Change your car’s engine oil at least 2 times a year to ensure that your car’s engine keeps running properly. Don’t forget to change your oil filters and keep them in good condition. If you want your vehicle’s engine to run well and last a long time, remember that choosing the right engine oil is the first step.
Engine performance issues
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, pay attention to seasonal changes, as oil can making it harder for your engine to circulate it properly, while excessive heat can accelerate breakdown. By regularly checking oil color, consistency, smell, engine performance, and seasonal factors, you can make informed decisions about oil changes without strictly relying on mileage or hours, ensuring your engine remains protected and running efficiently.
Another indicator is engine performance. If your vehicle starts running rough, has reduced fuel efficiency, or exhibits sluggish acceleration, degraded oil could be contributing to the problem by increasing internal friction and resistance. Some vehicles may also experience noisier engine operation, with increased knocking or ticking sounds due to poor lubrication.
How to monitor and analyze oil
Some modern vehicles are equipped with oil life monitoring systems that analyze driving conditions and oil condition, providing an electronic alert when it’s time for a change. If your vehicle has one, use it as a guide, but also rely on visual and performance-based inspections. Finally, if you’re unsure whether your oil is still effective, sending a small sample to an oil analysis lab can provide detailed insights into its condition, detecting potential problems such as excessive wear metals or contamination.
Oil color, smell and consistency
One of the most reliable indicators is the color and consistency of the oil. Fresh oil is typically a translucent amber color, but over time, it darkens due to contaminants, combustion byproducts, and dirt accumulation. If your oil appears excessively dark, gritty, or thick when checked using the dipstick, it’s a strong sign that it may need replacing. Additionally, the smell of the oil can provide a clue—if it has a burnt odor, this could indicate excessive heat and degradation, meaning it’s no longer providing adequate lubrication and protection.
Be informed about how to choose engine oil for your car and its composition
You should also pay attention to the composition of the oil. Manufacturers very often use substances and minerals in their products to alter the effect and performance of the oil in the engine. For example, engine oils for high-mileage cars add high levels of anti-wear agents, corrosion inhibitors and seal conditioners to protect the engine from wear and keep it running well for longer.
The base oil content of almost every pack averages between 70-95%, the rest is made up of various types of additives. An oil with a lower base oil content will not necessarily be better, some base oils already have their natural properties from refining and therefore have less need for additional additives.
However, if your car’s engine is seemingly worn out and no longer performs as well, we recommend you try adding engine oil additives, which can significantly improve engine performance, component protection and prolong engine life. However, if the engine has serious faults or damage, then you should contact a service to have the problem rectified.
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That’s such a great compliment—thank you! I’m honored to be part of your morning routine. I’ll keep the posts coming!
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