Can I Still Drive When the Car Shows the Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed?
3 Answers
When the car shows that the engine oil needs to be changed, you can still drive, but the driving distance should not be too long. It is best to change the engine oil as soon as possible because the reminder indicates that the oil level is already insufficient. Insufficient engine oil can lead to cylinder scuffing, poor lubrication, component wear, and even increased operational resistance. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, plays multiple roles in the engine, including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, imparting new characteristics and making them an essential part of the lubricant.
I've driven quite a few cars and find this issue quite common. The dashboard displaying an oil change reminder is usually based on mileage or time settings, it doesn't necessarily mean the oil is completely unusable. Let me share an experience: Once my car had this light on, I checked the dipstick and found the oil level was normal and the color wasn't too dark, so I drove 50 kilometers to the repair shop for an oil change without issues. However, there is indeed risk involved - aged oil worsens engine lubrication and increases wear. Short trips like commuting are okay, but long highway journeys should be avoided. Remember to regularly check the oil condition with the dipstick, and top up with fresh oil if it's low. It's best to schedule an oil change as soon as possible, don't delay beyond a week, otherwise engine overheating could cause major damage costing tens of thousands to repair.
As a car enthusiast, I get a bit nervous when the oil warning light comes on, but it doesn't mean immediate breakdown. That light might just indicate the maintenance cycle is due, and the oil hasn't completely failed yet. I've driven to the oil change shop without issues before. The key is not to drive too aggressively or too far—keep it within 50 km in the city, as old oil with insufficient lubrication can cause the engine to overheat and seize. I make it a habit to check myself: park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the oil level and color. If the oil is too thin or excessively black, call a tow truck instead of driving. Ignoring the warning can lead to costlier repairs, so schedule an oil change the same day. It protects the engine and extends your car's lifespan—how simple is that!
