How long can the Civic continue to drive when it displays 'Change Engine Oil Now'?
2 Answers
The Civic displays 'Change Engine Oil Now' with approximately 800 kilometers remaining, as the factory vehicle's reminder is based solely on a fixed maintenance cycle. The functions of engine oil: Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and cushion shocks in the engine. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of the car. How to check engine oil: After adding engine oil, start the vehicle and then turn it off for 3 minutes before checking. This is because changing the oil also requires replacing the oil filter, which initially contains no oil. Starting the vehicle allows oil to flow into the filter. Waiting 3 minutes ensures the oil settles into the oil pan, providing a more accurate reading. Do not check the oil level on a slope, as the tilted position of the vehicle causes the oil in the pan to tilt as well, leading to an inaccurate measurement.
I was also nervous when I first saw this warning light pop up on the dashboard. The Civic's oil change reminder is calculated based on engine operating conditions and mileage. The light coming on indicates that the oil performance has significantly deteriorated. Although the car can still be driven, it's recommended not to exceed 500 kilometers or one week, especially for older Civics that frequently drive on highways or have higher mileage. Last year, my colleague's tenth-generation Civic drove 800 kilometers after the light came on, resulting in VTC abnormal noise in the engine, costing nearly five thousand yuan in repairs. Now, dealerships suggest handling it within 300 kilometers for safety, especially for turbocharged models which are more delicate.
