It’s crucial to know a few things about your car, especially the dashboard lights. This will help you not panic when you see a strange light on your dashboard.
In addition, car computers trigger several warning lights and error messages on your message screen to notify you of imminent issues whenever it detects one.
One of these lights is a change engine oil soon warning message. Rx mechanic team of experts has drafted a well-detailed and informative article on the meaning of a change engine oil soon warning message.
So, whether you have a change engine oil soon on Ford Edge, focus, fusion, explorer, expedition, or change engine oil soon on Chevy, we’ll explain how to resolve them in the subsequent paragraphs. But first, let’s see what a change motor oil soon means.
Understanding the “Change Engine Oil Soon” Warning Light
The “Change Engine Oil Soon” warning light is a vital reminder from your car’s computer system that the engine oil needs to be changed.
This light is typically illuminated when the oil life monitoring system (OLMS) determines that the engine oil has reached the end of its recommended service interval. The OLMS uses various factors to calculate the oil life, including:
Driving Conditions
Factors like frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, and dusty environments can accelerate engine oil degradation. The OLMS takes these conditions into account to determine when an oil change is needed.
Engine Load
Driving habits that involve heavy acceleration, towing, or hauling can put extra stress on the engine, leading to faster oil breakdown. The OLMS monitors engine load to adjust the oil change interval accordingly.
Oil Quality
The type and quality of engine oil used also play a role. Synthetic oils generally last longer than conventional oils, and the OLMS may adjust the service interval based on the oil type.
What Does Change Engine Oil Soon Message Means?
A change motor oil soon can pop up on your driver information center (DIC) whether your computer detects that it’s time to change your engine oil. Or it could be a reminder that you need to replace your motor oil within the next few miles.
However, you can have a change engine oil soon after oil change because the car computer does not typically know when you change the engine oil. Instead, it works based on the information you input into the system to monitor the motor Oil Life System.
Therefore, if you fail to reset the Oil Life System after motor oil and oil filter replacement, the change motor oil soon on your ford f150 or your respective vehicle will appear soon. So, it is important to reset the Oil Life System after every oil change.
Several vehicles have a mechanism that tells the driver or car owner when to replace motor oil and oil filters. However, this mechanism does not read the actual mileage you travel. Instead, it reads the oil temperature and engine revolution.
Regardless of what the Oil Life System reads, you need to reset it every time you replace engine oil for accurate readings.
Whenever the computer calculates the motor oil is due for replacement based on the last reset, it will trigger a change engine oil soon light on the driver information center.
So, what should you do when this happens? Let’s find out in the next few paragraphs.
Causes For The “Change Engine Oil Soon” Message
The “Change Engine Oil Soon” message can appear for various reasons, signifying potential issues such as reduced oil efficiency or a nearing maintenance milestone. Understanding these causes is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance.
#1. Exceeded Recommended Mileage.
Regularly exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended mileage for oil changes is a common cause.
Engine oil plays a vital role in lubrication and reducing wear. Over time, oil degrades, leading to reduced effectiveness.
Checking your vehicle’s dipstick can provide an indication of oil level and quality. Keeping a maintenance log helps track mileage limits and ensures timely servicing.
#2. Time-Based Maintenance Schedule.
Not all oil changing needs rely solely on mileage. Sometimes, the maintenance schedule is time-based.
Oil can degrade even when the car isn’t in constant use. Following time-based intervals is essential, as the oil may lose its beneficial properties over time.
#3. Oil Quality And Performance Degradation.
Oil quality diminishes as it ages, affecting its performance.
Contaminants and engine byproducts accumulate in the engine oil, reducing its ability to lubricate effectively. Regular changes help maintain the intended performance of the oil and ensure the engine runs smoothly.
#4. Engine Oil Contamination.
Contaminants such as dirt, coolant, or combustion byproducts may pollute engine oil.
Such contamination can reach critical levels over time, reducing the oil’s capacity to lubricate and protect. Inspecting the oil for viscosity changes or discoloration can help address these issues early.
#5. Insufficient Lubrication Capacity.
Oil viscosity and lubrication capacity are critical to engine health.
Wear and tear, combined with oil degradation, lower the lubricant’s effectiveness. This reduction can cause increased friction, potential overheating and lasting damage if left unchecked.
#6. Accumulated Engine Wear Particles.
Engine wear over time introduces tiny metal particles into the oil.
These particles can circulate and increase engine wear if not regularly filtered out through oil changes. Utilizing a quality oil filter can mitigate this issue and prolong engine life.
#7. Reduced Viscosity Of Engine Oil.
Reduction in oil viscosity impacts its ability to coat engine components.
High-quality oil typically has a specific viscosity range that ensures engine protection. Continued use beyond recommended intervals may lead to thinning, reducing efficacy.
#8. Potential Oil Additive Depletion.
Additives in engine oil enhance its performance and protect engine components.
Over time, these additives can become depleted, leading to reduced oil effectiveness. Regular oil changes ensure these additives are replenished, maintaining performance and protection standards.
#9. Elevated Operating Temperatures.
Higher operating temperatures can accelerate oil degradation.
Excessive heat affects oil viscosity, reducing its lubricating properties and causing a quicker depletion of additives. Regular monitoring of engine temperature can help identify potential overheating issues.
#10. Engine Oil Oxidation.
Continuous heat exposure can lead to engine oil oxidation.
Oxidation changes the chemical composition of the oil, leading to thickening and sludge formation. This impairs lubrication, making scheduled oil changes crucial to prevent damage.
Distinguishing and addressing these causes can maintain engine health, ensuring your vehicle runs efficiently.
What To Do If Change Engine Oil Soon Message Comes On?
This is a warning light or warning sign that appears on the dashboard of your car. So, in this case, you need to check your engine oil. You can apply these steps if you want to check the engine oil levels and situation.
- First of all, you need to place your car on an even surface. This is important because if the surface is not even, this will affect your engine oil level readings.
- After that, you need to stop the engine. And let the engine cool for 30 minutes. This is also a very important thing to do because the high engine temperature will make the oil expand and affect the readings.
- And then, open the hood of your car. There will be a plug that you need to take beneath your steering wheel. After that, you can open the hood of your car.
- Every engine has a stick that you can check the engine oil level. Take that stick. After taking the stick clean the tip of the stick with a towel and attach it again.
- And then, take the tick back. And look at the engine oil level. The oil level must reside between the two lines that the stick has. If it is below the first line, you need to add a certain amount of oil. And if it is above the second line of the stick, you need to take a certain amount of oil from your engine. There are specific tools that you can do it.
- If you need to add oil, you need to open the oil cap at the top of the engine. Add engine oil from that cap.
This is how you deal with the change of engine oil soon light in general. But also, changing engine oil soon may appear because of the very bad situation of engine oil.
Old engine oil can cause this problem. There is an oil sump cap at the bottom of your car, you need to drain the old oil from there.
But first, you need to check the color of your engine oil. As we explained above, take the stick and look at the color of your engine oil. If the color is blackish or brownish, it is not good. You need to change it with a new one.
Potential Consequences of Ignoring the Warning
Disregarding the “Change Oil Soon” light can lead to several detrimental effects on the vehicle’s engine, including:
- Increased Engine Wear: Deteriorated oil loses its lubricating properties, causing friction and wear on engine components.
- Overheating: Old oil can cause the engine to run hotter due to poor heat dissipation.
- Sludge Formation: Contaminants accumulate in the oil, forming sludge that clogs engine passages.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: Poor lubrication increases engine workload, lowering fuel economy.
- Potential Engine Damage: Prolonged neglect may result in costly repairs such as bearing failure or piston damage.
Timely oil changes are critical to prevent these issues and maintain vehicle reliability.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Ignoring the “Change Oil Soon” message can have serious consequences for your car’s health. Here’s why regular oil changes are essential:
#1. Reduced Engine Wear.
Fresh oil provides a protective layer between moving engine parts, reducing friction and wear. Over time, degraded oil loses its lubricating properties, leading to increased friction and wear, which can damage engine components.
#2. Improved Engine Performance.
Clean oil flows more freely, allowing for better lubrication and cooling. This results in smoother engine operation, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions.
#3. Extended Engine Lifespan.
Regular oil changes are one of the most effective ways to extend the life of your engine. By preventing wear and tear, you can help your engine run smoothly for many years to come.
#4. Warranty Protection.
Most car manufacturers require regular oil changes to maintain your vehicle’s warranty. Failure to adhere to the recommended oil change intervals could void your warranty coverage.
FAQs.
Q: How long can I drive with change oil soon?
One of the questions I get in my garage is, I have a change engine oil soon; how long can I drive? I won’t advise you to continue driving your vehicle for an extended period when this light comes on.
However, once a change motor oil soon pops up on your drivers’ information center, do not drive more than 500 miles or two weeks. It’s fine to change the motor oil sooner.
However, there are exceptions to this. For instance, If the oil change warning message appears on your DIC after an oil change, you don’t need to change the oil again. Instead, clear the warning message.
It’s possible the mechanic did not reset the Oil Life System after changing the motor oil.
Q: Is it OK to change the engine oil early?
Experts recommend changing your motor oil at least twice a year or every 5,000 miles. Exceeding this period may accelerate engine wear and tear.
On the other hand, it’s okay to change your engine oil much early. It doesn’t hurt the engine in any way. However, you may have to spend more on purchasing the motor oil and filter.
Q: What happens if you don’t change your oil soon enough?
Every driver and car enthusiast knows that driving without motor oil will cause catastrophic damage to the engine.
Overdue motor oil will also cause problems. Overdue engine oil will lose its lubricating properties, cause sludge deposits, and will not proffer its cooling solution.
Your engine may break down if you continue driving with an overdue engine for an extended period.
Q: What happens if you change oil too soon?
Changing engine oil too soon will not help your car perform any better. It won’t hurt it either, but you’re spending unnecessary bucks, wasting time and energy.
In any case, it’s essential to note that changing oil too soon means putting stress on the environment by throwing away reusable oil.
Q: Can I add oil to my car until I get an oil change?
If your oil level is below the recommended mark, you can add extra oil to it. You need to use the manufacturer’s specified oil or the same oil viscosity. Do not mix two different oil viscosity.
Q: Can you go 2 years between oil changes?
Manufacturers recommend changing engine oils every 3 months or 3,000 miles on older engines.
But with engine technology advancement, it’s OK to change oils between 7,500 and 10,000 miles or 6 to 1 year, whichever comes first. So I recommend changing your motor oil within a year, even if you drive a few thousand miles.
Leaving the oil for up to two years will cause more harm than good.
Q: Do you really need to change oil every 6 months?
Auto manufacturers use different technology in building their engines. Because of that, they have different specifications and replacement intervals.
For example, while some automakers recommend staying one year between oil changes with synthetic oils, others recommend replacing motor oil every six months with mineral oils.
Therefore, always stick with your manufacturer’s recommendation. In addition, you may want to find out the differences and similarities between regular oil and synthetic oils.
Final words
While changing engine oil soon on your ford or any vehicle brand will not cause damages within the first two weeks, do not ignore it.
Neglecting a change engine oil soon warning message for an extended period may cause the motor oil to lose its viscosity and lubricating properties.
All you need to resolve the warning light is to change the old oil and filter and reset the Oil Life System on your vehicle DIC.