I just got home after spending the summer away and my sister has been driving my car while I was gone. Right before I left (in April), I told her that she needed to change the oil ASAP. Well, when I returned home yesterday I found out that she has STILL yet to change the oil. I plan on taking it in tomorrow, but I'm just curious what effect (temporary or permanent) this will have on my car?
It's a 2003 Jeep Liberty and it has about 46000 miles on it. The oil was supposed to be changed at 41,000 miles. I'd really appreciate any information you could give me!
2007-08-06 12:29:24 · 19 answers · asked by tennisball 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
With todays modern oils plus the fact you have been maintaining your vehicle well... I would guess that there is no temporary or permanent damage... usually if your oil is a good shade of brown it means that dirt particles are in suspension and generally cause little harm... the filter catches the big chunks...so you should be okay...
2007-08-06 12:37:40 · answer #1 · answered by Busted Flush 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No worries. Get one quart of the same oil you just used. Change out your filter and start the car and run it for 30 seconds or so. Then simply check the level and top it back off. The Filter is contaminated with old oil but since it is supposed to catch contaminants this will not harm your new oil. The only reason i am suggesting to change the filter is if the filter becomes too clogged it will revert to bypass mode which means the oil will pass around the filter element instead of through it. Better to swap it out then to take a chance. Also if you are using synthetic you can increase the change interval from 5k to 7k by changing only the filter at 3.5k and topping it off then waiting another 3.5k to change the oil.
2016-05-20 01:01:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There might be some minor engine damage but there's not much you can do about it now, I would be for letting the mechanics know the problem and perhaps have them do an engine flush before the change.
Beyond that you'll want to keep up a religiously strict 3000 mile / 3 month oil change interval from here on out, and you'll be fine.
As for me I run synthetic oil in my car, you're still supposed to change it at the required intervals but it's not as crucial. The expense here is like insurance on my engine, cheap it isn't but they want 4-6 thousand for a rebuilt engine not counting the labor...
2007-08-06 12:37:23 · answer #3 · answered by netthiefx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say she needs to pay for the oil change. You loaned her the vehicle and she racked up 5K miles she should pay for the oil change at least. I doubt that any serious damage has been done. The oils today don't break down that fast, but the filter needs to be changed for sure.
2007-08-06 12:46:12 · answer #4 · answered by Jeremy G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it was a long stretch but its a pretty new engine... just spend the 18 bucks on an oil change at the nearest walmart on your way to wherever you are going...and think twice before you loan sis the car again (or at least change the oil before you do)
2007-08-06 13:17:29 · answer #5 · answered by james c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the oil only has 5000 miles on it then you should be OK. Just replace the oil and filter before your next trip and try to maintain 3months or 3000 miles. Use a quality oil filter and a good brand name oil.
good luck.........
2007-08-06 12:35:07 · answer #6 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
On our fleet trucks (Toyota Tacoma) we would only change the oil every 10,000 miles. Each truck has over 250,000 miles on them and they don't burn or leak oil. I really don't feel doing a one time 9,000 mile oil change is going to hurt anything on a modern fuel injected car
2007-08-06 12:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by jim 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it'll be fine
with today's oil chemestry/technology, conventional oil can go literally up to 8000 miles.
Be thankful you have someone who would drive you car while you're gone. a car sitting doing nothing is worse than not having the oil changed.
2007-08-06 12:35:20 · answer #8 · answered by Eric F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most oil brands are now extending their recommended intervals, and if you had been keeping up with regular changes before you left, I doubt if you've done any damage; but I wouldn't wait much longer!
2007-08-06 12:34:57 · answer #9 · answered by heebus_jeebus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont worry about it at all.
most manuals says 7500 miles between oil changes.
the 3k rule is just a MYTH that everyone wants you to follow so the industry can make 2x more money.
2007-08-06 13:32:07 · answer #10 · answered by Chopin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋