Oil is an important part of any engine because it helps things run smoothly. Over time, however, oil degrades, becomes dirty, and is less effective at lubricating and protecting critical engine parts.
Regular oil changes help maintain the lifespan of your engine and protect the moving parts from wearing down too quickly. If you’re ever unsure if your engine needs it, here are ten signs your car engine needs an oil change. If you notice any of these signs coming from your vehicle, get an oil change as soon as possible before the lackluster oil does serious damage.
1. Dark or Dirty Oil
Clean oil has a translucent amber color, but this color changes as it cycles through the engine and picks up dirt and debris. Over time, the oil turns dark and grimy, and that’s usually a good sign that it’s losing its effectiveness and needs changing.
You can always check the color of your engine oil by pulling out and wiping the dipstick clean, reinserting it and checking the current color. If you see thick, black, gritty, or otherwise unpleasant looking oil, then it’s a good time to schedule an oil change.
2. Unusual Engine Noises or Knocking
Clean and well-circulated oil helps create a protective barrier between moving metal parts in your engine. The oil acts as a thin layer that stops parts from grinding up against each other. Not only does this grinding wear down your parts a lot faster, but it also creates painful noises.
If you start hearing any peculiar sounds coming from your engine such as ticking, knocking, or grinding, your oil may have lost its effectiveness. Neglecting these noises can lead to increased wear and severe engine damage over time, so it’s a good idea to check out the cause and get an oil change if needed.
3. The Oil Change or Check Engine Light Is On
Many modern vehicles have some sort of warning system to let drivers know when they need to change their oil or check out any existing problems in the engine. If the oil change indicator lights up, that’s a straightforward reminder from your car's onboard system.
The check engine light may refer to other, more general issues with your vehicle, but it will sometimes activate from oil quality or level issues. Ignoring any of these dashboard warnings is a bad idea and can lead to serious complications over time, so don’t be afraid to investigate the issues.
4. Blue, White, or Excess Smoke From the Exhaust
It’s not uncommon to see vapor coming from your car’s exhaust, but excessive amounts of smoke are almost always cause for alarm. The specific color of the smoke, usually blue or white, may indicate problems with your oil.
Blue smoke often means oil is leaking into your combustion chamber where it’s burning alongside your fuel, which can come from especially old oil or worn seals. White smoke can stem from a couple of issues, but a common example is neglecting regular oil maintenance. If you notice any unusual smoke coming from your vehicle, it’s a good idea to check out the cause and seek attention from a mechanic.
5. Low Oil Levels on the Dipstick
It never hurts to check your oil level on the dipstick. If the dipstick shows the oil is significantly below the recommended level, it’s a sign that your engine may be burning oil or that there’s a leak.
Operating an engine with low oil levels increases friction and heat, which can cause long-term damage. You can alleviate some issues temporarily by topping off the oil, but if you have a leak, you may need to keep an eye on it and get it fixed sooner rather than later.
6. Decrease in Fuel Efficiency
Another sign your car engine needs an oil change is if you find yourself spending more time at the gas pumps than normal. Faulty oil forces your engine to work harder, so it consumes a lot more fuel.
If you notice you’re not getting as many miles per gallon as you used to, you may need to get an oil change. A quick and easy oil change can help restore engine efficiency and save you some money on fuel costs.
7. Burning Oil Smell Inside the Cabin or Around the Car
An intense burning smell inside your vehicle or around the engine is never a good sign. Leaking oil gets onto hot engine components and burns off, creating an unpleasant odor. This is not only harmful to engine components but also poses a potential safety hazard. The smell usually comes from low oil levels and burning oil from your engine overheating through insufficient lubrication.
8. Sluggish Engine Performance
Well-lubricated engines perform consistently and more responsively. However, old or grimy oil can lead to a sluggish engine that requires work. You might notice that acceleration is no longer as smooth, your engine hesitates, or your vehicle feels generally underpowered. Since engine oil is crucial for reducing internal friction and heat, neglecting oil changes reduces the efficiency and longevity of your engine.
9. You’ve Exceeded the Recommended Mileage or Time Since Your Last Oil Change
Most vehicle manufacturers include a recommended oil change interval for your car. You can usually measure this in terms of mileage or time, whichever comes first. Putting off an oil change beyond the recommendations runs the risk of oil degradation and poor oil performance.
Even if you haven’t noticed any other symptoms, sticking to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is one of the simplest ways to prevent problems. Thanks to modern synthetic oil options, you can probably space out your visits to the mechanic a bit more, but it’s a good idea to remain mindful of the manufacturer recommendations.
10. Visible Oil Leaks or Puddles Under the Car
If you notice any of the other symptoms on this list, try to check where you park your car for any stains or puddles. Oil leaks occur from worn gaskets or seals, so repairing those and getting an oil change could solve many of the other problems. Driving with a known oil leak not only wastes oil but also risks further engine damage and hazardous driving conditions.
When you’re ready for an oil change, go with Driven Racing Oil, and give your engine the performance it deserves. Shop our premium selection of high-quality racing oil engine online today, and ensure the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle. Don’t wait—protect your engine with oil designed for maximum endurance and reliability.