Can the Car Continue to Drive After the Oil Change Reminder?
2 Answers
After the oil change reminder, the car cannot continue to drive. The reasons are as follows: 1. The oil change reminder indicates that the oil's effectiveness has declined after a period of use; the lubrication and cooling functions are reduced. Continued use will damage the engine, reduce its lifespan, increase the likelihood of problems, and consequently raise maintenance costs. 2. If the car is low on oil, you should quickly purchase oil from the nearest auto parts store and add it temporarily. If you continue to drive without sufficient oil, the lack of lubrication will cause the engine's components to rub against each other and become damaged.
Oh, I've encountered this warning light a few times too. Honestly, you can still drive - last time mine came on, I drove 20 km to work. But I really don't recommend making it a habit. Engine oil is like the blood of your engine - when it gets old, it thickens or gets dirty, reducing lubrication and cooling efficiency. This can easily lead to engine overheating or even cylinder scoring, and repairs would cost way more than the few hundred bucks for an oil change. Best to drive straight to the nearest repair shop for inspection. If you break down halfway, you'll need a tow truck, which is even more hassle. These warnings are usually based on your mileage or time intervals - ignoring it is like working while sick. You might manage for a few days, but it's risky for long trips or highway driving. Don't penny-pinch only to lose big later. First, check your dipstick for oil level and color - if it's pitch black or too thin, deal with it immediately.
