What are the effects of not changing car engine oil for a long time?
3 Answers
The effects of not changing car engine oil for a long time are: 1. It leads to the oil becoming ineffective and deteriorating, increasing wear and damage to mechanical parts; 2. The sealing effect is reduced, causing the oil to become watery and lose its sealing function; 3. The cooling effect is diminished; 4. Deposited impurities can corrode internal components; 5. The lubrication performance of bearings and the lubrication and cooling functions of mechanical transmission parts are lost, affecting the vehicle's optimal driving condition; 6. It can damage the engine; 7. Sludge may form, leading to engine failure. The method for changing car engine oil is: 1. Start the vehicle's engine to preheat it; 2. Unscrew the oil drain bolt; 3. Remove the oil filter; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter; 5. Pour the new oil into the oil pan; 6. Check for leaks under the engine and inspect the oil dipstick, then start the engine for testing.
As an ordinary car owner, I've personally experienced the consequences of forgetting to change the engine oil. That time, I drove nearly 10,000 kilometers without an oil change, and the engine started getting noisy. During acceleration, it felt sluggish, and fuel consumption inexplicably increased. It turned out the oil had aged and become dirty, containing metal shavings and sludge, drastically reducing its lubrication effectiveness. This led to increased dry friction and wear inside the engine. Over time, it could cause piston rings to seize or bearing failures, which are extremely expensive to repair. I later learned that engine oil is like the lifeblood of a car—regular changes clean, cool, and protect the engine. I recommend checking and changing it every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months as per the manual, and not to slack off. Frequent short trips make the oil dirty faster, something I often remind my friends about. Though maintenance seems minor, it saves hassle and money while keeping the car running longer.
Having driven for over a decade, I'm well aware of the consequences of not changing engine oil on time. Fresh oil provides smooth lubrication, but once expired, it oxidizes into thick sludge that clogs oil passages and increases friction between engine components. You'll notice severe idle vibration, sluggish acceleration like a snail, and possibly black smoke with soaring fuel consumption. Worse yet, impurities can scratch cylinder walls, and oil leakage may lead to major breakdowns. I've seen a friend's car require an engine overhaul costing tens of thousands due to this issue. My advice: check the dipstick every 5,000 to 8,000 km—replace if the oil darkens or develops a sour odor. Always inspect the filter during oil changes; it's a tangible investment in prolonging your car's lifespan. Good habits prevent costly repairs and save big money.
