Ways to Check and Change Your Engine Oil

Introduction

When running a business, it is important to ensure that all your trucks and other commercial vehicles are properly running. They impact your operational efficiency, business performance, and success rate. You need to do several things to ensure your trucks are running well. One of them is to check the engine oil level and quality.

Engine oil is a lubricator used in internal combustion engines to keep them running smoothly. To ensure optimal engine function, it should be filled with the right amount of oil and the right quality. This blog will list ways to check and change the engine oil.

Why Is Engine Oil Maintenance Important?

Engine oil maintenance is important as it performs the following essential functions which are indispensable for the engine's operation:

• Engine oil lubricates the engine's components. This reduces friction within it during operations, preventing its wear and tear. This helps the vehicle maintain a consistent performance over a long period.
• When the engine functions, it produces a significant amount of heat. The engine oil effectively absorbs and carries away the heat, avoiding overheating. This helps prevent potential breakdowns or fires resulting from overheating.
• As the oil flows through the engine, it carries away dirt, metal particles, and other impurities attached to its components. This keeps the engine clean and ensures no dark smoke or odour is emitted.
• Engine oil lubricates the engine components; it prevents rust from building on them. In simple terms, it prevents corrosion. This ensures the longevity of the vehicle.

How To Check Engine Oil in A Truck?

Follow the below-mentioned steps to check a truck's engine oil:

• Park the truck, switch off the engine, and allow it to cool. This ensures accurate engine oil readings by letting the engine settle.
• As the vehicle cools, open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Typically marked with a yellow, orange, or red cap, the dipstick can be rectangular or circular in shape. Its position varies depending on the engine’s design.
• Once found, pull out the dipstick and check the engine oil level. The oil should be at or just below the maximum mark on the dipstick.

What Are the Signs That Your Truck Needs an Engine Oil Change?

Regular engine oil changes are essential to keep your truck running smoothly and efficiently. Ignoring the signs of old or dirty oil can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. Here are the key signs that your truck needs an engine oil change:

• Check the Owner’s Manual

  Follow the recommended oil change intervals specified for your truck.

• Frequent or Long-Distance Driving

  If you often drive long distances, consider changing the oil more frequently, as your engine endures greater wear and tear.

• Infrequent Driving

  Even if you don’t use your truck regularly, change the engine oil at least once a year to keep it fresh and maintain the vehicle’s performance.

• Unusual Engine Noises

  If the engine starts making unusual sounds, the oil may have lost its effectiveness, leading to increased friction. Change it promptly to prevent potential damage.

• Reduced Performance or Rough Idling

  Dirty or degraded engine oil can cause the engine to run roughly or reduce its overall performance. Replacing the oil ensures smooth and reliable operation.

How To Change Your Engine Oil in A Truck?

• Prepare the truck for an engine oil change by parking it on an even surface. Turn off the engine so that it takes a reasonable amount of time to settle down.
• Open the engine’s hood and locate the dipstick. Remove the dipstick, discard the old oil filter, and drain the used oil.
• Next, install a new oil filter and pour new oil into the pipeline. Use a funnel to add the recommended amount of oil, preventing spills and wastage.
• After filling the oil, start the engine and let it run for some time. Then turn off the engine and check the oil level. It should be slightly below or precisely at the recommended level.
• If the oil level is below the recommended amount, add more oil to the pipeline. Once finished, close the cap and shut the engine hood.

Conclusion

Engine oil maintenance is quite necessary and advantageous. Proper engine oiling has several benefits. It reduces friction, prevents overheating, and maintains cleanliness. Hence, regularly check and change the engine oil. You can either do it yourself by following basic procedures or get a mechanic to do it.

At Tata Motors South Africa, we offer a premium range of commercial vehicles designed to deliver exceptional reliability and performance. With generous fuel capacity and impressive fuel efficiency, our vehicles help reduce the need for frequent refuelling.

FAQs

• How do you check and change engine oil?

  You can check the engine oil by evaluating its volume, colour, and consistency. For an engine oil change, drain the old oil in the pipeline and refill it with new oil.

• What are the signs that my engine oil needs to be changed?

  Brown oil colour, unusual noise production, and reduced engine performance are signs that your truck needs an oil change.

• How often should I change my engine oil?

  Change the engine oil after reaching the recommended mileage, or at least once a year if you don't drive much.