Crucial Clues You Need To Change Your Oil

Crucial Clues You Need To Change Your Oil

When it comes to routine maintenance for your vehicle, changing the oil is just one of the key tasks. Getting an oil change at the right time can certainly make all the difference and save you enough on costly future repairs.

If you're not quite sure when you need to change your oil, there are some hints you can look for.

The Oil Looks Black and Gritty

This is certainly one you will have to train your eye to see. The original color of oil is a lot more of a honey brown, and that'll speedily darken after a few weeks of use. At the time you see particles mixed in with that black oil, it's time to change it out. You don't want to overload the filter to the point that it's missing comtaminants that'll gunk up in the engine.



Engine Knocking or Rumbling

The majority of vehicle owners don’t care about the maintenance of their vehicle until something occurs. If your oil level runs too low or is starting to collect so much dirt and thickens, it may well cause the engine to roar, growl or rumble. This could certainly begin fairly quiet and ultimately get worse as the oil ages. If you note these symptoms, check your oil as soon as possible.

Oil indicator light comes on

No, not the “low oil” light, which often suggests that your oil level or oil pressure have went down low enough to do some real engine damage. Several newer vehicles have an oil life monitoring system, which sends some electrical current through the motor oil and actions how well it carries out the current. When the conductivity falls below a certain level, a dashboard reminder light will come on.

You Can’t Remember the Last Time you Changed your Oil

Besides guaranteeing the right oil is at the correct level, it is important that you establish a schedule concerning an oil change. If you indeed can’t figure out the last time you had an oil change, it is time you had it changed. Note the date it is done and create a healthy schedule. Need a reminder? Try applying a notebook in your glove compartment to have a solid record.