A Guide to Car Engine Oil & When You Should Change It
Did you know that the engine oil is the lifeline for your car and if it is not checked when required, you could be looking at costly repairs or even an engine replacement. So, checking your oil, which is also known as black oil or lubricating oil, frequently should be a priority in your car maintenance routine.
But what is engine oil for? Lubrication. As there are many metal components inside an engine, the oil works as a lubricator to ensure everything runs smoothly by reducing friction between these components. This oil also helps in dissipating heat away and also helps in cleaning the engine by trapping debris, as well as engine shavings that would otherwise end up scratching your engine internals.
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So, here are some tips to help you understand when you should change your engine oil.
5 Signs That Your Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed
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Some car owners might argue that their engine oil should only be changed after their car reaches a certain mileage or from the number of months since its last change. While this is true, you should also keep a lookout for these five warning signs that indicate you might need to change your oil earlier than expected.
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Problematic Engine
Clean and concentrated engine oil is able to lubricate and prevent the many metal components in an engine from making contact. But when the oil is less concentrated or dirty, it can no longer lubricate properly which will cause a knocking sound from the engine because of the friction between the metal components. This can also cause your engine to overheat.
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The Smell of Burning Petrol
When you smell the scent of petrol every time you get in your car, this indicates a problem with your engine. The smell may be due to an oil leak in the engine or engine overheating which causes the petrol to burn in the exhaust system, resulting in gray or bluish smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Immediately replace the engine oil if such signs appear to prevent serious damage to the car such as your engine catching fire.
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Color of Engine Oil
Clean lubricating oil is usually brown and transparent. However, the color becomes darker due to the dirt and debris from the internal combustion of the engine. So, the next time you check the oil level, do the dipstick oil check. If your dipstick can’t be seen due to the color of the oil, you need an oil change.
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How to Perform a Dipstick Check
- ​​Remove and clean the dipstick of any oil particles.
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​​Reinsert the dipstick into the engine oil to check the oil level and color.
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If the oil is above the average level, some of the oil should be cleared so that it does not affect the performance of the engine.
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Clean the dipstick on a clean tissue to see the color of the oil.
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Engine Warning Light
If the car engine warning light starts to blink on your dashboard, it indicates that your car engine is low on black oil. If the engine oil light is on, immediately check the oil level and add some if necessary. Take your vehicle to a nearby workshop for further inspection to prevent any serious damage from happening.
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Increased Fuel Consumption
An increase in fuel or petrol consumption can lead to the car’s engine oil needing to be replaced. This is because the this oil is not as concentrated as it should be and causes stress on the engine. Engine components will then have to work harder than usual with an increased performance which indirectly increases petrol consumption.
There are more to engine oils than just these warning signs. To get a car to drive with optimum performance, your engine has to perform at its best too and this also depends on the type of black oil that your car uses.
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Tips on How to Pick the Right Engine Oil for Your Car
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Manufacturing Model & Series
The first step in choosing the right lubricating oil is to know the model and series of your car. Newer car models are equipped with new high-performance engines that are formulated to increase efficiency throughout the drive. As a result, most of the oils sold in the market today are formulated and developed to keep up with the technology and development of these new engines. So, make sure you check the types of oils that are suited for your car model and make.
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Driving Environment
Consider your environmental and location factors before choosing the right oil to use. Different environmental conditions (such as hot or cold climates, paved or rocky roads, among others) can cause different problems for your car. Typically, the engine oil replacement is based on how frequent and how far has the car driven and what type of terrain it is driven on. If the car is frequently used or frequently driven on rocky terrain, its oil needs to be replaced sooner. However, even if the car is rarely used or driven on a normal road, the oil still needs to be replaced according to the service schedule to avoid any damage to the engine.
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Types of Engine Oil
In the market, there are various types of engine oil sold including mineral oils, semi-synthetic and fully-synthetic. Each type of oil has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, consider other factors such as viscosity level, temperature, resistance to sedimentation (sludge), and durability, before deciding.
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​Mineral oil: Mineral oils are obtained and refined from nature. Simply put, it’s the same oil that is dug up from the ground and processed at a refinery for it to be usable. It is usually not durable as no formulas are added to this type of oil. It is also sold at a cheaper price compared to other engine oils.
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Semi-Synthetic Engine Oil: This is a hybrid of synthetic base oil (less than 30 percent) and mineral base oil. This type of oil reaps the many benefits that fully synthetic oils give and is much more durable compared to mineral oil.
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Fully Synthetic Engine Oil: This is produced from two components namely polyalphaolefins and esters. Synthetic oils are chemically engineered to be more stable at optimum temperatures and are able to gain higher mileage compared to mineral oils. Fully synthetic oils typically have additives that are designed to keep the oil cleaner for a longer period of time.
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Viscosity Level
When comparing engine oils, you might come across a code (a combination of numbers and letters) found on the packaging label. These codes refer to the viscosity level and durability measurements of the engine oil. In general, there are two numbers that determine the viscosity level of engine oil:
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The first number ending in the letter ‘W’ refers to the flow of the oil in cold temperatures or when the engine is started.
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The second number refers to the flow of the oil during normal operating temperature.
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Oils with low viscosity flow is easier to protect engine parts at cooler temperatures. Whereas those with high viscosity usually protect the engine better at higher temperatures. You can choose the right viscosity level for your car by referring to the car manual provided by your car manufacturer.
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5. Engine Oil Certification Standards
You will also find engine oil certification standards indicated using different acronyms such as API (American Petroleum Institute), ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee), and JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization). Certification standards from such organizations indicate that the product has met or exceeded the set requirements. Additionally, this certification standard is also one of the ways to ensure the performance and quality assurance of these engine oils
Change and Protect Your Engine with the Right Car Engine Oil
The general rule is to replace your car’s engine oil at least every 5,000 kilometers or every six months to ensure the car’s engine performance is at its best level.
You are advised to refer to the car manual or your service center regarding oil replacement especially if your car is still under warranty. Also, make sure the engine oil used is from a reputable and genuine brand.
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With that, we hope with these tips, you can now identify if your car needs an oil change. Remember, maintaining your car is much more affordable than repairing it – so take care of your wheels!