Keeping your car or truck running smoothly is not always easy. Oil contamination, overly worn engine parts and many other problems can creep up without much warning. These issues often develop gradually before they become serious enough to require immediate attention. Without the right amount of oil in your engine, friction can cause metal surfaces to deteriorate quickly and even catch fire in some cases. But with the right inspections and maintenance techniques, you can reduce your risk of experiencing engine failure due to low oil levels or oil contaminants.
Check your oil with your eyes, your smell, and a dipstick
Some of the most obvious signs that your engine’s oil needs to be changed or topped off are the condition of the oil filler cap, any visible oil leaks, and the colour and smell of the oil. An oil change is the best way to protect your engine from wear and tear. If you don’t change the oil, contaminants can build up and cause damage to your engine over time. If you notice changes to your vehicle’s oil level, you might need to have your engine’s oil and filter changed. The oil should be a golden-brown colour. If the oil is black and thick, it’s time to change it. A fuel-like smell coming from your engine could be a sign of oil contamination due to a faulty fuel injector. Your engine may be contaminated with too much oil if you see bubbles in the oil filler cap or your oil looks milky.
Smell for the scent of burning oil
When you open the hood of your car, take a whiff of the engine oil. If it has a pungent or bitter scent, it’s likely contaminated with gunk-like dirt, dust, and metal shards. Cleaning out your engine is one of the best ways to prevent serious engine damage over time. Engine oil has several important functions, including cooling and lubricating the engine. If your oil is dirty, it may not be able to perform its job properly which could lead to serious engine damage. The best way to clean your engine is with a pressure washer and a high-pressure nozzle. You can also use a chemical cleaner like a degreaser or a solvent-based cleaner to clean your engine. You can also use a shop vat to remove dirt and debris. You may also want to clean the oil filter.
Be on the lookout for black smoke when you start your car
If you notice black smoke coming from your car’s exhaust when you turn on the engine, it could be a sign that there is too much oil in the combustion chamber. This happens when there isn’t enough air in the engine to burn the fuel properly. If there’s too much oil in the engine, it can’t properly lubricate the moving parts. When the engine parts aren’t properly lubricated, they can’t move as smoothly as they should. If there isn’t enough air to burn the fuel, it can catch fire in the combustion chamber. If you’re seeing excessive black smoke, you should immediately turn off the engine and investigate the cause. You may need to have the engine oil changed or have the engine cleaned.
Look for discoloration in your oil
Discoloration can be a sign that there are too many impurities in your engine oil. Impurities that can cause your oil to change color include water, dirt, and rust. – If you notice a change in the color of your engine oil, it’s a good idea to get it changed as soon as possible. Oil that has been contaminated with impurities can cause serious engine damage. Some manufacturers recommend changing your engine oil every 3,000 miles. Other manufacturers recommend changing engine oil after every 5,000 miles.
Summing up
Engine oil is an important part of your vehicle’s engine that helps reduce friction, cools the engine, and carries away dirt and other impurities. If you notice any warning signs that your engine oil isn’t working as it should, it’s important to act before it’s too late. Engine oil is one of the most common causes of car breakdowns, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and know the warning signs when something is wrong.
