When to Change Your Car’s Engine Oil: A Proven Maintenance Guide

4 minute read|1st Sep 2025

Regularly checking and replacing your car engine oil is an essential part of effective car maintenance.

But knowing what type to use, and how to check it is still suitable for your vehicle can be challenging.

This guide explains all.

When should you check the oil in your engine?

You should check your oil level and condition regularly, we recommend monthly (or weekly if you do a lot of miles or town driving) and always before commencing a long journey.

How to tell if the oil needs to be changed

When carrying out your regular oil level checks, observe its colour and consistency on the dipstick. 

Fresh and clean engine oil is usually amber or golden coloured, while older oil appears dark brown or black and may be gritty or thick. If it’s the latter, it’s likely time for a change.

However, it is important to remember that some vehicles no longer have a dipstick, and the only way to check the oil level and condition is electronically through the display warning messages on the dashboard.

Also, look out for any other dashboard warning lights or an engine that's louder than usual, as they are both signs of degraded engine oil.

When should you change the oil in your engine?

You should get the oil changed in your engine according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the type of oil and driving conditions. Your car owner’s manual will contain more information specifically for your vehicle.

It is important to remember that frequent short trips, towing, or driving in extreme temperatures can require more frequent oil changes.

Before you add or replace engine oil, check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and grade your engine requires. This is very important as the wrong oil type can cause damage to your engine.

Regular oil changes help maintain engine performance, prevent wear, and extend the life of your vehicle. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to engine damage and costly repairs.

When in doubt, consult a mechanic or take your vehicle to a trusted local garage for guidance.

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How to check your engine oil level

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check the level and quality of your engine oil.

1. Park on level ground: Ensure your vehicle is on a flat, level surface and the engine is turned off and cool. It is useful if it is shaded or protected from the weather.
2. Open the bonnet: Locate and open the bonnet using the release inside the vehicle. Make sure that it is secured before proceeding. Wear protective gloves.
3. Find the engine oil dipstick: Look for the oil dipstick if your car has one*. It is usually a brightly coloured (yellow or orange) handle, potentially labelled ‘Engine Oil’. Consult your owner’s manual if necessary.
4. Remove and clean the dipstick: Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel. Ensure that nothing is stuck to the dipstick before putting it back in.
5. Reinsert the dipstick: Push the dipstick all the way back in, then remove it again.
6. Check the engine oil level: Look at the markings. Oil should be between the ‘Min’ and ‘Max’ lines.
7. Inspect engine oil condition: Check the colour and feel. If it is very dark or gritty, then the engine oil will more than likely need changing immediately.

If the oil does require changing, contact your local service garage, or our Mobile Mechanic service, who can do the job for you at your convenience, at your home or place of work.

* many modern cars don't have physical dipsticks, so the engine oil level is shown in the car's on-board computer. Check your owner's manual if you are unsure how to do this. 

Check engine oil warning light

The check engine oil warning light usually appears as an oil can symbol.

If it lights up while driving, pull over safely, and turn off the engine.

Check the oil level using the dipstick and add oil if it’s low. If the light stays on, avoid driving and call the RAC for roadside assistance, or contact your local garage or dealer, as low or no oil can seriously damage the engine.

Speak to a mobile mechanic

If you are unsure on what to do when it comes to checking or topping up your car engine oil, then speak to our Mobile Mechanics to see how they can help.

If the oil warning light comes on, turn the engine off straight away. This signal means the engine may not be getting enough lubrication, and driving further — even briefly — can cause severe damage.

Nick Mullender

Lead RAC Mobile Mechanic

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RAC Mobile Mechanics are rated EXCELLENT and 5 stars on Trustpilot.

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