If you drive a car, you’ve probably heard about engine oil and how important it is. But have you ever thought, “Can engine oil go bad?” It’s a question that’s worth thinking about because engine oil plays a big role in keeping your car working strong. Let’s break it down in a simple way.
What is engine oil?
Engine oil is like the lifeblood of your car. It keeps all the moving parts of the engine well-lubricated so they don’t grind against each other. This helps reduce friction, keeps everything cool, and makes sure the engine stays clean. But just like any other part of your car, engine oil can go bad over time.
How does engine oil go bad?
So, how can engine oil go bad? Well, there are a few things that can cause this to happen. For starters, time is not on your side. Engine oil doesn’t last forever. If you leave it in your engine too long, it breaks down and doesn’t protect your engine as it should.
Heat is another big factor. Your engine gets pretty hot, especially during summer or when you’re stuck in traffic. High temperatures can cause engine oil to break down faster. Then there’s contamination. Dust, dirt, and other particles can sneak into your engine oil, especially if your oil filter isn’t doing its job. This dirt can make your oil bad and ineffective.
Moisture is a sneaky culprit too. Water can get into your engine oil if there’s a leak or if you don’t drive your car very often. This can lead to bad engine oil that won’t protect your engine. Plus, the additives in your engine oil that help it work well can degrade over time, leaving you with less effective oil.
Signs of bad engine oil
Now that you know how engine oil can go bad, you might be wondering how to tell if it has. There are a few signs to watch out for. First off, if your engine oil looks dark and dirty instead of a nice golden colour, it might be time for a change. Fresh engine oil should be clear and light.
If you start smelling something burnt or weird coming from your engine, that’s a red flag. And if your engine is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that the oil isn’t doing its job. Nobody wants a noisy engine!
Keep an eye on your dashboard too. If the oil pressure light comes on, that’s a sign you need to check your oil. It could mean your oil is too low or too thin. Finally, don’t forget about your oil filter. If it’s clogged and hasn’t been changed in a while, it can lead to dirty oil circulating in your engine.
How to check my car‘s engine oil
Checking your engine oil regularly is super important to avoid bad oil. It’s really easy to do! First, make sure your car is parked on level ground so you get an accurate reading. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
Next, pop the hood and find the dipstick, which usually has a bright handle. Pull it out and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, then put it back in. Pull it out again to see where the oil level is. There are markings on the dipstick to help you figure out if you need to add more oil.
While you’re at it, take a look at the colour and texture of the oil. If it’s dark and gritty, it might be time to change it.
Changing bad engine oil
If you find that your engine oil is bad, don’t stress! Changing your oil is pretty straightforward. First, gather your supplies: you’ll need new engine oil, an oil filter, a wrench, and an oil pan to catch the old oil.
Lift your car safely with jack stands and find the oil drain plug underneath. Place your oil pan under it and remove the plug to let the old oil drain out. After that, remove the old oil filter and put on the new one by hand.
Once that’s done, replace the drain plug and pour in your new engine oil. It’s always good to use a funnel to avoid spills. After you’ve added the new oil, check the dipstick again to make sure it’s at the right level.
Now, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. It’s a good idea to check for any leaks underneath your car afterward.
Tips for maintaining good oil
To keep your engine oil from going bad in the first place, there are a few simple things you can do. First, make sure you change your oil regularly, following the recommendations in your owner’s manual. It’s usually every 5,000 to 7,500 kilometres, but this can vary.
Using the right type of oil is also key. Check your manual to find out what’s best for your car. And make checking your oil level a part of your car maintenance routine. It only takes a minute!
If you notice any oil spots where you park, that could mean you have a leak, so get it checked out. And if you don’t drive your car much, take it for a short drive now and then to keep the oil circulating and prevent moisture build-up.
So, can engine oil go bad? Absolutely! But by keeping an eye on your oil and changing it when necessary, you can help keep your engine in tip-top shape. Watch out for signs of bad engine oil, and if you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to ask Coastwide Service Centre for help. Your engine will thank you, and you’ll be glad you took the time to check my car!