Is It Dangerous When Engine Oil Life Is Below 30%?
2 Answers
When the engine oil life is below 30%, it does not pose any immediate danger. Here are ways to determine if the oil needs to be changed: 1. Observe the color of the oil. If it appears significantly darker than before or has visible impurities floating on the surface, it indicates the oil is no longer usable and should be replaced. 2. Rely on your driving experience. If you notice obvious engine vibrations or increased engine noise, it’s time to visit a 4S shop for an oil change as soon as possible. 3. The oil test paper method: First, pull out the oil dipstick near the engine, take a small amount of oil, and drip it onto the test paper. Let it sit overnight until the oil fully diffuses on the paper. Then, observe the deposition ring, oil ring, and diffusion ring on the paper. The oil needs replacement (indicating severe performance degradation) if any of the following conditions occur: ① Clear boundaries between the three rings—you can still use it for a while but should replace it soon. ② The oil ring disappears, leaving only the deposition and diffusion rings—visit the nearest auto repair shop or replace it yourself. ③ Only a dark-colored deposition ring remains—replace it immediately to avoid potential engine damage.
When the oil life drops below 30%, there's no need to panic, but it shouldn't be ignored either. I've driven a taxi for twenty years and seen too many cases of engine overhauls due to oil issues. When the system alerts you that it's below 30%, it means the oil has degraded, and both its cleaning ability and lubrication effectiveness are compromised. It's like when a person catches a cold and their resistance weakens—they can still walk, but they're more prone to pneumonia. For daily commuting, driving for a week or two is usually fine, but if you're going on a long trip or frequently pushing the accelerator hard, it becomes riskier. I recommend keeping a close eye on the dashboard at this stage. If the oil pressure warning light comes on or the engine noise increases, even if it's only at 10%, you should change the oil immediately. By the way, it's a good idea to check for oil leaks before the next maintenance—sometimes, a worn-out oil pan gasket can accelerate oil consumption.
