How many more kilometers can I drive with the 'Change Oil Immediately' warning?
3 Answers
When the vehicle displays the 'Change Oil Immediately' warning, you can typically drive for about 10,000 kilometers more. Below is relevant information about engine oil: Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, has a density of approximately 0.91×10 cubic (kg/m cubic). It serves multiple functions in the engine, including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. Often referred to as the 'blood' of a car, engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional beneficial characteristics. Classification: Engine oils on the market can be broadly categorized into mineral oils and synthetic oils (vegetable oils are not considered due to their scarcity). Synthetic oils are further divided into full synthetic and semi-synthetic types.
In all my years of repairing cars, I've encountered many car owners asking this question. When the dashboard displays 'Change Engine Oil Soon,' most vehicles can still run about 500 to 1,000 kilometers, but I really don't recommend risking it by continuing to drive. Engine oil is like the blood of the engine—once it gets too dirty or too low, friction between metal parts increases, leading to higher fuel consumption at best or severe engine damage like cylinder scoring at worst. Last time, a customer delayed the oil change by 1,500 kilometers and ended up spending over 8,000 yuan on a new engine. If you're on a long trip and really can't make it in time, remember not to exceed 80 km/h and avoid sudden acceleration—getting to the repair shop is the absolute limit.
I've encountered this situation myself while driving, and I usually schedule maintenance as soon as I see the warning. To be honest, there's no exact number for how many more kilometers you can drive—it depends on the type of oil you use and your driving habits. For example, full synthetic oil can hold out for an extra 300-400 kilometers, but frequent stop-and-go traffic or short trips can cause faster wear. Once, I was on a business trip when the warning light came on, and I drove 400 kilometers before changing the oil. The mechanic said the sludge had already clumped up. Since then, I've made it a habit to check the dipstick every month. If the oil color turns black or the level is low, I change it early, even without a warning. After all, the cost of engine repairs could cover a decade's worth of oil changes.
