How Often Should you Check Your Oil?

Date: Mon 27th February 2023   |   Author: Modeten

Your oil is often a good indicator of your engine’s health and you should check it at least once every couple of weeks or before a long journey and in older cars, maybe even more. If your engine is burning oil at a quick pace or losing it through a leak, it’s important that you notice before it causes irreparable damage. Knowing how often to check oil is more important the older your car gets plus you need to think about how long it’s been since your last service.

How do you check your oil levels?

It’s all well and good knowing how often to check oil, but you’ll also need to know how to do it properly. Luckily, it only takes a minute as long as your engine is cold. If your engine has just been in use, you’ll have to let it cool down and return to the oil tank (usually referred to as the sump). You can check your oil in five easy steps:

• Pop the bonnet of your car open and place it on the support prop.
• Locate the dipstick and lift it out. Use your manual if you can’t find it.
• Wipe the dipstick clean and replace it.
• Once it’s been put back, pull it out again and see if the level is within the recommended level indicated on the dipstick.
• If the oil is low fill it up, then check it the following week to make sure there is no fault.

What to do if your oil is low?

Now you know how to check and how often to check oil, you need to know what to do if it’s too low. The first thing to do is fill it up using a good grade of engine oil so that the level is within the recommended amount and wait a few days to a week, before checking again. If your oil is low again it indicates a fault, such as a leak, which could ultimately cause your car significant damage. You should take your car into a garage so that a professional mechanic can diagnose the issue.

How often should you change oil?

As well as knowing how often to check oil, it’s also important that you keep track of how often it's changed. Oil is usually an amber colour when fresh, but over time it will turn darker until eventually it’s black. Although this is an indication that it’s ready for a change, a more solid guide is the amount of miles and time since you last changed it. When you have your car serviced your oil will be changed along with the oil filter; this is just one reason to keep your car’s service history up to date.

Understanding the Importance of Oil Quality

While we’ve talked about the oil level, it’s equally crucial to consider the quality of the oil. Engine oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the metal parts in the engine, but its effectiveness diminishes over time due to contamination. Contaminants can include dust, water, and tiny metal particles that find their way into the oil. Poor-quality oil can lead to increased wear and tear on your engine and reduce its lifespan. Therefore, you shouldn't just fill up your engine with any grade of oil. It’s best to consult your car’s manual for the manufacturer's recommended type and grade of oil.

What are the Signs of Bad Oil?

Signs of bad oil are pretty straightforward but often ignored. If your oil has a burnt smell or if it’s too thick, it’s a sign that your oil is deteriorating and a change is overdue. Another red flag is if the oil has a milky appearance, which can indicate that coolant is leaking into the oil. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention from a professional mechanic.

Monitoring Oil in Extreme Conditions

Your driving conditions can also affect how often you should check and change your oil. If you’re often driving in extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, or if your daily commute involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic, you may need to check and replace your oil more frequently. Such conditions can accelerate the breakdown of oil and could result in quicker engine wear.

Don't Forget the Oil Filter

The oil filter plays an important role in maintaining the quality of your oil. It helps to remove contaminants that can harm your engine. When you change your oil, it’s usually a good practice to replace the oil filter as well. Old filters can become clogged and inefficient, leading to poor oil quality and ultimately affecting engine performance.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

The type of oil you use also matters. Synthetic oils generally provide better high-temperature stability and flow better in cold conditions compared to conventional oils. However, they can be more expensive. Weigh the pros and cons based on your driving conditions and the recommendations in your car’s manual.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, checking your oil level and quality isn’t just a box to tick off your car maintenance list. It’s an essential practice that can give you invaluable insights into your car’s health. Not only should you know how to check the oil and when, but you also need to understand the importance of the quality, the role your driving conditions play, and the benefits of timely oil and filter changes. All of this knowledge can go a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your car and ensuring a smoother, safer drive.