How Long Can You Drive Without Checking Your Car’s Oil Level?
It is a common question among car owners and enthusiasts: how long can you drive without checking your car's oil level or adding more if it's low? The answer is not just 'until it seizes up,' as the performance and longevity of your vehicle significantly depend on regular oil checks and maintenance.
The Importance of Regular Oil Checks
Oil plays a crucial role in the internal combustion engine. It lubricates critical components such as piston rings, valve guides, and other parts. Due to the nature of the engine, some oil will inevitably be consumed during normal operation. However, the amount of oil consumed can vary greatly depending on the condition and age of the engine.
As engines accumulate mileage, internal components and seals begin to wear down and break down. This can lead to increased oil consumption. The piston rings may not scrape off enough oil from the cylinder walls, causing a small amount of oil to enter the combustion chamber. The valve seals may also allow a small amount of oil into the cylinder. Over time, these small issues can add up, resulting in noticeable oil consumption.
Checking and Maintaining Oil Levels
It is essential to regularly check your oil level and top it up if necessary. Neglecting to do so can lead to serious engine issues, including complete engine failure. An engine seizing up or blowing up can leave you stranded on the road and result in significant repair costs.
In our experience, we have seen vehicles that burn small amounts of oil over 5000 miles, and others that consume a quart of oil every 1000 miles or even more. Regularly checking and maintaining the oil level can prevent these issues and extend the life of your engine.
How Long Can You Drive Without an Oil Change?
In general, cars can travel between 5000 to 7500 miles without needing an oil change. However, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can extend this interval to 10000 or even 15000 miles between changes.
This is not to say that oil changes are unnecessary; in fact, they are still crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. If an oil change is ignored, the consequences can be severe. For instance, a customer recently visited us, and their dealer informed them that the engine was very close to seizing up, throwing a rod, or breaking other parts. The engine oil was so contaminated that it resembled a bowl of glitter from the bearings, journals, main rods, cylinders, pistons, and other components.
Oil does not just supply internal and external engine parts with lubrication; it also functions as a contaminant remover and moisture reducer. Routine oil changes and checks can help prevent these issues and ensure your engine runs smoothly for years to come.
Thank you for reading, and we encourage you to take car oil maintenance seriously for optimal performance and longevity. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.