Engine oil makes any vehicle run smoothly. It may degrade, however, with time. Gradual degradation means diminished performance and damage to your engine that could be major if left unchecked for a long time. It is therefore necessary to recognize when the oil is degrading and when it should be changed to Keep Your vehicle's Engine Healthy.
What is Engine Oil Degradation?
It degrades when the oil gets hot, dirt and moisture attack, but with all that degradation process, the oil loses its effectiveness in lubricating, cleaning, and protecting your engine.
Signs of Degradation of Engine Oil
The easiest sign of the problem is dark or dirty engine oil. Engine oil comes out amber when new but turns darker as it absorbs various contaminants. If your engine oil happens to turn black or look dirty, it means that it is time to replace it.
Engine Noise Engine oil serves to minimize friction in most of the moving parts of the engine. When the oil degrades it loses the lubricating properties, hence leading to increased noise by the engine. In case you hear any knocking or grinding sounds then maybe it is time to change.
Oil Smell Inside the Vehicle If there is a burning smell inside your car especially that oil, then it is a cause to suspect your engine oil is either burning or leaking, through degradation. Evidently, your engine oil needs attention.
Low Oil Level Oil, being a liquid, evaporates with time; but when you notice an increase in the frequency of topping up, then probably your oil is degrading faster than usual. Low oil levels will become a sign that the engine oil will no longer lubricate the engine.
Check Engine Light Many modern cars have sensors that detect engine oil quality. If your check engine light comes on, it might be because the engine oil is degraded and needs replacing. Never ignore this warning, as it could prevent serious engine damage.
When to Change Engine Oil?
It essentially says that a driver should change his engine oil after a mileage of about 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Yet this measurement depends on the type of oil you use in the engine and on the type of driving. Synthetic oil will last longer but is not an exemption to degradation over time. Check on the engine oil's condition so that you know when you should have it changed.
Conclusion
One sign of engine oil degradation is enough to save you the high cost of an Engine repair job. Dark-colored oil, unfamiliar noises from the engine, and a persistent smell of oil are obvious warning signs: probably it's time to check your Engine Oil and maybe change it. The regular changing of the engine oil helps your car run like clockwork and prevents wear on the engine in the long run. Regular checking and maintenance of engine oil will keep your vehicle running well while also keeping it from premature wear and tear.