What are the hazards of not changing the engine oil in a car?
3 Answers
The hazards of not changing the engine oil in a car are: increasing engine wear, shortening the engine's lifespan, causing louder noise during operation, and noticeable vibration. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Alleviating friction and high temperatures; 2. Reducing gas leakage and preventing external pollutants; 3. Preventing contact between water, air, acidic harmful gases, and parts; 4. Buffering the pressure rise at the engine cylinder port; 5. Flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts. The characteristics indicating the need for an oil change are: 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. The oil has an unusual smell.
I've been driving this regular sedan to commute every day, but I was too busy and forgot to change the oil. Then trouble came knocking. The engine started making rattling noises, and upon inspection, the oil had turned black, like muddy sludge. The damage was no joke: oxidized oil loses its lubricating ability, causing metal parts to rub dry, leading to rapid wear and tear—even the piston rings got damaged. Next, oil pressure became unstable, the engine overheated, and in the summer, the dashboard almost seemed to smoke. The worst part? The accumulated wear caused cylinder scoring, effectively totaling the engine. The repair cost me thousands, and it hurt my wallet badly. Now I get it—engine oil is like the car's blood; skip changing it, and big problems arise. Long-term neglect can halve the car's lifespan and even lead to breakdowns mid-drive. Regular oil changes save time and hassle—never skip them!
As a car enthusiast, I've tinkered with many engines and understand why oil is crucial. If you don't change it regularly, the oil degrades and loses viscosity, drastically reducing lubrication. Metal engine components start grinding directly against each other, accelerating wear. In severe cases, the bearing shells can burn out, and the oil pressure warning light keeps flashing. Even worse, carbon deposits and contaminants in the oil clog the passages, impairing heat dissipation and making the engine prone to overheating. Over time, performance drops, fuel consumption rises, and you might even see blue smoke from burning oil. I've witnessed many cars needing major overhauls due to this—engine replacements costing tens of thousands. Don't underestimate it; regular oil changes extend engine life and save big money.
