Your vehicle’s engine oil is the lifeblood that keeps it running smoothly. Just like blood in the human body, engine oil is vital for the proper functioning and longevity of your engine. However, oil doesn’t last forever; over time, it degrades, becoming less effective at lubricating and protecting the engine’s components. Knowing when to change your engine oil is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and avoiding costly repairs. Here are five key signs that it might be time to change your engine oil.
1. The Oil Change or Check Engine Light Comes On
One of the most obvious indicators that it’s time to change your engine oil is when the oil change or check engine light illuminates on your dashboard. Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor the quality and level of engine oil. When the oil becomes too dirty or low, these sensors trigger the warning lights.
Ignoring these lights can lead to severe engine damage over time. The oil change light specifically indicates that the oil level is low or has degraded to the point where it’s no longer providing adequate protection. Meanwhile, the check engine light can indicate various issues, including old or dirty oil. If either of these lights comes on, it’s a clear sign that you should schedule an oil change as soon as possible.
2. Engine Noise and Knocking
Fresh, clean engine oil provides a protective layer between engine components, ensuring that they move smoothly and without friction. As the oil ages and accumulates dirt and debris, it becomes less effective at lubricating the engine. This can lead to increased friction, causing the engine to become louder than usual.
If you start to notice a knocking or rumbling sound coming from your engine, it could be due to the oil losing its viscosity and not lubricating the parts as effectively. This noise is a result of metal components rubbing together, which can lead to serious damage if left unchecked. Changing the oil at the first sign of unusual engine noise can prevent further wear and tear on your engine.
3. Dark, Dirty Oil
Fresh oil is typically a golden or amber color and has a relatively translucent appearance. Over time, as it circulates through the engine, it picks up dirt, debris, and other contaminants, causing it to darken.
Checking your oil regularly is a good habit to get into, and it’s easy to do. Simply remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check the color and level of the oil. If the oil appears dark, dirty, or gritty, it’s time for a change. Oil that is too dirty can no longer effectively lubricate the engine, which can lead to overheating and other serious issues.
4. Exhaust Smoke
While some amount of vapor is normal when your engine is running, visible smoke coming from your exhaust pipe is a sign of trouble. This could indicate that your oil has degraded to the point where it’s no longer able to perform its job properly. Smoke can also be a sign of an oil leak or that the engine is burning oil, both of which are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Blue or gray smoke is particularly concerning, as it often points to oil burning within the engine itself. This can happen when oil leaks into the combustion chamber due to worn-out seals or other issues. If you notice any unusual smoke coming from your exhaust, it’s essential to get your vehicle checked out and have the oil changed if necessary.
5. Decreased Fuel Economy
If you’ve noticed that your vehicle is consuming more fuel than usual, it could be related to the condition of your engine oil. When oil becomes old and dirty, it forces the engine to work harder, which in turn requires more fuel to maintain the same level of performance.
An engine running on dirty oil is less efficient, as the thickened oil creates more resistance between moving parts. This increased friction causes the engine to consume more fuel, leading to a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency. If you find yourself filling up your gas tank more often, it might be a sign that you need to change your engine oil. Fresh oil allows the engine to run more smoothly and efficiently, helping to restore your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Regular oil changes are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to maintain your vehicle’s performance and longevity. By paying attention to these five signs—dashboard warning lights, unusual engine noise, dirty oil, exhaust smoke, and decreased fuel efficiency—you can ensure that your engine continues to run smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line.
BONUS TIP: Have a Petrol Attendant Check Your Oil at Your Next Fill-Up
Don’t wait until it’s too late; if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an oil change. A small investment in maintenance today can save you from significant expenses in the future, keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
With a wide variety of high-quality engine oils available in South Africa, if you’re ready to give your car the healthier option, don’t settle for anything less than the best. As an approved Sasol Techno Oil™ Distributor, Enterprise Lubricants offers a wide range of engine oils and other lubricants. Explore and shop our full range at oils.co.za
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio
