When Should You Change Your Car Oil? These Are The Signs and How To Do It!
Oil is one of the most important components in maintaining the health of your car engine. The function of oil in a car is very vital, changing car oil regularly is an important part of good car maintenance. However, many car owners are often confused about when they should change the oil, how many kilometers should be required before a change, and how to do it correctly.
To answer all the confusion of car owners out there, TransTRACK has summarized all these questions and provided useful insights regarding changing car oil. Here’s the explanation.
Functions of Oil in Cars
Before we discuss when to change the oil, let’s first understand the function of oil in a car. Oil is not just an ordinary fluid, but a special lubricating fluid which plays a very important role in maintaining the performance of your car’s engine. The following are some of the functions of oil in a car:
Machine Lubricants
The first function of oil is as a lubricant. Some engine components will experience friction when the engine is started. To keep the engine durable, car oil functions as a lubricant so that friction remains smooth. Some components in an engine that are lubricated with oil include the piston, crankshaft and bearings.
Engine Cooling
Oil also helps in cooling the engine by taking heat from hot components. When friction occurs, engine components will produce heat energy. If this is allowed, overheating will occur, which will affect the performance of the car engine.
Particle Cleaner
Oil is also responsible for cleaning dirt and small particles trapped in the engine, thereby keeping the engine clean. Dirt or particles that enter the engine will settle and become crusty which can interfere with the performance of the car engine. Changing car oil regularly is an effective way to overcome this.
Rust Preventer
Not only can oil clean the engine of dirt or particles, it also helps fight oxidation and corrosion in the engine. Oxidation and corrosion will cause car engines to become damaged and damaged more quickly. By having oil in the engine, it will keep the engine healthy and avoid rust.
Signs that you need to change your car oil
It is important to understand the signs of when you should change your car’s oil. One of the common questions that is often asked is, “How many km do you change your car’s oil?” The answer may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of oil used and the type of your car. However, there are some signs you can look for:
Rough Engine Sound
When the car engine is started and the sound it makes is quite loud, this could be a sign that you need to change the oil. This rough sound occurs because the car oil has been contaminated by dirt, so its performance is reduced. The oil’s ability to reduce engine friction decreases and ultimately makes the engine sound rough.
Oil Color Change
The next sign that you need to change your car’s oil can be seen from its color. When it is time to replace oil, it will become darker or even black. This is a sign that the oil has collected a lot of dirt and particles. In general, oil that is still good will have a yellow color and look transparent.
Oil Indicator Light Comes On
If the oil pressure indicator light appears on your dashboard, it could be a sign that the oil level is low or the oil is too old. This is the easiest sign or signal to know when you need to change the oil. However, unfortunately not everyone understands the meaning of this feature.
Emits Thick Black Smoke
You can also find out the right time to change your car’s oil from the color of the smoke emitted through the exhaust. When the smoke emitted has a dark black color, it is a sign that you need to change the oil. Normally, when car oil is still good, the color of the smoke emitted tends to be transparent or white.
The Right Way to Change Oil
Now, let’s discuss how to change car oil properly. If you are not used to doing it yourself, you should visit an official repair shop or an experienced mechanic. However, if you want to try it yourself, here are the general steps:
- Preparation: Make sure the car is on a flat surface and the engine is cool. You will also need to gather equipment such as new oil, a new oil filter, an oil changer, and a gauge.
- Drain Old Oil: Remove the oil cap bolt and allow the old oil to drain out into a suitable drain container.
- Replace Oil Filter: Replace the old oil filter with a new one, making sure to even the surface with new oil.
- Add New Oil: Fill the engine with new oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the level with a gauge.
- Check for Leaks: After changing the oil, check for leaks around the oil filter and oil cover bolts.
- Cap and Test: Replace the oil cap and start the engine to ensure everything is working properly.
Car Oil Change Prices
The price of a car oil change can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of your car, the type of oil used, and where you have it done. There are two options for changing the oil, namely at a trusted repair shop or doing it yourself.
Doing your own oil change is usually more economical, but make sure you use high-quality oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you want to have it replaced at a repair shop, make sure to compare prices in several places to get the best deal.
That’s information about when to change your car’s oil, the signs you need to pay attention to, problems that can arise if you don’t change it, and how to change the oil correctly. Good oil maintenance is key to keeping your car engine healthy and running normally. Don’t forget to carry out regular car maintenance so that your car remains in top condition.
To make car maintenance easier, you can also take advantage of the latest technology in vehicle maintenance systems. One solution that can help you monitor car maintenance effectively is the Vehicle Maintenance System from TransTRACK.
This Vehicle Maintenance System can provide accurate information about when to carry out routine maintenance, including when to change the oil based on the actual use of your vehicle. With this technology, you can avoid unnecessary oil changes and ensure more efficient maintenance of your vehicle.
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