If you are a new car owner and want to learn everything related to your car then “how long can a car go without an oil change?” this might be the most certain and curious question among many other questions you have. Isn’t it? Well, don’t worry. We have got you covered.
Can you feel the difference after an oil change?
It’s a hassle, and we agree. But there are reasons why an oil change is important to your vehicle’s performance and why you, as a vehicle owner, should not be skipping your oil changing schedule.
Often or not the question arises in our mind how far can a car go without an oil change?
And if it happens with you too then now no need to go here and there searching for the answer as it we have that here. You just need to scroll through and you can easily learn everything you need to know about a car oil change. Because here in this guide, we are going to cover all the details regarding car oil changing.
So if you were wondering how long can a car go without an oil change, what happens if you don’t change the oil in your car, what are the benefits of changing your car oil regularly, and how often should you get your oil change, etc. then this is the most perfect guide for you as all the needed facts are available here. Here we go:
You might also like: How Long Can You Leave a Car Without Starting It?
What Does an Oil Change Do for Your Car?
It may cost you a bit and may seem like a chore, but it saves your vehicle in the long run (for real). When your oil is clear, you can see it for yourself- it’s clean and usually amber. But with time, the color change to a black and gritty mix owing to the engine picking up dust and debris.
A timely oil change can ensure that your vehicle’s engine is operating smoothly and can go the miles you want it to.
What are the Signs that Your Car Needs an Oil Change?
Just like your own health, your vehicle also has to have a maintenance schedule. There are various car needs oil change symptoms you can notice if you will look closely at your car. Here are some of the most common signs that your car’s oil needs changing:
- Friction Sound from the Car Engine: When you don’t go for an oil change, the existing oil in the vehicle’s engine starts to thin down, and the existing gunk in the oil starts to eat away essential parts of your vehicle. When you need a change of oil, your engine may start making a knocking sound that can be an indication.
- Change in Consistency and Color of the Oil: As the mucky oil in your engine churns inside, it thins the oil’s consistency and color to a blackish shade.
- Burning Smell from Car Engine: When your vehicle has an oil leak, you can sense a foul burning smell, which is also a sign that your vehicle needs an oil change.
- The Orange Flicker in Your Car: Sounds familiar? Many vehicles let you know its time to go for a maintenance or oil change by showing you an orange flicker on the dash.
How Many Miles Can a Car Go Without an Oil Change
You can bet on your luck with this. And chances are the odds won’t be in your favor. Frequent oil changing is not very expensive but avoiding it can pile up to any major expenditure for a future date.
Now you may be thinking what are the actual benefits of changing the oil on time?
It’s obvious that there will be benefits of changing your car oil regularly. Your engine will run smoothly, which in turn can increase the life of your vehicle’s parts and overall life. Also, you save money on changing expensive parts of your ride by avoiding excessive wear and tear.
What Happens if You Don’t Change the Oil in Your Car?
What happens if you don’t change the oil in your car is that it adversely affects your vehicle’s health. Yes, your vehicle may not run to its fullest possible life and it may cost you huge money after a while. Or both.
Why is that? It’s the very reason why you use oil in your vehicle. Oil is the lubricant that ensures the smooth running of your vehicle’s engine. If your oil is not debris-free, then you can expect some part of your engine to face the consequences. That is why, even if oil change for your vehicle may seem like a hassle, it is an essential job that you have to tick off your list if you really want to enjoy your vehicle and the experience of driving it on the roads.
How long can a car go without an oil change really depends on the driving patterns and how much regular maintenance it is used to.
Most of the car companies recommend mileage. We all have, at times, gone above and beyond it. From 3,000 to running, 5-6,000 times is not rocket science. But not changing your car’s oil frequently can ruin and damage your engine in the long run. But at the end of the day, numbers are just in theory. It all boils down to the car you own and the holy manual that you must rigorously follow.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil in a Car?
Going by the usual way, you should get an oil change every 3 months or every 3000 miles- whichever is first. Most of the time, all you have to do is just flip through the owner’s manual, and you’ll see what your vehicle needs in the scheduled maintenance section.
Your car manual may tell you to change your oil filter when you go for an oil change (which might not be cheap), specify you a specific time to change oil, or even schedule oil timing for your vehicle depending on the way you drive- normal or severe. Your severe driving pattern can include instances like:
- When you have to drive in a stop-and-go traffic pattern.
- If your vehicle has to ride through dusty and uneven roads.
- In cases, when your vehicle is used to towing equipment and tools.
You may not really have to scan through the pages of your manual if your vehicle is one of those that notify you when it needs the servicing.
Should You Trust the Oil Life Monitoring System?
It may sound futuristic, but it is really a simple deal. Available in most of the modern cars, the Oil Life Monitoring System is a unique computerized system that lets you know when you need to go for an oil change depending on diversified factors that are all counted into the picture.
In this system, the quality of your oil in use does not really matter. There are other essential factors taken into determining when its time to go for an oil change. The oil life monitoring system takes into consideration your driving patterns and the state of your engine’s health.
It all culminates to the mile you usually drive, the length of trips you take, and the kind of driving you to do- which determines how much wear and tear your engine may be facing. It’s the most convenient way if you’re looking for one-knowing when your car needs an oil change. With market tilting more towards the automated field, it won’t be surprising if the majority of the cars today roll in these features.
Final Words
After reading this detailed guide, we hope now you learned everything concerning car oil change and the clear answer to the questions like how long can a car go without an oil change or how often should you change your oil in a car.
If you have still any more inquiries regarding car oil changing then feel free to let us know. We will help you in every way possible.
You may also be interested in checking out:
- 12 Most Essential Car Buying Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
- How to Clean Headlights with Toothpaste and Baking Soda
