Changing the oil is one of the cornerstones of car maintenance.
Why is engine oil so important? What are the signs that it’s time to change your oil?
Read on.
Photo Credit: Robert Couse-Baker
Why is oil important?
Changing your oil is one of the most commonly overlooked car maintenance tasks.
When the oil in your vehicle isn’t changed regularly, it becomes less and less effective at doing its job.
What does engine oil do?
Oil performs five essential functions in your car.
1) Keeps parts separate. The space between different parts of your engine is very small – the oil fills the gaps and provides a buffer to prevent metal on metal wear.
2) Reduces heat. The presence of oil between the metal parts also helps the engine to stay cool. The spinning of parts will inevitably create heat: the oil absorbs some of this energy to preventing your engine from overheating.
3) Moves dirt to the filter. The engine oil in your car isn’t just made up of oil itself, but also a number of additives. One of these is detergent, which collects dirt particles and helps to move them to the filter rather than allowing them to settle at the bottom of the oil pan.
4) Prevents corrosion. Another additive in oil is an anti-corrosion agent, which helps to keep parts from succumbing to age and rusting over time.
5) Prevents bubbling. Anti-foaming agents are also present in engine oil. These restrict the production of bubbles in the oil itself when parts heat and move.
Each of these functions make engine oil vital for the running of your car. But the important additives to oil don’t last forever. As the oil ages and is used, the additives burn up, making the oil less and less effective at its job. Failing to change your oil means that you risk engine damage which could result in costly repairs. Dirty oil also indicates to any potential buyers in the future the car hasn’t been cared for.
Do your present and future self a favour by paying attention to your oil changes.
Five Signs That It’s Time To Change Your Oil
We know that changing your oil is a job that simply must be done. How do you know when it’s time to give it a refresh?
1) The engine light is on.
If your engine light is on, the car is trying to tell you something. Listen to it!
Most modern cars have a specific oil gauge that lights up when levels aren’t as they should be.
If you have an earlier model vehicle and the check engine light appears, your oil is the first point of call. Use a dipstick to check out the levels as well as the quality. If levels are low or the oil is looking worse for wear, it’s time for a change.
2) You have noticed irregular engine noises.
Oil lubricates the engine and keeps all of the parts co-existing happily. Without oil, your engine will start to experience metal on metal wear. This can produce knocking or grinding noises that your engine doesn’t usually make – not to mention some major damage if left unchecked!
3) The oil level drops.
As engine oil ages, it becomes less effective. In turn, your engine will need to use up more of it to keep everything running as it should be. If you notice that your levels have dropped at a faster pace than usual, it could be a sign that it’s time for a replacement – not just a top up!
4) The oil appears thick, black and gritty.
When oil is first put in your car by a mechanic, it is a honey-brown colour and fairly thin consistency. After a few weeks of use, the colour usually darkens – and that’s okay. What’s not okay is thickening of the oil and the appearance of small particles in the oil itself. These particles can contaminate your filter and clog it up, preventing your engine from running efficiently. When your oil appears thick, black and gritty it’s time to change.
5) You don’t remember when you last changed your oil.
As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that you change your oil every six months. If you can’t remember the last time that you popped the hood and gave it a swap, it’s probably a sign that you need to get back on schedule, starting today.
Need help changing your oil?
Call 1300 288 646 to speak to an EAI mechanic today.