Does not changing engine oil for over a year have any impact?
2 Answers
Not changing car engine oil for a long time will significantly reduce its sealing, lubrication, and cooling functions. The impurities in the oil can wear internal components, thereby affecting the engine's service life and making the engine more prone to malfunctions, leading to safety hazards. Below is a detailed introduction to the functions of engine oil: 1. Lubrication: Dry friction between metal surfaces can cause scratches, hence the need for engine oil's lubricating effect for protection. With the lubrication of engine oil, metal components can avoid direct contact and instead float on the lubricating oil. This is commonly referred to as the "oil film bearing" effect. 2. Cleaning: After prolonged engine operation, metal burrs may inevitably fall off due to friction. If these burrs fall off, they may pose a threat to other metal surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to rely on the flushing action of the engine oil to "carry away" these metal burrs. 3. Cooling: The interior of the engine operates at high temperatures, with cylinders relying on the cooling system for cooling. However, certain internal components cannot depend on the cooling system and can only dissipate working heat through the circulation of engine oil.
As a long-time car enthusiast, I've found that not changing engine oil for over a year can indeed cause significant issues. The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate engine components, reduce friction, and dissipate heat. However, if left unchanged for extended periods, it gradually deteriorates, turning into a greasy sludge that accumulates dust and metal particles. This drastically reduces lubrication effectiveness, leading to premature wear of pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder walls. Worse still, aged oil produces acidic substances that corrode internal engine parts and increase overheating risks. I've seen many car owners neglect this, resulting in louder engine noise, skyrocketing fuel consumption, and even requiring major overhauls or engine replacements. The standard oil change interval is typically every 5,000-8,000 kilometers or every six months to a year, depending on vehicle type and driving habits. Regularly checking oil levels and color can prevent problems - after all, prevention is better than cure, and saving this small expense now might cost you much more later.
