What does oilchange mean when it appears on a car?
2 Answers
oil-change means oil change. The "oil-change" indicator usually appears on the car's dashboard. When the OIL-CHANGE light comes on, it means that the engine oil and lubricating oil should be replaced as soon as possible, which is a maintenance reminder for the vehicle. This indicator light is specifically used to record the mileage and time the car has traveled since the last maintenance. When the mileage and time reach the set value, this indicator light will turn on. The elimination method is as follows: When the power is off, that is, the screen is black and the car is completely powered off, press and hold the SEL button with your left index finger for 5 seconds without releasing it. Then, start the power with your right hand to light up the dashboard, and continue holding the SEL button with your left index finger for another 3 seconds. The OIL-CHANGE indicator light will then disappear. If the oil warning light comes on while driving, it indicates that the oil level is insufficient, and the car should not continue to be driven. Engine oil plays a significant role in lubricating the engine's operation. Insufficient oil will lead to inadequate engine lubrication, increasing engine wear. Additionally, the engine's cooling function may not work properly, causing the engine to overheat. Over time, the engine may even be damaged, which poses a significant danger to the occupants of the car. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother. The latter number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number means the oil can maintain its viscosity index better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. When selecting engine oil, the following points should be noted: Choose engine oil based on the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. Multi-grade oil should be preferred. Multi-grade oil is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker prematurely and have lower oil pressure compared to regular oil, both of which are normal.
When I first started learning to drive, the "oil change" warning light popped up on my dashboard, and I panicked a bit, thinking it was a major issue. Later, a car-savvy friend told me it was just the car reminding me to change the engine oil. Engine oil is like the "blood" of a car, used to lubricate internal engine components and prevent friction-induced heat damage. If not changed on time, old oil thickens and forms sludge, reducing lubrication efficiency, accelerating engine wear, and in severe cases, potentially causing the car to break down mid-journey, leading to costly repairs. After I took my car to the shop for fresh oil that time, the warning light disappeared, and the car felt quieter and smoother to drive. Now I know: engine oil should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers or every six months, choosing the right type—like synthetic oil, which lasts longer. Bottom line: don’t ignore this alert. Addressing it early is good for the car, saves money, and keeps you safe.
