Can You Still Drive a Car When the Oil Change is Due?
3 Answers
You can still drive a car when the oil change is due, but it should be replaced as soon as possible. Expired engine oil is not beneficial for the engine. Engine oil is a highly water-absorbent substance, and over time, it absorbs moisture from the air, leading to oil degradation and a decline in performance. The functions of engine oil include the following: 1. Lubrication: A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear. 2. Auxiliary Cooling: During engine operation, the oil carries heat back to the oil tank and dissipates it into the air, helping the radiator cool the engine. The actual cooling is done by the water outside the engine casing. 3. Sealing and Leak Prevention: The oil forms a seal between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering. 4. Rust and Corrosion Prevention: The lubricant adheres to the parts' surfaces, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. 5. Shock Absorption: When the pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, suddenly increasing the load on the piston, piston skirt, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings, this load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load.
If the engine oil change time has passed, can the car still be driven? As someone who drives frequently, I recommend stopping immediately and not risking continued driving. Engine oil is the protective agent for the engine, lubricating metal parts to prevent friction and overheating. After expiration, the oil becomes thin and ineffective, and also accumulates impurities. If you drive, short distances might be fine, but once you hit the highway or run for a long time, internal friction increases, temperatures soar, and at best, engine parts wear out, costing thousands to repair, and at worst, the entire engine could be destroyed on the spot. I once knew a friend who delayed an oil change by a month and ended up stranded on the road, spending tens of thousands on major repairs. Remember, car maintenance is not something to take lightly—safety first. Drive straight to the repair shop for a fresh oil change. If it's absolutely urgent to drive, say just a few kilometers to the oil change point, drive at the lowest speed possible, avoid sudden acceleration or climbing hills, and don’t put too much load on the engine to prevent accidents.
Can I still drive when the oil change is due? From a money-saving perspective, as a budget-conscious ordinary person, I'd advise against it because the long-term losses outweigh the costs. An oil change costs a few hundred bucks, but delaying it leads to oil degradation, increased engine wear, and potential repair bills in the thousands—or even a staggering engine replacement. Short-term, driving a short distance like a quick errand nearby might be temporarily fine, as the oil could barely hold up, but the risk is high. Don't gamble—expired oil loses lubrication, causing parts to grind and overheat, leading to failures. My experience says it's best to plan ahead and change it promptly upon expiry, avoiding disasters. Delaying a month accelerates oil breakdown—it thins like water, and one high-speed drive could fry the engine. Crunch the numbers: stopping to change oil saves hassle and big bucks.
