Mitsubishi Repair: 00 galant, 4cylinder, ES, automatic, proper lubrication, dirty oil

Question
why does my engine start loudly ticking once it gets close to time for a oil change, or if i go over?  

Answer
O'Keith,
This is typically caused by the dirty oil or low oil levels.  The ticking noise is most likely coming from your lifters.  Oil passes through small passages in the lifters to keep them lubricated.  As the oil gets dirty, low, and begins to break down, it tends to not flow through the oil passages in the lifters too well, preventing proper lubrication, and that results in ticking.  So, the ticking may actually be a good indicator to let you know the oil should be changed, but it's nothing to worry about unless the ticking never goes away and continuously gets louder.
Good luck!