Forgetting to Change Engine Oil: Consequences You Can't Imagine?

Lubricants are an essential "nutrient" for engines. Thanks to lubricants, vehicles operate more efficiently and smoothly, prolonging the lifespan of the engine.

However, many vehicle owners forget to change their oil regularly, leading to burnt piston rings and piston heads, which negatively affect the engine and driving experience. To understand the consequences of neglecting oil changes and the ideal times to change oil, follow this article from Huỳnh Châu.

See also: Common mistakes to avoid when changing motorcycle oil

Forgetting to change oil can have unforeseen consequences for motorcycle engines.

1. What causes oil depletion?

The primary reason for oil depletion is the negligence of motorcycle users who do not change their oil regularly. Over time, the piston rings become loose against the cylinder wall, resulting in compressed gas loss and a decrease in engine compression, causing oil to be sprayed up and stick to the combustion chamber walls, leading to wastage. This condition is commonly referred to as "blow by" by motorcycle repair technicians, characterized by white smoke emitted during operation. This is the most noticeable indication that the motorcycle needs periodic oil replenishment.

A leaking base gasket is another reason for oil depletion in motorcycles. When the base gasket leaks, oil can enter the combustion chamber through the gap between the valve body and the valve guide. Especially when the engine heats up, this gap widens, allowing more oil to flow into the combustion chamber. The characteristic sign of a leaking base gasket is the appearance of white smoke when the engine is hot or at high speeds.

"Blow by" and leaking base gaskets are two main causes of oil depletion.

A damaged piston can also lead to oil loss and is often difficult to detect. Similar to "blow by," if the vehicle emits smoke, it indicates oil depletion, but upon inspection, the piston could still be intact, and everything might seem fine.

The reason for a damaged piston is due to the connecting rod not being perfectly centered, causing it to tilt to one side. The smaller end of the connecting rod pushes the piston to one side of the cylinder wall, creating a larger than normal gap on the opposite side. Oil then flows through this larger gap into the combustion chamber, resulting in depletion.

Additionally, several external factors, such as repair shops not meeting oil change standards or being underfilled, or leaking drain plugs and cracked engine blocks, can also lead to oil leaks into the environment during vehicle operation.

See also: How to inspect motorcycle oil like an expert.

There are many reasons for oil depletion during operation