Can the car still be driven when it shows an oil change reminder?
4 Answers
When the car shows an oil change reminder, it should not be driven. Here is additional information about oil changes: 1. Impact: Engine oil plays roles in lubrication, cooling, cleaning, sealing, and rust prevention for the engine. An oil change reminder indicates that after a period of use, these functions have declined. Reduced lubrication and cooling effects can cause damage to the engine if the oil is not changed promptly. This shortens the engine's lifespan, increases the likelihood of problems, and raises maintenance costs. 2. Precautions: The oil viscosity must be appropriate. Different grades of engine oil have different characteristics, with varying performance in low-temperature starting and high-temperature wear resistance and adhesion. Oil viscosity is inversely related to temperature. When the engine is cold, the oil viscosity is higher. If the selected oil is too thick, it will impose additional strain on the starter motor and battery.
Every time I go on a long drive, I worry about car maintenance issues, such as whether I can still drive after the oil change warning appears. In fact, engine oil is the lubricant for the engine, and the warning usually means the mileage or time interval has been reached. Continuing to drive increases the risk of engine wear. I believe it's okay to drive a short distance to the repair shop, but it's not recommended to exceed 100-200 kilometers, especially avoiding highways or uphill driving. Long-term neglect may lead to engine overheating, reduced efficiency, or complete damage—replacing an engine can be very costly. Check the dipstick to see if the oil level is low; if it is, add some emergency oil. Regular oil changes can extend the engine's lifespan. I've learned that keeping the vehicle in good condition makes driving more reassuring and reduces the probability of unexpected breakdowns. In short, schedule an oil change as soon as possible.
I've encountered a similar situation during car usage when the oil change light came on, and I was quite conflicted about whether I could still drive. The lesson I learned later was that the engine can still operate when the light is on, but wear accelerates. It's best to change the oil the same day or the next day to avoid driving continuously for multiple days. Engine oil protects internal components; when it's insufficient, engine noise increases and fuel consumption rises. I recommend first checking the oil's color and quality—if it's black or contains metal shavings, stop driving immediately. It's good practice to regularly record maintenance mileage. Don't delay too long when a warning appears to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs, which could affect the reliability of daily commuting.
I'm the type who often forgets about maintenance, and my first reaction when seeing the oil change reminder is how much longer I can drive. Usually, it's fine to drive a few dozen kilometers to the workshop after the warning appears, but avoid long-distance trips continuously. Old engine oil loses its lubricating properties, which may cause engine shaking or starting difficulties. I've learned that ignoring warnings carries too high a risk, such as increased repair costs. It's best to set a reminder to check the oil level monthly and keep a spare bottle of oil in the car. This ensures safety.
