Can You Still Drive When the Oil Life is Below 5%?
2 Answers
You can continue driving when the oil life is below 5%, but it is recommended to visit a maintenance facility for servicing as soon as possible. At this stage, the performance of the engine oil begins to degrade, and its lubrication effectiveness diminishes. Oil life nearing zero does not mean there is no oil left; rather, it serves as a reminder for the owner to perform maintenance. If you wish to adhere to the recommended mileage for oil changes, you can reset the oil life indicator, which will then start counting from 100% again. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Engine Oil: Engine oil selection should be based on the requirements of the engine. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher demands. Precautions for Changing Engine Oil: Always warm up the engine before draining the oil. This ensures the oil is thinner and flows more easily, helping to carry away impurities and drain the oil thoroughly. Avoid draining oil when the engine is cold. Additionally, replace the oil filter simultaneously, as an old filter may be clogged with debris, slowing oil flow and reducing engine lubrication. When refilling oil, ensure the correct quantity—some vehicles allow oil level checks via the dipstick to confirm proper levels. Functions of Engine Oil: The primary role of engine oil is lubrication. Over time, the oil is gradually consumed, and impurities or deposits may form, affecting lubrication efficiency. Oil also has a cleaning function, though some residues may remain in the engine. Its anti-corrosion properties are crucial—while oil cannot prevent oxidation entirely, it significantly reduces it. Good sealing enhances mechanical efficiency, but prolonged oil use may lead to chemical reactions that weaken sealing. Cooling is another function of oil, though extended use diminishes its cooling effectiveness.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered many similar situations. The engine oil life dropping below 5% is a clear warning that tells us the oil quality has severely deteriorated, with significantly reduced lubrication capability. Continuing to drive under these conditions will cause the engine to experience increased friction due to lack of protection, leading to faster wear of components, and even overheating or failure. I remember one time when I was careless and drove about 50 kilometers to run errands, only to hear the engine noise grow louder and nearly break down halfway. Upon final inspection, sludge buildup was found clogging the filter, costing nearly two thousand dollars in repairs. Engine oil doesn't just reduce wear; it also helps dissipate heat and remove impurities. If you insist on driving, rising oil temperatures may damage overall performance. For daily driving, I would recommend going to a 4S shop or service center for an oil change as soon as this warning appears—don't wait for oil degradation to affect safety. In city traffic congestion, where engine load is high, the risks are even greater. Regularly checking oil quality levels is always a good habit. From experience, the sooner you act, the more money you save by avoiding bigger losses.
