Question

At what oil life percentage should oil be changed?

It is recommended that you change the oil when the oil life indicator on your car drops to a value between 15% and 40%.

How long will 15% oil last?

A 15% oil life should give you between 750 and 1125 miles of range. This is based on the pure assumption that an oil change is required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. As the number of miles you drive in your car increases, the amount of oil available to protect the engine will fall, so ensure that you change the oil before the oil percentage falls abruptly.  

Here are the different reasons why an oil change is important: 

• For proper lubrication, Oil offers lubrication to the different moving parts in an engine. If not changed, the friction between these parts will increase, thus increasing wear. 

• To remove heat: Another key role played by the oil is to help the engine continue working at optimal temperatures by removing heat. To avoid engine overheating, you should change the oil. 

In short, to ensure the optimal performance of the vehicle’s engine and extend its longevity, you should change the oil at adequate intervals. 

Why is it bad to drive with low oil life?

Change your car’s oil immediately if the oil life has dropped to 0%. But you should never wait for the oil to reach that level. As mentioned above, change your car’s oil when the oil life indicator points between 15% and 40%.  An oil percentage below 0% indicates that the peak of your oil’s useful life has passed and that you should take your car for regularly scheduled maintenance. The oil will still lubricate the engine, but you’ll notice a slight increase in wear if you don’t change it soon. 

Oil changes involve a full system flush and the addition of fresh oil, while oil replacement merely includes replenishing the oil level. To extend the life and improve the performance of your engine, always ensure that oil changes happen at proper intervals.