I have been unable to get the oil changed in my car because of time and money problems. I have a 2000 Focus that is running perfectly fine even though it's been nearly 10,000 miles and 8 months since I last changed the oil. What are the odds of something majorly bad happening to my car? I'll be able to change the oil soon. I just worry about the engine seizing and being unable to use the car at all.
2007-07-20 09:21:58 · 14 answers · asked by Kelly M 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you're using synthetic oil, odds are not much bad is happening. If you're using non-synthetic, it's probably nothing too bad either, so long as you aren't flogging your car.
The 3000 mile interval most oil change places recommend is self-serving bullshit (for most cars, anyway). A lot of manufacturers recommend more. Some will even claim a 10,000 mile interval (I don't know if Ford is one).
IIRC, Car Talk (NPR radio show) guys recommend something like 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
http://cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/2005/April/01.html
Anyhow, at 10,000, you're definitely due. Don't make a habit of this, and you'll be fine. The worst that can happen is that you'll get some sludge in your engine. (though that has long-term consequences) That generally can't be gotten out without taking the entire engine apart and cleaning it. But you're only at 10,000 miles. Unless you've been racing the whole time chances are you've done little if any damage.
In the future, you should check your oil fairly often once you get past 5,000 miles or so. If it isn't clear brown anymore, you are due for an oil change. (Like if it starts looking more black, or if it looks muddy)
2007-07-20 09:40:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For standard oil, 10,000 would be too much. I would change every 5,000 because I am little bit lazy (and have too many cars).
What usually happens is that your oil filter gets clogged and if you happens to have cheap oil filter that does not have bypass, then oil stop circulating in the engine. You would end up shopping for a new engine or new car. Old oil would wear out your engine faster. Clogged filter will destroy the engine.
There is an exception. Synthetic oil called Amsoil. Using this special oil, you don't have to change the Oil as often. (but do need to replace the filter every 7000 miles) Mobil One has a competing product that can last up to 7000 miles as well. You would also pay premium price for it.
2007-07-21 01:20:24 · answer #2 · answered by Sang K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What will be more expensive, a $30 oil change or a $3000 engine replacement?
Yes, 10,000 miles is too far to go between oil changes. I hope you are at least checking the oil to make sure there's still some left.
2007-07-20 16:49:18 · answer #3 · answered by Scott H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you afford $15.00...Go Wal-mart and buy the filter and oil and change it yourself.....
You should change your oil on a regular basis, all though the oil of today does last longer, it still breaks down thus your engine is not as protected.....If for some reason you cannot afford to purchase oil then at least purchase an oil filter and at least 1 quart of oil and do it yourself.....filter should be no more than $6.00 and a quart of oil should be no more than $3.00.....I purchased an oil change for my old truck the other day and it wasn't but about 13 or 14 dollars before tax,....That was the filter and 6 quarts of oil....
Good Luck
2007-07-20 17:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by 2muchcoffee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil is the blood of a vehicle's engine. It cools, lubricates, seals, and cleans out the block and heads of your engine. If you neglect to change the oil the result could be a damaged engine and this would be a whole lot more expensive for you than thinking you can delay the inevitable: Change your oil. Refer to your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil type and oil change schedule. The whole thing won't cost you more than 50 bucks. If you can't afford this, then you should seriously consider carpooling or using public transit as you have no business of trying to keep a car on the road.
2007-07-20 16:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by Bruce Almighty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your oil level. If it is low, add a quart. Letting your oil change slide is common, but I can't stress enough the importance of clean oil in an engine. It wears your components and causes a myriad of problems in the long run. Try to do it on a regular basis....
2007-07-20 16:26:26 · answer #6 · answered by Bruce J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the oil level is full, you won't do anything seriously wrong with the car. If this happens again, instead of changing the oil, then just replace the filter and add one quart of oil. That will carry you until you can afford to change the oil.
2007-07-20 16:28:15 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't worry about that,and how many miles do you have on the oil? but really,if you can't afford to change the oil,just change the filter.the oil never wears out,it's the addatives in it that does...and people change the oil too much anyway.... the oil nowa days lasts way longer than manufactoriers say.....and city driving is worse on oil than highway miles too.. trucks can go 20,000 miles and never get changed...don't worry about it.if you have the money,change the filter,and one qt.of oil...and then when you get the money,change all of it.
2007-07-20 16:30:41 · answer #8 · answered by jcr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wal-mart oil change is under $20. It would cost well over $1,000 to re-build or replace an engine due to improper maintenance. If you think you have money problems now just wait until your engine blows up.
2007-07-20 21:00:29 · answer #9 · answered by cc123 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah you need to definitely get your oil changed. 10,000 miles is WAY to long. If you are trying to save costs change your oil yourself.
It better to pay someone 40 dollars for an oil change then to have it cause future problems that may lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage.
2007-07-20 16:26:16 · answer #10 · answered by wkbordr25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋