Can the car still be driven when it displays 'Please change engine oil immediately'?
2 Answers
When the car displays 'Please change engine oil immediately', it can still be driven for approximately 10,000 kilometers. Below is information about engine oil: 1. For new cars under normal driving conditions, if synthetic oil is used, the oil can generally be changed every 10,000 kilometers, and in some cases, it can even be extended to 20,000 kilometers. Automotive maintenance professionals consider 'normal driving' to mean frequent highway driving with minimal stop-and-go traffic. However, if you often drive in the city, encountering traffic lights everywhere, frequent traffic jams, and most trips not exceeding a dozen kilometers, this type of driving is considered 'severe driving'. 2. Engine oil is to a car what blood is to the human body, with the engine being the heart of the car. During engine operation, piston movement generates friction, and gasoline combustion in the cylinders can raise temperatures inside the engine up to 600°C, while also producing waste such as metal particles from friction.
Seeing the car display 'Change Engine Oil Soon' means you need to replace the engine oil immediately. Engine oil plays a crucial role in the engine by reducing friction between parts, preventing overheating, and avoiding engine damage. Ignoring this warning and continuing to drive, especially on long trips or highways, can cause the engine temperature to rise rapidly, leading to serious issues such as seized parts or complete engine failure. Over my years of driving, I've seen many cases where people delayed for a week or two, only to break down on the highway and require costly repairs—sometimes even needing a full engine replacement, which can cost thousands. My advice is: if you must drive, do so cautiously at low speeds to reach a repair shop, but don’t delay for long. Safety should always come first—check the oil level using the dipstick to confirm if it’s sufficient or if the oil appears black, then schedule an oil change. Regular maintenance is a smart way to save money—don’t let a small issue turn into a major disaster.
