How to determine whether or not your vehicle requires oil change

When the oil change warning light comes on or you reach a specific mileage, it's critical to obtain new fluids as soon as possible. Engine oil is a lubricant that aids in the smooth operation of your engine. It becomes polluted with dirt over time. This can have a variety of negative consequences or even result in the engine seizing.

Importantly, regularly changing your car's oil will save you money in the long run because repairing your car's engine if something goes wrong, later on, is more expensive than routinely maintaining your vehicle.

So, how can you know when your car's oil needs to be changed?

If you don't have a lot of time to see your local mechanic, here's a simple method to see if you need to pour a few litres in to get your car serviced:

Step 1 - Make sure the engine is cool or has been turned off for at least 15 minutes before starting the check. Look for the oil dipstick, which may be different depending on the layout of the engine.

Step 2 - Wear gloves and gently pull out the dipstick, wiping the oil out with a clean paper towel or cloth before replacing it. If it still won't go in, spin the dipstick to allow it to bend naturally along the pipe's curvature.

Step 3 - Check the oil residue at the end of the dipstick by pulling it out again. Check to see whether the oil begins to build up an inch or two from the end. If this is the case, the engine still has enough oil in it. If it's less than an inch, on the other hand, you'll need to add more oil. Furthermore, most dipsticks have an indication (Add-Full) that allows you to tell if your vehicle is low on oil. Modern cars have a warning indication on the dashboard to update the driver when the oil is low.

Step 4 - The colour and texture of the oil can also indicate whether you're good to go or need to replace it. The first thing to look for is a golden-brown tint, which indicates that it is new engine oil. It's time to book your car with a garage in Reading and replace the oil if it's excessively dark or black.

Step 5 - You may also rub a small amount of oil between your index finger and thumb. If it leaves a smear, take it to your local mechanic as soon as possible. This is a simple do-it-yourself check that will tell you if your car's oil needs to be changed.

As mentioned earlier, if an oil change is not completed on time, this can lead to an emission test failure on your next MOT. It is therefore recommended to check MOT status of your vehicle and book your car in not only for an oil change but also a per MOT check to save you time and hassle.

You must adhere to the manufacturer's service schedule to maintain it in top shape. Furthermore, it should prevent you from voiding your new car's warranty, resulting in a vehicle with a coverage duration of 2 to 5 years, or even up to 10 years. This, too, is depending on the manufacturer's policies.

5 Symptoms You Need to Complete an Oil Change

Oil changes are very simple and are rarely required for months at a time, some drivers may postpone or overlook this chore.

Additionally, if your car ages, mileage increases, or you travel in more harsh weather, you may require more regular oil changes. You may wait too long, even if you're perfectly on schedule because the necessity for oil changes might fluctuate with time.

The following are 5 signs that it's time to change it:

1. Excessive Vehicle Exhaust

Most modern vehicles do not emit visible exhaust from their tailpipes, so if you notice what appears to be smoke trailing behind your vehicle, it might be a sign of a significant problem. Excess exhaust is usually a sign. Exhaust changes might also indicate engine issues such as damaged gaskets, so have this symptom looked out right away.

2. Falling Oil Level

If your oil level appears to be dropping rapidly and consistently, your oil system has most certainly developed a problem. In this case, further repairs may be required.

3. Increased Engine Noise

Engine oil lubricates your engine, ensuring that all of the parts are in good working order. You may hear the problem every time you drive if the oil gets thin, old, or badly textured. When driving with low-quality oil, your engine may generate a banging noise while in motion. Other noises, like ticking, can be caused by oil difficulties, as we'll see in the last section.

4. Persistent Check Engine Light

Your dash's "check engine" light might illuminate a variety of technical causes. This is the light you'll see if your vehicle doesn't have an oil change light or if your oil status is dire. A mechanic can read the light's signal and decide if you need an oil change to fix the problem.

5. Shaking While Idling

When your engine's oil needs to be changed, the high amount of friction in the engine might damage the ride quality. You may notice odd vibrations or shaking motions when your vehicle is idle.