While there are multiple reasons to get your oil changed, perhaps the simplest reason is that it is an integral part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. By staying on top of your oil’s health and maintenance, you are taking an active role in reducing the number of critical issues you can encounter from driving. As we’ll soon discover, when your oil begins to spoil, there are some signs that’ll let you know.

Having access to your owner’s manual is going to put you in a good position to keep your vehicle running. Inside, you’ll find that the maintenance schedule posts at which milestone an oil change is called for. However, there are times when an owner’s manual isn’t accessible. This isn’t a big problem because you can remain on top of your oil’s health with a physical inspection. You’ll want to make sure it is a translucent amber color with no particles floating around. A good rule of thumb is also to change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

There are several signs that can herald an oil change, but the easiest one to spot is on the dashboard. When the check oil light is illuminated, it usually signifies that there isn’t enough oil in the system and it needs to be refilled, or in some cases, changed. Take this moment to physically check your oil, using the criteria we mentioned earlier.

Although your vehicle is going to produce some odors you don’t like, it is important to be aware of distinctly oily odors. When you notice them, you may also encounter smoke bellowing from beneath the hood or from the exhaust. These signs tell you that your oil is unhealthy, as well as suggesting that there could be a fault in the delivery system itself.

You might be accustomed to the amount of noise your engine creates. However, if you notice that the noise is steadily increasing in volume beyond relatively normal parameters, then take that as a sign. This typically means your oil is not healthy and unable to do its job.