mind that these are estimated numbers. You should consider driving conditions to determine if you need to change the oil. Temperature, humidity, the distance you drive each day, the load in the car while driving etc., affect the wear of the oil.

Can you go two years without changing the oil?

Some people wonder if it is OK to change the oil once every two years if the car is not being used more often. The Short answer is NO. Even when the vehicle is not moving, or if the distance driven is less than 10,000 kilometres, oil properties change. Over time, oil solidifies and becomes like jelly. In its new shape, the oil cannot lubricate all engine parts causing damage to the car eventually.

Conclusion

Changing the oil is a vital part of your car maintenance. Trying to wait for longer before you change engine oil may seem like a way to save money, but it can cost you more in the long term.

At ArmorLubricants, we know the real value of engine oil, and that is why we ensure making high-quality motor oils. Feel free to check our products and contact us for any inquiries.