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Signs Your Car Engine Oil Needs Changing

    Signs Your Car Engine Oil Needs Changing

    The primary role of minyak hitam or car engine oil is to lubricate moving parts in an auto engine. It helps reduce friction which tends to increase the wear of engine parts.

    Regular maintenance service can avoid problems, such as oil leaking under the car engine, which may risk damaging other components of your car engine.

    But how do you know when to change your car engine oil?

    Some experts say that engine oil has to be changed every 5,000 or 10,000 km depending on its type and grade. Read on as we explain several signs your engine oil needs changing.

    Signs you need to change engine oil

    The oil colour turns darker or black

    You should occasionally inspect the viscosity of your engine oil

    Despite being called minyak hitam, the colour is not solid black.

    The actual colour of new engine oil is clear and yellowish-orange or amber. The colour will turn black and thick over time after exposure to dirt or dust contaminants due to internal engine combustion.

    You may not notice the colour change initially, so you should occasionally inspect the viscosity of your engine oil. How do you do that? Easy. Follow the steps below:

    • Remove the dipstick and clean it
    • Then, dip it into the engine oil
    • Remove the dipstick again
    • Smear the dipstick on a white cloth to check the viscosity level
    Check the engine oil level

    Additionally, do not forget to check the engine oil level.

    Make sure it does not exceed or fall short of the proper level. If it exceeds the level, you need to remove some of it to ensure it does not interfere with the engine system.

    If the engine oil is below the level, you need to add more oil to avoid damage to the engine components.

    Failing car engine

    If you leave the engine oil unchanged, it will become sludgy and darker. Your car engine may then start making a knocking noise.

    Engine oil serves as a protective layer to prevent friction between metal components in the engine. The oil helps reduce the noise level.

    If you leave the engine oil unchanged, it will become sludgy and darker. Your car engine may then start making a knocking noise.

    Increased fuel consumption

    Engine oil that is not viscous enough will increase the stress on your vehicle's engine


    An increase in fuel consumption indicates the engine oil is no longer effective thus needs to be changed. Engine oil that is not viscous enough will increase the stress on your vehicle’s engine.

    This means your car engine component has to work harder to enhance the driving performance. It will indirectly increase the consumption of gasoline or fuel.

    Burning smell

    A burning smell coming from your car hood may be caused by fuel leakage in the engine

    A burning smell while driving may indicate a problem with the engine.

    If you smell something burning or notice a cloud of smoke coming from your car hood, immediately stop your car at a safe area. You need to check your engine to address the problem.

    Usually, the burning smell is caused by the fuel leakage in the engine. It could also be due to engine overheating that causes the fuel to burn in the exhaust system. This can cause the colour of the exhaust smoke to change to blue or grey over time.

    You are recommended to replace the engine oil immediately to avoid extensive damage to your engine.

    Tips to choose suitable engine oil

    Here is a guide that you may follow to choose the type of engine oil that suits your engine:

    Choose the right type of engine oil

    There are 3 types of engine oil: mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic oil. Each engine oil serves its own purposes. Hence, you should know which type of engine oil is suitable for your car.

    • Mineral oil

    Mineral oil is a type of refined petroleum crude oil. Usually, mineral oil is not durable because there is no formula mixture. It is cheaper than other engine oils.

    • Synthetic oil

    Synthetic oil contains a mixture of synthetic base oil (not exceeding 30%) and mineral base oil. It serves as a good engine protector and is more durable than mineral oil.

    • Fully synthetic oil

    Fully synthetic oil can last long but costs higher than the other two engine oils.

    Check the viscosity level of the oil

    Two numbers indicate the viscosity level of engine oil:

    • The first number ends with the ‘W’ alphabet. It refers to oil’s flow in cold (winter) temperatures – when the engine is turned on
    • The second number refers to oil’s temperature in normal temperature

    Engine oil with low viscosity flows smoothly to protect engine parts at cooler temperatures. On the other hand, engine oil with thick and high viscosity protects the engine better at higher temperatures.

    You can choose the right viscosity rate for your car by referring to your car’s manual.

    Check the engine oil certification standards

    Other than that, engine oil also comes with engine oil certification standards:

    • API (American Petroleum Institute)
    • ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), ILSAC (International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee)
    • JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization)

    A certification standard shows the product has passed the prescribed requirements. In addition, it is also one of the ways to ensure performance and quality assurance.

    Change car engine oil regularly

    Do not forget to monitor your car’s engine oil regularly. Any delay in replacing the engine oil will damage the car components, and the repairs can cost you severely.

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