Is it okay to drive on oil change required?
No, it is generally not recommended to drive your vehicle if the oil change required light is illuminated on your dashboard. Ignoring this warning sign can lead to serious engine damage and costly repairs down the line.
Understanding the Oil Change Required Light
The oil change required light, also known as the maintenance required light or service engine soon light, is a warning indicator in your vehicle that alerts you when it's time to change the engine oil. This light is typically triggered based on a combination of factors, including the vehicle's mileage, engine hours, or the oil life monitoring system.
When the oil change required light is on, it means that the engine oil has deteriorated and no longer provides adequate lubrication and protection for your engine's moving parts. Continuing to drive with old, dirty oil can cause increased friction, heat, and wear on the engine components, potentially leading to engine failure over time.
Risks of Driving with Oil Change Required
- Accelerated Engine Wear: Driving with old, dirty oil can cause increased friction and wear on engine components, such as bearings, pistons, and cylinders, leading to premature engine failure.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Dirty oil has a higher viscosity, which means it requires more energy to circulate through the engine, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and higher fuel consumption.
- Increased Emissions: Worn engine components due to poor lubrication can lead to increased emissions, which can be harmful to the environment and may result in failed emissions tests.
- Voided Warranty: Ignoring the oil change required light may void the manufacturer's warranty, as it can be considered neglecting routine maintenance.
It's important to address the oil change required light as soon as possible by scheduling a service appointment with a qualified mechanic. They can properly inspect your vehicle, change the oil, and reset the maintenance light, ensuring your engine continues to operate efficiently and reliably.
Conclusion
Driving with the oil change required light illuminated is not recommended, as it can lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs. Heed the warning and have your vehicle's oil changed as soon as possible to protect your investment and maintain the long-term health of your engine.
How long can a car sit without changing the oil?
How long does oil actually last in a car that's more often parked than driven? The answer may surprise you. Even in a car that's rarely driven, oil doesn't enjoy an infinite lifespan. The rule of thumb is about six months—despite oil's typical shelf life of five years.
How long can your car go without oil?
The presence of oil and its distribution is absolutely crucial to an engines continued operation. Engines can work without oil, but the effect is so damaging they are only capable of running for less than 30 minutes until failing - and in most cases, it's a lot quicker than that.
How long can a car go after oil change is due?
Do you know how long I can go past an oil change? Answer: Getting an oil change after 3,000 miles or three months is conservative if you drive a modern car. Most cars can drive 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your car uses synthetic oil, you may be able to wait even longer: up to 10,000 or 15,000 miles.
Can I still drive my car when it says oil change required?
Yes, you can drive your car if it needs an oil change, but it's not advisable to do so for an extended period. Driving with old or low oil can lead to engine damage, reduced performance, and increased wear on engine components.
How overdue is too overdue for an oil change?
But how overdue is too overdue for an oil change? Missing an oil change by a few days or even a couple of weeks might not cause immediate damage, but delaying it for too long can lead to costly repairs and decreased engine efficiency.
How long can you drive while needing an oil change?
Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
Did I wait too long for an oil change?
Traditionally, rule of thumb has been to service your vehicle every 3,000 miles or every three months (whichever comes first). Now, most vehicles are smart enough to tell you when an oil change is necessary and many people simply bring their vehicle in when the sensor activates.
How many miles do you have after it says oil change required?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
What happens if I wait too long for an oil change?
If you delay an oil change for too long, the oil's viscosity can decrease, leading to increased friction and accelerated wear on critical engine components such as pistons, cylinders, and bearings. This wear and tear can ultimately result in costly engine damage and decreased performance.
Will my car stop working if I need an oil change?
Over time, the oil gets too dirty to be effective which is the one of the main reasons it needs changed. In fact, if the oil is not changed, over time the entire engine will shut down and need replaced — a costly investment you surely want to avoid.
