How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil? article content
You check your teeth every morning before leaving your home. You don’t wait until you’re thirsty to know your body needs water. You wouldn't drive your car with an empty fuel tank, so why drive with old engine oil?
In Nigeria, your car does more than get you from one place to another. It survives Lagos traffic, flooded streets on the Island, and long-distance journeys. If it works that hard for you every day, the least you can do is check the oil that keeps it running.
That said, the guide below will help you understand how often you need to change your engine oil based on the type and grade of motor oil your vehicle requires.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- What engine oil does in a car
- The importance of regular engine oil change
- How often you should change your engine oil
- How to check your engine oil
- Factors affecting how frequently you change your oil
- Signs your engine oil needs changing
- Common oil change mistakes to avoid
What Does Engine Oil Do in a Car?
I want you to think of engine oil as the blood of your car. Just as your body needs blood to function properly, your engine needs clean, high-quality oil to keep every moving part working smoothly. This allows the metal components to rub against each other without excessive heat and wear, which can lead to serious engine damage.
So, what does engine oil do?
These are the functions of engine oil in a car:
It lubricates moving engine parts to prevent damage.
It helps cool the engine by carrying heat away from critical components.
It prevents rust and corrosion inside the engine.
It cleans the engine by carrying dirt, carbon deposits, and tiny metal particles to the oil filter.
It prevents sludge buildup, keeping internal engine parts clean.
It improves engine performance by allowing components to move freely and efficiently.
It improves fuel efficiency by reducing friction and wear.
How Often Should You Change Your Engine Oil?
These are the recommended Oil Change Intervals Based on Oil Grade:
1. Conventional Engine Oil
You may need to change this more frequently because it breaks down faster under heat and is subjected to heavier use than synthetic oils.
If your vehicle runs on conventional engine oil, a good guideline is to change your oil every:
- 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres, or
- Every 3 to 6 months.
2. Synthetic Blend Engine Oil
A synthetic blend motor oil is a combination of conventional oil and synthetic base.
If your vehicle runs on synthetic blend engine oil, the recommended oil change interval is:
- 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or
- Every 6 months.
3. Full Synthetic Engine Oil
A full synthetic oil is a combination of high-performance fluids, additives, and synthetic base that boosts the performance of the oil.
The recommended change interval for a full synthetic oil is:
- 8,000 to 15,000 kilometres, or
- Every 6 to 12 months
How to Check Your Engine Oil
The right habit is to inspect it at least once a month, before a long road trip, or every 5,000 kilometres. Check the following:
1. Oil level: The oil should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
2. Oil colour: Fresh engine oil is usually clear amber or golden brown. If the oil looks milky or creamy, it could mean coolant is mixing with the oil. Over time, it becomes darker as it collects dirt and contaminants.
3. Oil consistency: Rub a small amount of oil between your fingers. It should feel smooth. If it feels gritty or contains tiny particles, the oil may be contaminated.
4. Oil smell: Healthy engine oil shouldn't have a strong burnt smell. If it smells burnt, it may have overheated and lost its ability to protect the engine.
5. Metal particles: Shiny metal flakes in the oil can indicate excessive engine wear.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Engine Oil On Time?
These are some of the problems that can happen if you don't change your engine oil on time:
- Increased engine wear as metal parts rub against each other without proper lubrication.
- Engine overheating since the old oil can no longer dissipate heat effectively.
- Sludge buildup, which restricts oil passages and restricts oil flow.
- Poor engine performance, which makes your car feel less responsive.
- Reduced fuel efficiency, as the engine works harder due to increased friction.
- Engine breakdown, which could mean rebuilding or replacing the whole engine.
Factors That Affect How Often You Should Change Your Engine Oil
1. Type of Engine Oil You Use: The type of engine oil you use determines how frequently it will be changed.
2. Driving Conditions: Frequent traffic, dusty roads, making several short drives in a day, and carrying heavy loads cause engine oil to deteriorate faster.
3. Vehicle Age and Engine Condition: Old cars with high-mileage engines may need engine oil replacement more often compared to newer cars. Especially when the engine consumes oil or shows signs of wear.
4. Kilometres Driven: Each kilometre you drive uses your engine oil. As the kilometres increase, your engine oil will become less effective.
5. Weather Conditions: Extreme weather affects the life of your engine oil. Hot temperatures make your engine oil deteriorate faster while low temperatures cause it to thicken when starting the engine.
6. The Manufacturer's Recommendations: The recommended oil change interval in your manual is based on extensive testing and is designed to keep your engine performing at its best.
Signs Your Engine Oil Needs Changing Immediately
Here are the most common signs you need to change your engine oil immediately:
1. Engine Oil Warning Light Comes On: This is one of the first indicators that something is wrong. It may mean your oil level is low, oil pressure has dropped, or the oil is no longer circulating properly.
2. Loud Engine Knocking or Ticking Sounds: Engine oil acts as a lubricant for moving engine parts. When the oil becomes old or insufficient, metal components grind against each other, causing knocking, or grinding noises.
3. Burning Smell Inside the Car: A burning oil smell often indicates leaking oil or oil overheating inside the engine. If the smell is accompanied by smoke, stop driving and inspect the vehicle immediately.
4. Thick, Dark, or Dirty Engine Oil: Clean engine oil is usually amber or light brown. Over time, it becomes thick, black, and contaminated with dirt and engine debris. Check the dipstick regularly. If the oil appears dirty or gritty, it’s time for an oil change.
5. Low Engine Oil Level: Low oil can quickly cause overheating and excessive engine wear.
6. Poor Fuel Economy: Poor engine lubrication increases friction, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel.
7. Rough Engine Performance: Delayed acceleration, sluggish performance, engine vibration, or rough idling can all result from degraded engine oil that no longer lubricates engine parts effectively.
8. Excess Exhaust Smoke: A small amount tends to be normal but blue, gray, or unusually thick smoke may indicate your engine is burning oil.
Common Oil Change Mistakes To Avoid
1. Changing oil only when it has turned black
2. Mixing different oil grades
3. Buying fake or counterfeit engine oil
4. Not changing the oil filter
5. Using the wrong type of engine oil
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is my engine oil black?
Engine oil tends to turn black in the process of cleaning the engine as it picks up dirt and soot in the process. Change oil at regular intervals based on your vehicle requirements.
2. Can I mix different engine oil grades?
It is never recommended. Mixing engine oils from different grades and viscosities can affect their performance in protecting your engine. Always use the type of oil mentioned in your manual.
3. Where can I buy an original engine oil?
It is advisable to purchase engine oil from authorised dealers and service centres where you can be assured that they have genuine oil and are also sealed properly.
4. Should I change the oil filter every time I change my engine oil?
Yes. Old oil filters tend to hold dirt and contaminants which will contaminate the new oil. It is advisable to change the oil filter every time you change engine oil to avoid this problem.
5. What happens if I use the wrong type of engine oil?
The use of an inappropriate type or viscosity of engine oil may have an effect on the engine performance and decrease its efficiency and even damage the engine itself. Do not forget to use only the recommended engine oil.
6. Should I wait until the engine oil warning light comes on before changing my oil?
No. If the engine oil light is on, it means that your oil level and oil pressure are already too low.
7. What happens if you don’t change your engine oil on time?
Skipping an engine oil change might save you money today, but it can cost you far more. Instead of protecting your engine, old oil begins to work against it.
In summary
When deciding how often you need to change your engine oil, consider the type of oil you're using, your driving habits, your environment, and the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle.
Following the right oil change schedule will help improve engine performance, extend your engine's lifespan, and reduce the risk of repeated repairs. A quick inspection can help you spot low or dirty oil before it causes expensive engine problems.
Book your next oil change and inspection with WHIPCARE today.
