What are the damages to a car if the engine oil is not changed?
3 Answers
Not changing the engine oil can cause the following damages to a car: increased engine wear, shortened engine lifespan, louder operating noise, and noticeable vibrations. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To alleviate friction and high temperatures; 2. To reduce gas leakage and prevent external pollutants; 3. To prevent contact between water, air, acidic harmful gases, and engine components; 4. To buffer the pressure rise at the engine cylinder port; 5. To flush away dirt generated on the working surfaces of components. Signs that indicate the need for an oil change include: 1. Checking the oil viscosity—if there is no viscosity, the oil needs to be changed; 2. The oil color turns black; 3. Excessive black particles, metal shavings, or carbon deposits in the oil; 4. An abnormal smell from the oil.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I've seen too many examples of how bad things can get when you skip oil changes. If you don't change the oil regularly, it becomes thick and black, losing its lubricating properties. This causes increased friction between engine parts, like gears without grease, leading to terrifyingly rapid wear. Over time, the heat from friction can make the engine overheat, potentially causing it to stall or break down mid-drive—a huge risk. Even worse, sludge and carbon deposits build up, clogging oil passages and affecting cooling. The car starts sluggishly, loses power, and fuel consumption skyrockets. In severe cases, you might face expensive engine overhauls—far costlier than regular oil changes. I knew an old-timer who skipped oil changes for years to save hassle, only to end up with a seized engine. The tow and repair cost him tens of thousands—a harsh lesson. Never skip this step in daily driving.
From a young person's perspective, we always want to save money, but skipping oil changes actually hurts our wallets. Over time, engine oil deteriorates, losing its lubricating properties, which accelerates engine wear and speeds up component aging, leading to higher repair costs. Sludge buildup can also corrode parts and cause malfunctions. The car's power decreases, noise increases, and the driving experience becomes uncomfortable. In the long run, the resale value plummets, and repair costs far exceed the price of regular oil changes. I remember last time I skipped an oil change and almost stalled on the road—ended up spending over 3,000 yuan on repairs, regretting not maintaining it on time. Regularly checking the dipstick to ensure proper oil level and quality can prevent major disasters with small efforts.
