How Long Can You Go Past Your Oil Change: Know Today!
Changing the oil regularly is one of the key factors in keeping the engine in the best possible shape. But at the same time, changing it takes some time and can seem troublesome as well.
That’s why some people ask, How long can you go past your oil change?
Well, it depends on the type of oil and the car’s model. However, usually you should be able to drive around 5000 to 7500 miles before an oil change is required. If the car uses synthetic oil, then you can go past 10000 to 15000 miles before changing the oil.
Have a look to get a broad idea regarding oil changes. I assure you, it will be beneficial. Let’s start the engine!
How Long Can You Go Past Your Oil Change (Detailed Explanation)
An oil change helps the engine get proper lubrication and perform efficiently. It also helps to improve gas mileage and reduce different forms of engine wear.
That being said, some people still hesitate to change the engine oil even if it is due time. Are you one of them? Well, I hope not, buddy.
There was a time when people used to think that you needed an oil change every 3000 miles. But gladly, those days are long gone.
Oils have improved, and so have cars.
My suggestion would be to change your car’s oil at least twice a year.
Yes! No matter what type of oil you use in the engine or what model your car is, try to get it changed every six months.
Now about the mileage. If you have a decent car, you should go between 5000 and 7500 miles before changing the oil.
However, I would suggest you use synthetic oil ( Check owner’s manual first). If you use synthetic oil, then you can easily drive for 10000 to 15000 miles before an oil change is required.
In comparison to other oils on the market, synthetic oil will have a plethora of benefits. They provide good protection and longevity for the vehicle’s engine.
Oh, and one more thing. If you drive on sandy, dusty roads or drag heavy equipment with the car, the changing interval might become shorter.
So, hopefully, you can go past these amounts of miles. To summarize, if you drive at least 5000 miles per year, you must change the oil twice.
Wondering if these are the exact miles you can run? Well, these are average numbers. Your vehicle’s oil change will depend on these things:
- Type of Oil
- Location you Drive
- The Car’s Model
That is why. Check the owner’s manual. Go to the recommended oil change interval section. Pick the right type of oil for the vehicle.
You can take it to a good mechanic to be sure about the oil and the changing interval as well.
It will surely ensure longer engine life.
What will happen if you don’t get an oil change?
Some of us don’t want to change the oil, thinking it will cost us some money. They don’t want the added stress of a hectic daily schedule.
But hey, let me remind you of one thing. Spending less than $100 on oil is always preferable to spending much, much more on one of the faulty engine components.
Here’s what will happen if you don’t get an oil change for a long time:
1. Decreasing Engine Performance
The main job of oil is to lubricate and protect the engine. Along with these, it aids in keeping the engine clean.
Most of the components of your engine are affected by the oil. So when you don’t change it frequently, there won’t be proper lubrication in the engine. The level of friction will increase from time to time.
Sounds bad? That’s not it. The amount of dirt and debris will keep increasing, and even the filter might be clogged.
All these things will lead to a decrease in the efficiency level of the engine. You won’t get proper acceleration, either. The engine components can corrode and might face temperature issues.
Moreover, the worst-case scenario might be that one of the components goes totally bad and needs replacement. So the engine’s performance will drastically suffer if you don’t change the oil regularly.
2. Wear Down
This is one of the most serious problems that a car engine can encounter if the oil is not changed on time.
Oil helps keep the components of the engine from wearing down.
If you take too much time to change the oil, then there won’t be enough wear protection. The oil will get dirty and thin, which will highly affect the other engine parts.
The longer you wait to change your oil, the dirtier it gets. And when the old, dirty oil moves around the engine, it will break down and slowly wear down the components.
That’s why you should change the engine oil to avoid this major problem.
3. Overheat Problems
Do you ever think about why the engine becomes so hot? Not changing the oil can be one of the reasons.
If the oil change interval is too long, the engine will be constantly hot. even when you drive a little bit.
Old oil often becomes sludge. It leads to an increase in friction. What will happen then? The engine will start to overheat, and it won’t work as effectively as before.
4. Corrosion Problems
You already know that old, dirty oils will break down. It will stop lubricating the engine in the most efficient manner.
But when the oil will break down, the chemicals with it might react. It might react with oxygen and heat. What will happen? Different types of corrosive compounds will build up.
These compounds will create sludge and cause many kinds of wear problems.
The corrosion issues can lead up to increasing fuel consumption rate too. So, to avoid these kinds of problems, try to keep changing your oil.
5. Clog
If you do not change the oil in an accurate time, then various oil passageways will be clogged unfortunately.
The different types of deposits and sludge will lead up to blocking the ways. Not just that, there will be problems with oil pressure as well.
There will be problems regarding the entire oil flow system. The engine won’t be getting enough oil to perform at its finest.
6. Entire Engine Failure
All of the problems stated above sound scary, right? Well, I saved the worst for last.
When a person doesn’t change his oil for a long time, he might even find himself in a position where he has to get the entire engine replaced. because all of these problems can lead to an entire engine failure.
Let me tell you a story.
One of my friends used to go for long drives. He drove his car for about 14000 miles in a little more than a year. He started to face numerous problems in the last couple of months.
When we were talking about it, I got to know he used ordinary market oils. And you want to know what happened when we took it to the mechanic shop?
The engine was totally done. It was dry, and most of the parts were completely out of shape. In the end, he had to change the entire engine. Trust me, you don’t want to know the cost.
That’s why you should change the oil frequently. Don’t hesitate. The engine needs it; your favorite car needs it. It’s kind of a necessity. Otherwise, you might suffer a lot in the long run.
Here are some warning signs that the vehicle needs an oil change.
How to Change the Car Oil
Taking the vehicle to a shop to change the oil can take some time. Also, there’s a service charge as well. But what if you could change the oil at your home?
You can try these easy steps to change the vehicle’s oil. But if it seems complicated to you, don’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic.
1. Getting the Best Oil and Oil Filter
Many people won’t say this to you. But if you decide to change the car’s oil all by yourself, then you need to first identify what kind of oil and oil filter will be the perfect match for your vehicle.
It’s the most important thing to do.
So, check the owner’s manual or consult with some experts to get a good idea about it. You can check it here too.
2. Jack up the vehicle
Use a hoist or jack stands to lift the car high enough.
Remember to put a plastic sheet on the ground where you want to lift the car. because a lot of oil will come out.
No matter how large the container, some oil will always spill.It will save you from the extra hassle of cleaning the garage later on.
Now, bring the car into that position and lift it up.
3. Removing the Plug
In the next step, you need to pull the oil plug. Use a good wrench and unscrew the plug.
You might have to loosen it counterclockwise.
4. Cleaning
When you remove the drain plug, try to give it a quick cleaning. Also, if it is required, you can install a new gasket.
5. Removing the Oil Filter
Now it’s time for the oil filter. Find it out first. After that, take an oil-filter wrench and keep loosening it up. Now the rubber gasket should come off with it.
6. Filling up with new oil
Now get some fresh oil. Add this oil to refill the engine. You can use a funnel and recap the bottle.
7. Recycling Old Oil
You should put the old oil in a large container. You can use a five-gallon bucket or a large jug. Let the old oil be poured into it.
Now the engine needs to be filled and then run. Check the dipstick and add oil as needed.
In the last stage, check for oil leaks. It is really necessary. If there are leakage problems, then you might have to run to the shops again. So check for oil leaks.
If everything is okay, you are done.
I hope these steps seem easy to you and that you can perform them all by yourself.
I would always recommend you take it to the shop. They can always perform it better. Also, you can identify any other problems as well.
How Long Does it Take to Change the Oil?
An oil change should take around 20-45 minutes.
Most of the time is taken for the oil to be drained. After the change is completed, they will take time to check the engine. It should not take more than 10 minutes.
Bottom Line
For proper lubrication, good protection and to keep the engine clean, routine oil changing is a must. Without it, you cannot expect good engine life.
How long can you go past your oil change? I believe you already know it. Remember to change it at least two times a year. Also keep the warning signs and problems in mind.
Till then, Take Care!
