6 Ways to Tell if Your Car Needs an Oil Change

Regular oil changes are essential to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently, which is why we recommend checking your oil monthly or before any long journey. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine as well as cleaning, cooling, and protecting these parts and preventing your engine from seizing up. However, engine oil needs changing regularly as its lubricating properties do not last forever. Over time, oil becomes dirty and its chemical makeup changes making it far less effective. Therefore, we’ve compiled six easy ways to spot if your car needs an oil change. But firstly, since many of our tips involve checking your dipstick, it’s important that you know how to check your oil level properly. Read on to find out more.

How to check your oil level

Ready to get your hands a little dirty? Checking your oil level is quick and easy! Firstly, if you are unsure what oil you need for your vehicle, simply check your vehicle's manual, or use our online oil finder tool for a quick and easy check.

To check your oil level at home, simply open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, usually identifiable by a ring pull or handle. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, and reinsert it fully. Pull it out again to get an accurate reading of the oil level. The dipstick will have markings to indicate minimum and maximum levels; ensure the oil is between these marks. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance. Avoid letting the oil level drop below the minimum or overfilling above the maximum to maintain optimal engine performance. Still unsure how to actually check your oil levels? Check out our easy to follow guide to help!

So, we know how to check your oil levels, but how do you know if you need an oil change? Here are some easy tell tale signs that show you may need an oil change.

Check the oil colour

This is the easiest and quickest way to assess your oil's condition. When looking at the oil on your dipstick, it is important to check the colouring. Fresh oil has a transparent light brown colour but over time this will start to turn darker and can eventually become thick and black. Once your oil loses its transparency and turns black it’s a good sign that it’s time to change and dispose of your oil as it may contain particulates that can cause gunk to form in the engine.

Check the oil consistency

We did warn you.. you’re going to have to get a bit dirty for this one, but while checking the colour you should also check the actual consistency of the oil. Take a little bit of oil off of the end of the dipstick and rub it between your thumb and forefinger. If the oil is coarse or you can feel any grittiness this is another sign that the oil contains contaminants and should be replaced.

High mileage impacts your oil quality

If you use your car frequently for longer journeys and clock up a lot of miles, it could mean that you need to check your oil more regularly, but you should check your vehicle manual first. In the past, manufacturers recommended changing the oil every 3,000 miles; however, with the advancement of synthetic engine oils it is unlikely that your car will need an oil change quite this often.

Every manufacturer is different but you should follow the advice regarding oil change intervals in your owner’s manual. For example Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles for a Yaris while Ford suggests that an oil change is only required every 10,000 miles on a Ford Fiesta.

Dashboard oil replacement light showing

We know that remembering the last time you changed your oil isn’t always easy. Thankfully, many modern cars track this for you, illuminating a dashboard light or message when an oil change is due. This reminder is set according to your manufacturer’s recommended interval and should be reset after every oil change. However, it is important that you shouldn’t rely solely on these lights; regular checks are still essential regardless. Also, it is important that you don’t confuse this with the oil pressure light, which indicates low oil and requires immediate attention. If you see the oil pressure light, represented by a dripping oil can, stop the car and turn off the engine immediately.

Low oil levels

If you’ve recently topped up your engine oil but it keeps dropping below the minimum mark on your dipstick, it could indicate an underlying issue. As engine oil loses its lubricating properties, your engine will use more of it to ensure its moving parts keep running smoothly.

If your engine constantly needs topping up with oil, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right. It could be due to a leak somewhere in the system, or it might mean that the oil has degraded and is no longer doing its job properly. In either case, a full oil change is likely needed to keep your engine running smoothly and prevent potential damage.

Listen out for increased engine noise

You will know better than anyone how your car usually sounds so it should be easy to hear anything that sounds out of the ordinary. If you notice that your engine is noisier than usual it could mean your oil needs replacing. As engine oil becomes old, coarse and loses its lubricating properties the moving parts in the engine may begin to grind against one another causing major damage if not addressed. Therefore, it’s recommended that you get your engine checked out and replace the oil if anything sounds amiss.

Get expert oil care at Kwik Fit today

Unsure if it’s time for an oil change? Don’t worry—just swing by your local Kwik Fit centre for a free oil check. Our experts will assess your oil level and quality to ensure your engine is in top shape. If your oil needs topping up or replacing, we will be sure to only use the specific oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, so you can be confident your car is getting exactly what it needs. Plus, with our Engine Oil and Filter Change service starting at just £78.95, available at over 500 Kwik Fit locations, maintaining your engine’s health has never been easier or more convenient. Book in today and keep your car running smoothly! If you have any other queries regarding your vehicle be sure to check out our latest blogs to stay informed on our services.