Should You Get an Oil Change? 7 Signs That Confirm It

When do you know it’s time to get an oil change?

Your vehicle’s engine has lots of moving parts, and those parts need to stay well-lubricated to keep the whole thing purring. That’s where oil comes in, as it helps to reduce wear and tear, and friction, and even helps in protecting and cleaning your engine from all kinds of gunk buildup.

Over time, that oil begins to break down and get less effective at doing its job. Fresh oil helps improve performance and keeps your engine properly lubricated, while also aiding in achieving peak gas mileage and extending the life of your engine.

Most people aren’t aware of the fact that engine oil can actually expire even if you’re below the recommended mileage oil change interval.

What are the symptoms of a vehicle that’s overdue for an oil change?

There are many indicators that it’s time to get an oil change and possibly a tune-up (the definition of a tune-up is provided below). When you take your car in for an oil change, the service person will do an oil and filter change, inspect your car for leaks and other noticeable problems, and provide extra recommendations based on their assessment.

However, you shouldn’t solely rely on them to accurately identify every issue. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to the signs that also indicate you need to get an oil change or service of some sort.

This being said, here are some of the most common signs your vehicle needs an oil change!

1. Burnt oil smell

If the interior cabin of your car is beginning to smell like burnt oil, then you should know you have some issues with your oil. It usually means there’s an oil leak somewhere, causing the liquid to drip on hot engine parts.

It also indicates that your engine is likely low on oil, which causes it to overheat. In most cases, this is a sign that you should get an oil change. Take care of the leak right away and put in fresh oil.

2. Dark or dirty oil

If you don’t know what a clean, new motor looks like, it kind of has a bright amber color to it. However, when oil becomes dirty and old from the buildup of residue particles in the engine, it turns a much darker, almost black color.

It’s important to make it a habit to check the condition of your oil on a regular basis. Just take out your oil dipstick and inspect the color of the oil on it. To get a more accurate result, wipe the end of the dipstick on a paper towel.

If the oil is dark brown or black, there’s a clear sign you need to get an oil change.

3. Ticking or tapping noises

Engine oil gets worn and old after a while. That is why vehicle manufacturers recommend you get an oil change every 5,000 miles or so. If you have old oil in your car, it’s likely getting thicker and dirtier.

This will make it more difficult for the oil to lubricate your vehicle’s parts effectively. As a result, your engine will start making various metal-on-metal noises, as they’re not getting lubricated properly. Get an oil change as soon as possible because serious engine damage can occur if you ignore the issue.

4. Exhaust smoke

If you live in a cold area, then you’re used to seeing vapor coming from the tailpipe of your car. However, if you actually start noticing gray or blue smoke emitting from your exhaust, chances are you have an oil leak.

When it comes to modern vehicles, they are built not to release visible emissions from their tailpipes. However, if you see something odd and smoke seems to trail behind your car, it could indicate a serious problem.

Exhaust smoke goes along with a burn oil smell, and when this happens, it’s the result of not enough oil in your engine to lubricate its components due to the leak. It’s needless to say you should get an oil change when this happens.

5. Overheating

Normally, you wouldn’t associate a vehicle overheating with it being overdue for an oil change, but it sure can! If the oil hasn’t been changed in a while, or if there isn’t enough oil in your engine, then it won’t do as good a job of lubricating the engine parts.

This will make the engine heat up more and eventually overheat. That’s why you should get an oil changed with fresh oil, and in most cases, the problem will be taken care of.

6. Warning lights

Sensors and computers in cars today make it easier for them to detect an issue early on, before it gets worse. Which is great; technology is amazing! If you see an indicator light illuminating on your dashboard, check your owner’s manual to see what that light means.

A “Service Engine Soon” light often means you should get an oil change based on the miles driven since the previous oil change. Other warning lights will warn you about all types of problems, such as a burned-out tail light, a low battery, transmission malfunctions, and so on. In some instances, the check engine light will appear, so you’ll need to use an OBD2 scanner to identify the specific issue or have a mechanic scan it.

If you can’t remember the last time you had your oil changed, don’t worry. Many modern cars will keep track of this for you. A dashboard light or message will appear when your next oil change is due. This reminder light will be set according to your manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval for your car and must be reset every time you get an oil change.

This dashboard light shouldn’t be confused with the oil pressure light, which could suggest you’re driving with insufficient oil in the engine (something that can lead to permanent engine damage). If you notice this light, represented by a dripping oil can symbol, you should stop the vehicle and turn the engine off right away.

7. Poor fuel economy

If you notice that your gas mileage isn’t what it used to be, it can indicate that you need to get an oil change. As engine oil gets old, it gets thicker and thicker and will eventually take on the consistency of a sludge-like substance if it’s not changed.

Thick oils cause more resistance to the moving parts in your engine, which makes it work harder and use more fuel. This is something you don’t want to happen.

Poor gas mileage can also be caused by other reasons, but if your oil is dark and much thicker than fresh oil, a simple oil change will help.

How do I find a good oil change service nearby?

If you need to get an oil change and you want to find a reliable service nearby, you can start by asking for recommendations from family, friends, or coworkers who have experience with local auto service centers. Another option is to search online for ratings and reviews from previous customers.

Your dealership will always offer oil changes. However, if the service isn’t covered by a maintenance warranty, you should expect to pay a premium here.

If you want to change the oil yourself, here are some options from Amazon!

Can synthetic oil last longer than regular oil?

Yes, synthetic oil usually lasts longer than conventional oil, as it’s a more refined and high-quality product. Moreover, synthetic oils are created to resist breakdown and keep your engine clean and purring for a longer period. This means that using this type of oil can potentially extend the oil change interval compared to using conventional oil.

Yet, it’s important to know that synthetic oils aren’t always better. For instance, they are more likely to leak in older vehicles that have worn gaskets and seals. Also, you’ll definitely pay more money for the inconvenience of a longer oil change interval.

If you liked our article on signs that confirm you need to get an oil change, you may also want to read 10 Things Your Mechanic Wishes You’d Stop Doing.