Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you tell if your engine oil has gone bad?

I am trying to check my engine oil to see if it needs a change. However, I don’t really know how to tell if it’s time by looking. How do you tell if your engine oil has gone bad?

avatar
Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oil changes are one of the most regular maintenance tasks for any car owner! It’s time for an oil change if your engine oil is too low or has become dark and sludgy.
Engine oil helps keep your engine lubricated, which allows it to run smoothly without damaging any components. A car without enough (or fresh) engine oil can overheat or become damaged.
Engine oil becomes dirtier from use, which impacts its usefulness over time. Oil that has become excessively dark, dirty, and sludgy requires a change!
Some other indicators include:
  • Your dashboard oil change light turns on
  • Excessive exhaust smoke
  • An oil smell while the engine is on
  • You’ve reached the recommended number of miles between oil changes
Oil changes won’t be covered, but plenty of car expenses can be paid for by the right
car insurance
policy. Make sure your car is properly protected by downloading insurance broker Jerry.
Jerry
is a licensed insurance broker that makes it easy to save on your insurance bill. Just a few minutes on the app is all it takes to find the policy you want at a price you like. Once you’ve chosen a policy, Jerry even helps with your sign-up paperwork!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings