Can the car still be driven when it prompts for an oil change?
2 Answers
When the vehicle prompts for an oil change, it should not be driven, and the oil should be replaced as soon as possible. The method for changing the oil is as follows: 1. Use a jack to lift the vehicle, locate the oil drain bolt, and unscrew it to drain the oil; 2. Unscrew the oil filter and place a container beneath it; 3. Replace with a new oil filter and add new oil. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, consists of: 1. Base oil: The main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties; 2. Additives: These compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance. Engine oil serves to lubricate and reduce friction in the engine, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption.
Can I still drive when the vehicle prompts for an oil change? I've encountered this issue several times, and from a safety perspective, it's better to be cautious. The oil light coming on indicates that the oil has degraded and can no longer properly lubricate the engine components. Prolonged driving under these conditions increases friction, causes the engine to overheat and wear out, and may even lead to permanent damage. From my experience, if you must drive—for example, to a repair shop or back home—short distances at low speeds are manageable, but avoid driving too fast or exceeding 50 kilometers. I regularly check the oil dipstick to see if the oil is dark black or thick. If there's foam or the oil level is low, it's even more critical to change the oil immediately. Otherwise, repairs can be exorbitantly expensive, costing thousands of dollars at the very least, not to mention the disruption to your plans. I recommend scheduling maintenance as soon as possible to avoid turning it into a major incident.