Generally, the color of the oil that needs to be replaced is one of the indicators often used by car owners. Because one form of car engine maintenance is to perform regular oil changes. 

Therefore, as a vehicle owner, you need to know when the right time is to change the engine oil.

If you delay changing the engine oil, there are various fatal risks that can threaten your beloved car.

What Does the Oil Color That Needs to Be Replaced Look Like?

Usually, one of the questions that arises regarding oil changes is how to know when to change the car engine oil.

If the oil has a dark color, does this indicate that the oil needs to be replaced? Even though the oil has not reached the maximum mileage.

In fact, the color of the oil that needs to be replaced does not always have to be dark. The dark color in the oil is a result of the oil collecting small particles and binding them so that no sediment occurs. This is usually found in oils that contain detergents and additives. 

Thus, the deep black color of used oil does not interfere with the function of the oil. However, if the vehicle's mileage has reached its limit, even if the oil is not dark, a replacement still needs to be made. 

Read Also: Causes of Engine Oil Mixing with Radiator Water

4 Signs That Car Oil Needs to Be Replaced

In addition to checking the color and mileage that the car has traveled, here are various signs that indicate the car oil needs to be replaced, including:

1. The Car Engine Feels Rough

When should you change the engine oil? One sign that the car oil needs to be replaced is when the engine feels rough.

If you feel that the engine runs rougher than usual, or not as smoothly as it usually does, this indicates that it is time for you to change the car oil. 

The difference in vibration is very noticeable after you change the engine oil. When the oil is changed, the engine will feel smooth. 

2. Rough Sound When the Car is Started

Oil is made from synthetic materials that can coat two friction components of the engine. This is why oil can dampen the sound of friction between engine components.

However, as the vehicle is used, the quality of the oil will decline. This is due to the contents within the oil becoming contaminated by heat and combustion deposits, thus reducing the oil's ability to adhere to the components. 

If this is allowed to continue, when the engine is off for a long time and then started, you will hear a noisy sound for a while.

This noise occurs because the oil has drained into the sump, while the cylinder head does not receive lubrication at the initial start. 

3. Car Acceleration Decreases

Car oil has the main task of lubricating every car component so that it can generate power from combustion to be converted to move the wheels. 

However, oil in poor condition has poor lubricating properties, making the interaction between engine components heavier. 

If this continues, it will affect the low acceleration of the engine, as much of the engine's power is wasted to move the components. 

4. Indicator Light is On

Why does the oil indicator light keep coming on? All indicator lights will illuminate when the ignition key is turned on. One of the indicator lights is used as an oil pressure indicator. 

This indicator has a funnel shape with a yellow droplet. If this light is on, it indicates a problem in the car's lubrication system, whether due to low oil pressure, running out of oil, or missing the oil change schedule.

To be more certain, in addition to paying attention to the color of the oil that needs to be replaced, you can also visit an official Daihatsu workshop for inspection and regular service. Handled by experienced mechanics, the inspection and service will be carried out optimally.