Looking after your tractor’s engine means paying attention to its oil. Even with reliable agricultural suppliers like ourselves providing top-quality lubricant and additives, it’s what you do between deliveries that keeps your machinery running smoothly. Here are five key signs that your tractor is due for an oil change.
Increased Engine Noise
If your tractor starts producing louder knocking, grinding or ticking sounds, it is often a clear indication that the oil has lost its ability to lubricate effectively. Fresh oil cushions moving parts and reduces friction; worn oil fails to protect, leading to noise and accelerated wear.
Oil Appears Dark and Dirty
Clean engine oil is translucent with an amber hue. When you check the dipstick and notice the oil is very dark, murky or laden with particles, it can no longer lubricate properly. This degradation not only affects efficiency but also risks serious engine wear.
Excessive Smoke from the Exhaust
Seeing blue or excessively dark smoke from the exhaust often means the engine is burning oil along with fuel, a symptom of oil breakdown or contamination. Besides signaling the need for an oil change, this could also point to more serious engine issues.
Oil Levels Require Frequent Top-Ups
If you find yourself regularly adding oil between scheduled intervals, it’s a strong sign that the oil has degraded. Degraded oil may evaporate or leak more easily and lose viscosity, compromising performance. A full oil change should resolve this issue.
Poor Engine Performance
When oil fails to do its job, your engine may become sluggish, such as sluggish acceleration, loss of power or difficulty starting. Fresh oil ensures efficient movement of parts, poor engine response often reflects oil that is past its prime.
Why Protective Maintenance Matters
Waiting for a breakdown before changing the oil can be both costly and time-consuming. Regular checks and timely oil changes enhance your tractor’s longevity and productivity, especially during busy seasons on the farm.
Treat oil, degraded oil as an early warning. Fresh oil improves engine performance, reduces fuel consumption and extends service intervals.
How Quad Fuels Can Help
We at Quad Fuels aren’t just a supplier of quality agricultural fuels like red diesel; we also provide a full range of lubricants and additives to keep your tractor in peak condition.
Whether you need engine oils, gear oils, greases, or performance additives, our Morris-branded products and FAST Exocet additives offer both quality and convenience, all delivered locally across North Wales and adjacent areas. Get in touch today!
