What are the effects of not changing engine oil?
3 Answers
The effects of not changing engine oil: 1. It can cause serious damage to the engine; 2. It can make the oil watery, losing its sealing function; 3. It can clog the engine and even wear and corrode internal components. Precautions for changing engine oil: 1. The filling amount should not exceed the upper mark and should not be lower than the lower mark; 2. When changing the engine oil, the oil filter should also be replaced. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is hailed as the lifeblood of a car. It lubricates, cleans, cools, seals, and reduces friction in the engine. It mainly contains anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is a lubricant used in internal combustion engines, powering cars, motorcycles, lawn mowers, internal combustion engine generators, and many other machines.
Not changing the engine oil can have serious consequences. As a seasoned driver with years of experience and having worked in a car shop, I've seen countless examples. When engine oil deteriorates, its lubricating properties decline, increasing friction between metal components in the engine, which leads to accelerated wear. In severe cases, it can cause piston ring failure or cylinder burning. Contaminants like dust and metal particles accumulate, clogging oil passages and causing the engine to overheat or produce more noise. This can also increase fuel consumption and make exhaust emissions dirtier, contributing to environmental pollution. Long-term neglect can skyrocket repair costs—replacing an engine can easily cost tens of thousands, far more expensive than regular maintenance. I recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, following the manufacturer's manual. Don't try to save small amounts of money only to lose big later—it benefits both the car's lifespan and safety.
Once I was so busy with work that I didn't change the engine oil for half a year past its due date. At first, the car ran smoothly, but later the engine vibration became stronger, fuel consumption jumped from 8 liters to 12 liters, and it kept making rattling noises. When I finally took it to the repair shop, they said the oil had turned into sludge and the bearings were worn out, almost ruining the engine. That cost me over 3,000 yuan in repairs, and now I never neglect it. Friends have also complained about similar issues—cars becoming harder to drive until they need major repairs or replacement. Timely oil changes are crucial for keeping your car healthy and saving money. When you calculate the time and cost, procrastination is the least economical choice.