You are driving your car, and suddenly you notice the sticker on the windshield that tells when to change the engine oil. You look at the car’s odometer and realize that you have driven more than the recommended oil change mileage, about 2,000 miles more. In this situation, what should you do?
Should you take your vehicle to a nearby car mechanic shop and replace the engine oil?
Or should you keep driving your vehicle?
Is 2000 miles over oil change bad?
You should never drive above the oil change mileage because it can wear out the engine parts, increase the friction and make the vehicle’s engine dirty. And all these will decrease the car’s engine performance. According to car experts, 50-100 miles over oil change mileage is acceptable and doesn’t hurt the engine. However, if you have driven around 2,000 miles over the oil change period, there is a high probability that your vehicle’s engine parts are damaged and need some immediate repairs along with the motor oil change.
Is 2000 Miles Over Oil Change Bad?
Now that you know the consequence of driving 2,000 miles over an oil change, you must know the recommended oil change interval.
Recommended Oil Change Interval
It depends on how you drive and use your vehicle. For example, if you drive your vehicle at a low speed or carry a trailer with your car, the oil change interval will be shorter. However, the best way to know the oil change interval is by checking the car’s manual. Usually, it is advised to change the motor oil after 7K miles.
Again, some cars have a “Service” indicator. If your vehicle has such an indicator and it is popping continuously, you must change the engine oil and do other car maintenance.
Why You Should Never Delay Oil Change
· Timely Oil Change Saves Money
When you delay engine oil change for months, your vehicle’s engine parts, such as piston, head gasket, oil pump, etc., will start getting damaged, and the cost of repairing these parts is not cheap at all. For example, if you need to repair the engine piston, it will cost you around $1,000, $500 for oil pump replacement, and if you need to rebuild the entire engine, it can cost you more than $4,000. On the other hand, it takes only $100 to change the engine oil.
· Delay Damages the Engine Parts
Motor oil circulates throughout the engine and lubricates them. But when you keep using the same motor oil, it gets dirty and cannot lubricate the engine parts properly. As a result, your vehicle’s engine will start to overheat; engine parts will have more friction, resulting in a decrease in performance.
Does Oil Change Depend on the Mileage?
Even if you don’t drive your vehicle frequently, you still have to change the engine oil. Because over time, engine oil is worn out and cannot do its function correctly. That is why it is advised to change the engine oil every 5-6 months, even if you don’t drive the car regularly.
Best Engine Oil for Cars
Selecting the best engine oil for your car is very crucial because your car’s performance is heavily dependent on it.
To find the best engine oil, we tested several engine oils and interviewed several car owners. After days of research and interviews, we have found out that Mobil Engine Oil is one of the best on the market.
It is a reputed brand and has all the required oil additives in it. Thus, by adding this engine oil to your vehicle’s engine, you can expect superior performance and increase the longevity of your vehicle’s engine.
However, while selecting the engine oil, ensure that the engine oil has the right viscosity grade. For example, if you are driving in a cold condition, don’t add engine oil that has a viscosity. Otherwise, the engine oil will get coagulated and trap the engine. As a result, the engine will overheat, and in the worst-case situation, your vehicle’s engine will shut down.
Apart from the viscosity grade, you must check the oil type. If you have a new engine, always add a mineral engine until the break-in period is over. And when the break-in time is over, switch to synthetic engine oil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Motor Oil Change?
When you go over the oil change mileage, it will negatively affect your vehicle’s engine. For example, engine parts will have more wear, more friction, and dirt build-up, which will eventually decrease the engine performance. Besides, if you keep neglecting the motor oil change, your vehicle’s engine will have irreparable damage.
You should always change the motor oil when it is due. But for some reason, if you are unable to change the engine oil, you can drive 50-100 miles over the oil change mileage. Doing so won’t hurt the engine performance. However, you must remember the more you drive over the oil change mileage, the less performance you will get from your vehicle’s engine.
Usually, the average time for an oil change is 5,000-6,000 miles. However, if you add synthetic engine oil to the vehicle’s engine, you can drive up to 13,000-15,000 miles without changing the engine oil.
If you take your vehicle to a car mechanic’s shop, it will take around 15 to 20 minutes to change the motor oil. However, if you do it at home and have little experience in changing engine oil, it may take a bit longer.
Conclusion
Always change the motor oil when it is due. And if you have crossed the oil change mileage, ensure that you don’t drive more than 100 miles. Otherwise, the engine performance will start to decline, and in the worst-case scenario, your vehicle’s engine will shut down.
