What are the effects of not changing the engine oil and oil filter for a long time?
3 Answers
Not changing the oil filter for a long time will cause excessive impurities on the filter paper, clogging the filter paper holes, resulting in reduced oil flow rate, affecting the engine's lubrication effect, and impacting the normal operation of the vehicle. Below is a detailed introduction about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, English name: Engine-oil. With a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³), it can lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine. It is known as the "blood" of the car. Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties, while additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, giving it new properties, making it an important part of lubricating oil. 2. Performance: Lubricity, low-temperature operability, viscosity-temperature characteristics.
Having driven old cars for decades, I know full well that neglecting oil and filter changes is no trivial matter. As the oil gradually gets dirty and loses its lubricating properties, metal parts start rubbing and overheating, causing increased engine noise and vibrations. I once saw a neighbor's car nearly get scrapped because the clogged oil filter blocked oil flow, leading to severe engine overheating. Prolonged neglect accelerates oil oxidation, drastically increasing fuel consumption and internal engine wear, cutting the engine's lifespan by half. The filter can also crack under strain, allowing contaminants into the system—a far worse scenario. Repairs can cost thousands, even tens of thousands, making timely changes a money-saver. Stick to a schedule: change every six months or 10,000 km. Regularly check the oil color; darkening means it's time. Don't wait for a roadside breakdown—preventative maintenance is cheaper, safer, and extends your car's life.
Last time I delayed changing the engine oil and filter, and the car became hard to start, coughing like an old man. The old oil lost its lubricating ability, making the engine roar loudly as if protesting. A clogged filter causes insufficient oil pressure, frequent engine shaking, and loss of power when climbing hills. Driving longer increases fuel consumption by 20%, burning hundreds more dollars annually - totally not worth it. A ruptured filter can let debris enter the engine, causing component damage with astronomical repair costs. Long-term wear makes the engine fail prematurely, and buying a new car is even more expensive. Since then, I've stuck to regular maintenance and it feels much smoother. Oil filters are cheap, and changing oil isn't hard - you can DIY or visit a quick-service shop. Never wait until the warning light comes on. Keeping maintenance schedules in a notebook is reliable.
