changing Engine Oil

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Sup :)

I realise that you need to change engine oil fairly regularly, and I've been told that by the time the oil light comes on, its too late and the damage is already done.

How much of an effect would this have, and is it even true?
 
The oil light will come on if the amount of oil is getting low. Generally advised to have the oil changed (& new filter) each year which will be part of a service. There are exceptions as some cars need it more often and some will last longer. Also depends on mileage covered, but generally once a year is fine.
 
This should be posted in motors really, but you can check your oil with the dipstick in the engine bay

The warning light is only there to tell you it's basically dry

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it dry, dip it again and check the level is between the two marks (top up and full)

Simples
 
Warning light usually only comes on if you've got the bare minimum in the car.

I'd drop the oil because:

  • Chances are you the existing oil will have been in there ages for this to happen
  • The oil in there will have had to "do extra work" for the missing oil
  • It won't hurt and is an easy job.

Hopefully it isn't the result of a more serious problem, if you've fried the piston rings, you'll have to call in the doc to rip the block apart, and you'll probably end up owing someone a 10 second car.
 
the oil light is not a level indiacator, it's a pressure indicator. if it comes on, turn the engine off right away before (more) damage is done.

change the oil according to your cars servicing schedule
 
Gaijin said:
Hopefully it isn't the result of a more serious problem, if you've fried the piston rings, you'll have to call in the doc to rip the block apart, and you'll probably end up owing someone a 10 second car.
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Granny shifting not double clutching like you should.
 
If the light is on, there hasn't been enough oil in the sump to be pulled up into the engine to lubricate essential components - where the sensor for oil pressure is will mean it only throws up the light when air is passing up instead of oil.

You've more than likely done some damage.
 
I wouldn't go throwing the car away quite yet!
It could have caused some damage, but probably hasn't. Just top it up if you need to drive it, then get an oil change done as soon as is practical.
 
rover416i said:
If the light is on, there hasn't been enough oil in the sump to be pulled up into the engine to lubricate essential components - where the sensor for oil pressure is will mean it only throws up the light when air is passing up instead of oil.

You've more than likely done some damage.
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It's low oil pressure, not no oil left :p
 
rover416i said:
To trigger the sensor, there has to be air bubbles/gaps in the oil flow, that's how it knows it's not just oil flowing past ;)
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Don't be a noob :p if the amount of oil drops, so does the pressure, same works when you massively overfill an engine with oil, you will have excessive oil pressure. The gauge will work on pressure, not air bubbles :)

Quite a few cars have oil top up lights too, IIRC some BMWs don't have a dispstick so you have to rely on that.
 
Make sure you have new crush washer for sump plug if it uses one. Make sure you put the filter back on to the correct tightness. You do not want it bouncing down the road behind you :D
 
Janesy B said:
Don't be a noob :p if the amount of oil drops, so does the pressure, same works when you massively overfill an engine with oil, you will have excessive oil pressure. The gauge will work on pressure, not air bubbles :)

Quite a few cars have oil top up lights too, IIRC some BMWs don't have a dispstick so you have to rely on that.
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Mine measures oil level and has a dipstick :D

Also has an oil quality readout, measured in percent oddly...
 
Camelpaw said:
Sup :)

I realise that you need to change engine oil fairly regularly, and I've been told that by the time the oil light comes on, its too late and the damage is already done.

How much of an effect would this have, and is it even true?
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Depends what car it is I guess, some (but not many) have an Oil level warning light but the vast majority have low Oil pressure warning lights, I'd guess this is your issue.

Check the level ASAP & top it up, if the level is ok, you have low Oil pressure and your engine is probably shafted.
 
R420LA6X2/4MNA said:
Depends what car it is I guess, some (but not many) have an Oil level warning light but the vast majority have low Oil pressure warning lights,
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AFAIK all cars have a low pressure warning light. Many modern cars have a level warning as well (since it seems most drivers are clueless halfwits that are incapable of checking oil levels regularly).
 
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