Can the Buick GL8 still be driven when the oil life reaches 0?
3 Answers
Yes, but it is not recommended to continue driving. When the oil life shows 0, it is best to check whether it is caused by data errors such as not resetting after changing the oil or the oil not being used for a long time. Engine oil has a certain service life, and it is not recommended to drive when the oil life reaches 0. The vehicle computer only prompts the oil life based on the set mileage, which can be used as a reference. The vehicle computer only prompts the oil life based on the set mileage, which can be used as a reference. The following is an introduction to oil life: 1. Oil shelf life: Engine oil has a shelf life and cannot be used indefinitely. The shelf life of engine oil varies depending on its state. If the oil is unopened, its shelf life can be as long as five years; if it is the remaining oil after car maintenance, because it has been opened, the shelf life will be shortened, approximately one year; if it is the oil already poured into the engine for use, the shelf life is the shortest, about six months. 2. Whether the oil has deteriorated: While checking the car's oil, you can use an oil detection filter paper to test whether the oil has deteriorated. By dripping the oil onto the filter paper, three important ring-shaped areas can be obtained: the deposit ring, the diffusion ring, and the outer oil ring, which can sequentially indicate the degree of oil contamination, the dispersing ability of additives in the oil to contaminants, and the degree of oil oxidation.
When the oil life indicator shows 0, it is strongly advised not to continue driving your Buick GL8. Engine oil serves as the critical lubricant for the engine. Once expired, its lubrication performance significantly deteriorates, potentially causing rapid wear on components like pistons and bearings. If you insist on driving, the engine may seize or fail completely due to excessive friction-induced overheating – a serious issue, especially at highway speeds. Safety first! I once encountered a similar situation and immediately pulled over to call a tow truck for an oil change at the repair shop, which prevented major damage. Regularly monitoring dashboard alerts and performing timely maintenance will extend your vehicle's lifespan. Never risk driving to save time – this concerns not just your safety but everyone else on the road.
Resetting the oil life and continuing to drive a Buick GL8 may seem convenient, but it could end up costing you a fortune. A friend of mine learned this the hard way—he ignored the warning and drove hundreds of kilometers, only to damage the engine and spend tens of thousands on repairs. When oil deteriorates, internal engine wear accelerates, and minor issues like noise and vibrations can quickly escalate into major repairs, wasting both time and money. Worse yet, it depreciates your car faster when selling. I recommend replacing the full synthetic oil immediately—maintenance costs just a few hundred yuan but prevents much larger losses. Personally, I follow the manual’s recommendations, regularly check the oil condition, and keep my car running economically.
