There is a lot of different information and advice on when you should change the oil in your vehicle’s engine. Is it after a certainamount of distance driven? Or is it after a certain time period? In short, there is no simple answer here.

How fast oil in your engine degrades depends on a lot of different internal and external factors. For example but not only:

INTERNAL FACTORS

  • How is the engine/vehicle being used? (short or long distances, calm or sportive usage etc.)
  • What kind of lubricant is being used? (low/high quality)
  • Are you using an oil additive?

EXTERNAL FACTORS

  • In what kind of climate is the engine being used? (temperature, humidity)
  • What is the season? (e.g. summer or winter)
  • Location? (E.g. do you live in the mountains with lots of climbs and descents)

All these factors have an effect when it comes to the degradation of your lubricant. But then how do you know when your oil isready for a refreshment? Most people leave that decision to the mechanic at the garage when they bring their vehicle in for anannual inspection or when they are there for repairs. But in case you like to do things yourself, or even for the mechanic in theshop, we have developed a colour scheme that can help you identify in what stage of degradation your engine oil currently is.

When you are a handy person, and are planning to do the lubricant refreshment yourself, just tap a bit of oil as a sample fromyour oil carter, compare it with the below colour scheme and if your oil is ready to be replaced, fill it up with new and fresh oilafter completely draining the ‘old’ engine oil from the engine. Or even better, first use our ARDINA Engine Flush. This way youalso completely clean the interior of your oil carter together with the rest of your oil system from any deposits or other unwantedmaterials that get left behind. For more information see our technical datasheet on our website or contact ARDINA directly.

Whatever you do, always follow the guidelines of the engine manufacturer and use the correct lubricant grade they prescribe.