Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. The oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.
All oil has a shelf life, and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.
How do you know when it is time for an oil change?
There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need of an oil change. Here are a few examples:
- Colour and texture of oil
- Engine sound
- Check engine light
- Low level
- Time since your last oil change
Colour and Texture
When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown colour. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change, and possibly a filter change as well.
Engine Sound
If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.
Check Engine Light
Most cars will have an oil gauge on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a checkup. If the engine light is coming on, may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.
Low Level
You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.
Last Oil Change
One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.
Frequency Factors
How often you get your oil-change can be determined by 3 basic factors:
- Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
- Driving conditions
- Environmental conditions
Maintenance Schedule
The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.
Driving Conditions
The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:
- Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
- Short drives in freezing temperatures
- Driving at slow speeds for long distances
- Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
- Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
- Towing something behind your car or strapping something heavy to the roof
- Frequent stops and starts
Environmental Conditions
The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.
For more information on oil change, contact our Auto Technicians.