Does a negative oillife matter?
2 Answers
When the car's oillife turns negative, it indicates that the lubrication capability of the engine oil has significantly decreased, and the oil should be replaced promptly. Below is relevant information about engine oil: Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions for the engine, including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of the car. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional performance characteristics. Classification: Engine oils in the market can be broadly categorized into mineral oils and synthetic oils based on their base oil (vegetable oils are not considered due to their rarity). Synthetic oils are further divided into full synthetic and semi-synthetic.
I once encountered a situation where the oil life indicator showed a negative value, which I noticed during my daily commute. The system issued a warning stating that the oil had exceeded its service life, prompting me to immediately check the manual. A negative oil life reading indicates that you've surpassed the recommended change interval, which is no trivial matter. Continuing to drive under such conditions can lead to insufficient engine lubrication, increased wear, potential carbon buildup, or even oil burning. In severe cases, it might leave you stranded on the road. On that occasion, I promptly visited a professional workshop to replace the oil and filter—it cost me some money but was absolutely worthwhile. I recommend you immediately check the oil dipstick to verify the oil level and schedule a replacement as soon as possible. Regular maintenance is crucial; I make it a habit to check my oil monthly to prevent similar issues.