How long will your car last WITHOUT oil change?

Question

I just went to my friendly local quicky oil change shop for a oil change today. I was told I can't get a oil change because apparently the oil drain pan was rusted out and the sludge from old oil help keep it seal. I was also told that the replacement for the oil drain pan would cost about $1,000. I love my old crappy car but I don't love it enough to save it with $1,000.

So the only reasonable course to take was to drive it to the ground.

I have few questions though.
1. Is it safe to not change oil(will the car blow up?)
2. How long would my car last without changing oil ( I last changed about 9 months/3,000 miles ago)?
3. are there any alternates to not changing oil/repair?

Thanks for any helps!

p.s. for those curious I drove 95 Ford Aerostar.

Answer 1

The most universal answer to your question about how long a car will last is "it depends". Oil change intervals in the U.S. have been categorized by how the vehicle is used (e.g. all highway miles down to a service vehicle in stop-and-go traffic) Engines need oil with good lubricant characteristics to keep moving parts operating and to protect them from getting damaged. WIthout good oil film in all the right places, the result will be internal temperature buildup in the engine and metal-to-metal wear on items like crankshaft bearings, valve stems, etc. I've seen some new engines that look like the oil has never been changed seize after 8-12,000 miles. On an older engine, it's tough to say as it depends on the condition of the internal engine components, driving conditions, etc. Changing oil on a regular basis IS the answer on how to avoid engine seizure. Once the engine stops, you aren't talking engine repair - you're talking engine replacement. And I wouldn't expect an engine to seize at the most convenient location when you happen to be driving the vehicle.

You may wish to have someone else look at the condition of the oil pan. Quicky change oil places are good for routine stuff, but I wouldn't expect to get a highly qualified estimate from one of these places. If your pan is rusty, it's rusty - can avoid that. However, given that you successfully had the oil changed 9 months ago, my question is if the oil change shop you went to just didn't want to open up the job for liability reasons. Go get another few opinions on what you really have. Replacing an oil pan might not be cheap if something else is in the way under the vehicle and you can't easily get the pan off. Go get a few more opinions and ask lots of questions like specifically what would have to happen IF the oil pan were to be replaced. Ask to look under the vehicle with the mechanic so that you visually understand the problem and what options exist.

Answer 2

First of all is that new oil pan they quoted you made of gold? A new oil pan shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred dollars at the most.

Second not changing your oil is going to lead to engine failure. Most likely the engine will eventually either seize, or throw a rod.

Third there are alternatives to changing oil without removing the oil drain plug. Go to an autoparts store and purchase a vampire pump. Its a suction gun with a hose on it that will fit into the oil check hole where the dipstick is and stuck the oil out through the hole.

Answer 3

1. no it is not safe for your car
2. your car will last, but at reduced efficiency. oil keeps the engine lubricated and assists with cooling.
3. there is no alternative to regular maintenance

And yes, replacing an oil pan will be pretty expensive (labor) as it's located under the crankshaft of the engine block on many cars.

Answer 4

Everyone else gave good answers, so I just want to add my 2 cents...Advanceautoparts.com has an oil pan for your van for $60 if you have the 3.0 V6

Answer 5

that is total BS. you can get the plug out...they are ramming you hard. Take it to another garage...they may need to change the oil drain plug...bout $5 for that...but it can be changed. my uncle and I own a garage and we'd never do that. might destroy the drain plug but it can be replaced. and to change the pan for $1000? that's absurd...maybe $200 if the pan is damaged but not anything like you are describing.

Get a second opinion man.

Answer 6

Get a second opinion on that price (can they find you a used pan) from the junk yard. Or what about online. As long as you keep the oil level good it would do okay. Also, check on http://www.edmunds.com and post your question there for some expert mechanic input.