What are the consequences of not changing the engine oil for 10,000 kilometers?
4 Answers
Hazards of not changing engine oil regularly: engine damage, reduced engine lifespan. Engine damage: If the engine oil is not changed for a long time, once the oil deteriorates and its performance declines, the lubrication performance of the bearings and the lubrication and cooling functions of the mechanical transmission components will be lost, thereby damaging the engine. Reduced engine lifespan: During the use of engine oil, it minimizes friction between gears and cleans small debris generated by friction. At the same time, the oil will oxidize when exposed to air. If the oil is not changed for a long time, the lubrication effect of the oil will decrease, and small debris inside the engine cannot be discharged with the oil. This will cause scoring on the friction parts inside the engine, affecting the engine's power output and severely reducing its service life.
Last year, I drove my car continuously and only remembered to change the oil when it was almost at 10,000 kilometers. As a result, the car felt completely off. The noise was particularly loud, the engine was humming severely, and the steering wheel even vibrated a bit—driving was anything but smooth. After checking the manual, I learned that oil deteriorates when overdue. The accumulated impurities significantly reduce lubrication effectiveness, causing engine components to wear out faster and fuel consumption to skyrocket. I calculated that a single highway trip burned dozens of yuan more in fuel. What’s worse, prolonged neglect could lead to engine overheating, piston ring seizure, and even blue smoke. Once, I nearly had an accident—thankfully, I caught it in time. Now, I’ve learned my lesson: change the oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers without fail. Full synthetic oil lasts longer, but I still avoid exceeding 10,000 km to prevent even higher repair costs.
From a mechanical perspective, the consequences of not changing the engine oil on time are quite severe. After 10,000 kilometers, the oil becomes dirty, and accumulated impurities can clog the oil passages, reducing its lubricating ability by half. Engine components rely on the oil film for protection. If the oil film thins or disappears, bearings and gears will wear out quickly, leading to increased noise, noticeable vibrations, and possibly blue smoke from the exhaust. Prolonged neglect can cause the oil to acidify and corrode engine parts, significantly increasing fuel consumption, and even leading to engine overheating and damage, requiring costly major repairs and part replacements. I recommend regularly checking the oil dipstick. If the oil appears black or has an unusual odor, change it immediately—don't wait for the car's warning light. Using synthetic oil can extend the oil's lifespan, but maintenance should not be neglected. Regular maintenance greatly extends engine life, ensuring peace of mind and saving money in the long run.
If you don't change the engine oil for 10,000 kilometers, your car will soon give you signals: increased noise and vibration, and a sharp rise in fuel consumption. When the oil expires, its cleaning power weakens, carbon deposits clog the oil passages, and insufficient lubrication damages the engine. In mild cases, the car loses power; in severe cases, the engine overheats and fails, emitting smoke or breaking down. When you check the oil and find it dark and thick, it's time to change it. Don't underestimate this—safe driving relies on it to lubricate the engine. I've seen many cars delayed for maintenance leading to major troubles, with repair costs ten times more expensive than regular maintenance. Developing the habit of changing the oil on time is key.
