How much longer can I drive when the engine oil life shows 20 percent?
2 Answers
With 20% engine oil life remaining, you can still drive at least 2,000 kilometers. To determine if the oil is still usable: Check the oil manufacturer's specifications, the automaker's recommendations, and the vehicle's indicator. Domestic standards are lower with fewer long-life oils available: Apart from Mercedes-Benz standards, certifications like BMW's LongLife-04, Volkswagen/Audi's VW503 and VW504 represent long-life oil standards, typically offering 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers of service life. For out-of-warranty vehicles, you can directly follow the mileage suggested by the oil manufacturer and their recommended replacement intervals.
Last time my car showed 20% oil life, I specifically asked the dealership mechanic. He said this percentage is calculated by the onboard computer based on your usual driving habits, not an actual measurement of oil quality. For a commuter like me who only drives half an hour daily to work, it's perfectly fine to go another 700-800 kilometers, but don't exceed one month. However, if you frequently drive on highways or carry heavy loads, it's recommended to change the oil within 500 kilometers. Last week, my neighbor stubbornly waited until 5% to service the car, and the engine ended up sounding like a tractor - cost over 3,000 yuan to fix, really not worth it.
