Can You Still Drive When the On-Board Computer Prompts an Oil Change?
2 Answers
When the car reminds you to change the oil, you can generally still drive. Below are the situations where you can continue driving after being reminded to change the oil: 1. Generally, the rules for the on-board computer to remind you to change the oil are based on mileage or oil usage time, which may have some margin of error. Unless the current oil quality is still usable and the oil level is sufficient, the owner can continue driving with confidence. To check the oil level, observe whether the oil level on the dipstick is within the normal range. Park the vehicle on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and wait for 15 minutes to allow the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Then, pull out the dipstick and check the oil level. If the oil level is between the upper and lower limits on the dipstick, it is normal. If it is above the upper limit, some oil needs to be drained. If the oil level is below the lower limit, the corresponding amount of oil should be added. 2. If the oil has not deteriorated: Prepare a blank oil test paper and observe the changes in the oil on the paper. If the oil separates into three layers—the outermost being the oil ring, the middle layer being the diffusion ring, and the innermost black substance being oil deposits—it indicates that the oil needs to be changed. If the oil on the test paper does not show clear stratification and only has two layers without obvious black deposits, it means the oil can still be used.
When the car computer prompts for an oil change, can you still drive? I think driving a short distance to the repair shop in the short term is not a big problem, but it is not recommended to continue daily use. The role of engine oil is to lubricate and cool the engine. Once it deteriorates or becomes dirty, it's like impurities in the blood, causing parts to wear out quickly. Last time I neglected it and delayed the change for a week, resulting in noticeably louder noise upon startup. Later inspection revealed slight damage to the piston rings, adding several hundred dollars to the repair cost. Therefore, it's best to schedule an oil change within a few days of seeing the prompt, avoiding long-distance driving or climbing hills to prevent engine overheating and damage. Developing a habit of timely maintenance can save a lot of trouble and ensure driving safety.
