Can I still drive with the oil life showing 15%?
2 Answers
You can still drive with the oil life showing 15%. Generally, when the oil life reaches 10%, you will be reminded to perform maintenance. Therefore, it is best for the owner to schedule a maintenance when the oil life is at 10%. Oil life refers to the service life of the oil, meaning that when the oil life reaches 0%, the viscosity and performance of the oil will deteriorate and it will no longer function effectively, not that there is no oil left. Below is some relevant information about engine oil: Functions of engine oil: Engine oil can lubricate and reduce friction in the engine, assist in cooling and temperature reduction, seal and prevent leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and absorb shocks and vibrations. It is known as the "blood" of a car. Choosing the right oil and changing it regularly can maintain the engine in good condition and extend its service life. Choosing engine oil: When selecting engine oil, it is not about choosing the most expensive one, but rather selecting the right oil based on the characteristics of the car's engine and your driving habits. You can categorize the oil based on winter and summer use. For winter, the primary consideration is the low-temperature viscosity grade, while in summer, due to high temperatures, there is no need to choose an oil with a good low-temperature viscosity grade.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I can honestly say that even with the oil life indicator showing 15%, you can still keep driving—but it's not a long-term solution. The oil life monitoring system uses sensors to track mileage and driving habits to calculate remaining protective capacity. At 15%, you've got a small safety buffer left, roughly another 300 to 500 kilometers of driving before it becomes a serious issue. But you should never be lazy enough to wait until it hits zero. That's because old oil loses its lubricating properties, increasing friction between engine components, which can silently raise fuel consumption and, in severe cases, lead to premature engine failure. I once got too busy and let it drop to 5%, and my car's startup noise became noticeably rougher. Now, whenever I see the alert, I immediately check the dipstick to confirm the oil level is normal and then schedule an oil change. Prevention is key—spending a little now saves a lot later!
