If the engine has been running, be aware of potential hot spots under the hood. Pull the dipstick out from the engine and wipe off any oil from its end. Then insert the dipstick back into its tube and push it all the way back in. Pull it back out, and this time quickly look at both sides of the dipstick to see where the oil is on the end. Every dipstick has some way of indicating the proper oil level, whether it be two pinholes, the letters L and H low and high , the words MIN and MAX, or simply an area of crosshatching.
It should appear brown or black. But if it has a light, milky appearance, this could mean coolant is leaking into the engine. Look closely for any metal particles, too, because this could mean there is internal engine damage. If you see either of these conditions, get the car to a mechanic for further diagnosis. GettyImages GettyImages Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7, or even 10, miles and 6 or 12 months for time. Even if you drive fewer miles each year than your automaker suggests changing the oil say, 6, miles, with suggested oil-change intervals at 7, miles , you should still be getting that oil changed twice a year.
Oil becomes less effective as it ages, and by not getting the engine warm enough, excess moisture that forms in the engine will not be removed, which can lead to shorter engine life. Now, this will depend on the type of car you own and how you use it.
If you have an older car, you may need to change its oil more often, at least every 3, to 5, miles or after three months. Newer cars have more precise engines and require less frequent oil changes, such as after every 5, to 10, miles. Also, if you use conventional oil, you may need to change it as frequently as every three months or 3, miles.
With synthetic oil, you can go as far as 10, or even 15, miles between changes. Personally, I use synthetic blend and at about 7, miles I start thinking about stopping for an oil change in the next couple of weeks. My car, a Corolla, currently has well over , miles so this has worked well for me. The way you use your car affects every element in it, and your engine oil is no exception. If you drive your car a lot or use it aggressively, it will put more strain on the engine oil.
Driving your car in severe conditions and going on several short trips can also reduce the quality of the oil quickly and may require a replacement after just 3, miles. Engine oil reduces in quality and becomes less effective over time. The light that illuminates in the oil life monitoring system is different from the oil pressure light, which indicates improper oil flow, system leak, oil pump failure, and other issues.
Most oil life monitoring systems deliver an oil change alert after 5, to 8, miles. You may also need to check your oil manually at least once a month. Your car oil should have a clear brown-black color. You may need to top it up if the level is low.
As such, how you store the oil influences its shelf life. Your oil will last longer on the shelf than you think it will. If you have motor oil that you have no idea how old it is, just have a visual look at it. Pour it out of the container so you can examine it. Fresh motor oil has a pale brown color to it. If the oil is significantly darkened, it may have oxidized. If it has a milky appearance, there could be water in it.
It should not be hazy, nor should you be able to detect any kind of settling, or the presence of any particulates. The other question concerns how long your oil is good for in your engine - how long it "lasts" in your car. Share this site!
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