Engine oil is required for the adequate lubrication of engine parts. Lubricant is important for keeping engine parts cool and clean and preventing wear and tear. Over time, engine oil becomes clogged with dirt, debris, and combustion waste.
This necessitates changing the engine oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. In this article, we’ll look at what happens if you don’t change your engine oil when it’s time.
Contents
How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change?
You should check your owner’s manual to see how long your engine can go without an oil change. Conventional oil can readily last for 5,000 to 7,500 miles, whereas fully synthetic oil can last for about 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil
When engine oil ages, contaminants accumulate in it. This restricts the flow of engine oil, making it unsuitable for lubrication. Let’s talk about what happens if you don’t replace your oil when it becomes old and dirty.
1) Engine Parts Wear and Tear
The engine parts won’t receive adequate lubrication as the engine oil becomes clogged over time. As a result, the moving metal components, such as the valves, pistons, and bearings on the crankshaft, would rub against one another. Friction between moving engine parts will increase, resulting in engine wear and tear.
2) Overheating in the Engine
Engine oil also transports heat from hot engine components to the coolant. As the engine oil ages, dirt and debris accumulate. Oil thickness increases as it becomes clogged, making it difficult for it to absorb heat generated by engine parts. As friction between metal parts increases, your engine will become overheated.
3) Dirt Buildup
As the oil ages, dirt accumulates, resulting in a thick black sludge buildup in the engine oil. These sludge deposits will restrict lubricant flow in engine parts. If the oil is not changed on time, the oil filter becomes clogged and cannot keep the oil clean. Along with the oil change, the oil filter should also be replaced.
4) Increase Fuel Consumption
If you don’t change the oil on time, fuel consumption will rise. Engine moving parts are not adequately lubricated due to the engine oil becoming clogged over time. Engines have to work hard to circulate engine oil. When oil is not pumping into the engine, the engine has to work harder, which raises fuel consumption.
5) Engine Failure
The oil flow will be restricted as you drive the car without changing the engine oil. Heat will build up in the engine as the car drives because there won’t be any lubrication. Head gaskets can blow as a result of overheating.
If there is no lubrication, engine parts will wear out, or the engine may frequently stall. In the worst case, the engine may seize entirely if no lubricant is circulated.
Does Missing an Oil Change Void the Warranty?
If you don’t change your car’s engine oil, your warranty may be partially or permanently voided. Car manufacturers may void the engine warranty if you don’t have your automobile serviced regularly. Dealerships must prove that the engine’s late oil changes and lack of maintenance are what caused the damage and need for repair.
FAQ’s
How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change After the Light Comes on
If the engine needs new oil, the oil light will illuminate. After that, driving is not advised. While you can drive for a few miles with the oil light on, the engine may suffer long-term damage. Due to a lack of oil flowing through the moving parts, engines can eventually seize up.
What Happens if I Don't Change My Oil After 10,000 Miles
Synthetic oil will easily last 10,000 to 15,000 miles. As a result, if you use synthetic oil, your engine will be fine even if the oil ages for 10,000 miles. However, if it is standard oil, it will become clogged with dirt and debris. Conventional oil becomes inadequate for lubrication after 5,000 to 7,500 miles and might cause engine wear-tear.
What Happens if You Don't Change Your Oil for 2 Years
If you do not replace the oil in your engine for two years, it can suffer serious harm. Even if you do not frequently drive, changing the oil twice a year is suggested. This is because moisture can accumulate inside the engine and cause bubbles to form in the oil. This makes the oil unfit for lubrication.
Conclusion
To summarize, changing the engine oil is critical. This is because dirt and debris accumulate in engine oil as it ages. Because oil flow is restricted, this causes lubrication issues in the engine. As a result, engine parts may experience wear and tear and overheat. You should change the oil at the interval specified in the owner’s manual.
Marc is a Young mechanic working full-time in a big garage in Texas. He’s graduated and is well educated in the automobile industry and aims to open his own shop someday for his clients.
