How Long Can You Drive When the Car Shows 'Change Oil Soon'?
2 Answers
When the car shows 'Change Oil Soon,' you can typically drive for about 10,000 kilometers. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. 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 the additives help compensate for and enhance the performance limitations of the base oil. For a car, engine oil is like blood to the human body, with the engine being the heart of the car. During engine operation, piston movement generates friction, and gasoline combustion in the cylinders can raise temperatures inside the engine to as high as 600 degrees Celsius. This process also produces metal particles and other waste due to friction. Engine oil plays a crucial role in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the dirt generated by engine friction, ensuring normal engine operation and extending the engine's lifespan.
I believe when the car dashboard prompts for an immediate oil change, you absolutely shouldn't drive for too long. As an enthusiast who frequently works on my own car, I deeply understand that engine oil is the protective shield for the engine – once it's overdue, its lubricating properties deteriorate, internal component friction increases, temperatures rise, easily leading to wear and even cylinder scoring. Generally speaking, if you check the dipstick and find the oil level normal with still-clear color, you might barely get away with driving 300 to 500 kilometers or three to four days, but it's very risky. I've seen a friend who waited a week, only to end up with strange engine noises and spend over ten thousand on major repairs. So it's best to schedule maintenance within 24 hours. If you must drive, avoid sudden acceleration and long highway trips. The core principle is safety first – don't lose big for small gains; protecting your car means protecting yourself.