Does it matter if the engine oil hasn't been changed for a year and a half, with low mileage?
1 Answers
Even the best engine oil will deteriorate after one year of use. Full synthetic oil should be replaced even if the mileage hasn't been reached. The impacts are as follows: 1. Possible insufficient oil volume: The engine continuously consumes oil during operation, though at a relatively slow rate. As long as there's no oil burning, oil shortage generally won't occur within the normal oil change interval. However, in certain situations like vehicle deceleration, bumpy roads, or body tilting, the oil pump may not be able to draw oil properly. 2. Accelerated oil aging: Engine oil not only provides lubrication but also cooling. Although the heat absorbed by the oil is ultimately dissipated through the engine and coolant, insufficient oil volume reduces the efficiency of heat dissipation, potentially leading to higher oil temperatures and faster oil degradation. 3. Increased engine sludge: Prolonged oil change intervals result in reduced oil volume while the engine continues to operate, generating particles continuously. These particles keep dissolving in the oil until the oil becomes increasingly viscous. 4. Potential oil filter failure: The oil filter is designed to remove impurities from the oil. After leaving the oil pump, the oil passes through the filter before reaching components requiring lubrication. After lubrication, the oil returns to the oil pan and is drawn back into the oil pump, passing through the filter again.
