What Happens If You Don't Change Your Car's Oil on Time?
3 Answers
Failure to change the oil for an extended period can lead to engine component wear. Below is an introduction to the functions of engine oil. Lubrication and Friction Reduction: Engine oil forms a protective film between two sliding components, preventing friction during operation and ensuring smooth movement. Cleaning and Dispersion: High-quality oil can flush away surface contaminants on components through oil circulation, adsorb tiny metal particles inside the engine, and then rely on the piston oil ring to scrape them into the oil pan. Shock Absorption and Cushioning: When the pressure in the engine cylinder increases suddenly, the load on the piston, piston rings, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings becomes significant. This load is transmitted through the bearings, where lubrication helps absorb the impact and provides a cushioning effect. Rust and Corrosion Prevention: High-quality oil adheres to component surfaces, preventing contact with air, acidic substances, and harmful gases, thereby protecting the engine from corrosion caused by environmental factors and water.
Not changing engine oil on time can really cause major problems. As an experienced driver who has been through this, I can tell you that engine oil's job is to lubricate and cool the engine. After driving a few thousand kilometers, it gradually gets dirty and thinner, significantly reducing its lubrication effectiveness. If you don't change it promptly, the increased friction between engine components accelerates wear, oil temperature rises quickly, and the intense heat can easily burn out pistons. Impurities in the oil can also accumulate into sludge, clogging oil passages and leading to insufficient oil supply, making the engine sound strange and worrisome. In the worst cases, the entire engine can be ruined, requiring a replacement that costs several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars! So, make sure to change it every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers—this is not an expense you should skimp on. Regularly checking the oil dipstick's color before driving can also help detect issues early, preventing scary breakdowns on the road.
Hey, when I first bought my car, I was lazy and delayed changing the oil for a long time. Then, during a highway drive, the car started making a rattling noise, which was terrifying. Upon inspection, the oil looked like sludge, and the engine was severely damaged. The repair cost over 3,000, which really hurt my wallet. The consequences of not changing the oil on time are very real: the oil ages and deteriorates, losing its lubricating function, increasing friction between engine components, accelerating wear, and even risking overheating and engine seizure. The buildup of impurities in the oil can clog the oil passages, leading to poor oil supply, making the car run sluggishly and abnormally. If this continues, repair costs will skyrocket, and you might even need a major engine overhaul. I recommend following the maintenance manual’s advice to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers—don’t end up regretting it like me. Get into the habit of checking the dipstick; if the oil turns black, change it immediately to avoid turning a small issue into a big disaster.
