You just purchased a 2002 mercury mountaineer and you have 2000 miles or 2 months until you need an oil change The change oil message came on and you don't know why any ideas?

1. What happens if you don't change your oil for 2000 miles?
2. At what mileage should engine oil be changed?
3. How many months can a car go without an oil change?
4. What color should oil be on dipstick?
5. Do you have to change your oil filter every time you change your oil?
6. Can I change oil every 2 years?
7. How many miles is a high mileage oil change good for?
8. How often should you change full synthetic oil?
9. What is the longest you can go without an oil change?
10. Does oil go bad sitting in an engine?

What happens if you don't change your oil for 2000 miles?

Complete Engine Failure – If you go long enough without an oil change, it could cost you a car. Once the motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer removes heat from the engine. This can lead to a complete engine shutdown that will require a brand new engine – or a new ride – to fix.

At what mileage should engine oil be changed?

It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!

How many months can a car go without an oil change?

Some swear by the “every 3,000 miles or every 3 months” rule, but advances in engines and oil have made that guidance obsolete. Many automakers have oil-change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and 6 or 12 months for time.

What color should oil be on dipstick?

As a general rule of thumb, new, clean oil is amber in color. It should also be clear when you pull out the dipstick.

Do you have to change your oil filter every time you change your oil?

Many manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every second time you get your oil changed. So, if you're on a 3,000-mile cycle you'd change your filter every 6,000; if you're on a 6,000-mile cycle (as with most modern vehicles) you'd change out every 12,000.

Can I change oil every 2 years?

Simply put, as a general rule, manufacturers recommend that you change the oil for a gasoline engine every 10,000 to 15,000 km, or about once a year for “regular” usage (frequent but not intensive) or once every 2 years if used less frequently.

How many miles is a high mileage oil change good for?

It all depends on how the vehicle has been driven and maintained. Some people might consider switching to a high mileage oil at 200,000 miles, while others may want to change to a high mileage oil at 80,000 miles. For the average driver, anything over 100,000 miles could safely be considered a high mileage vehicle.

How often should you change full synthetic oil?

It's recommended that you change synthetic oil every 7,500 – 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and the brand of synthetic oil used. To ensure you're changing your oil at the proper intervals, always check your owners manual for more information.

What is the longest you can go without an oil change?

Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.

Does oil go bad sitting in an engine?

A short answer to this question is yes. Motor oil can only last for a certain period of time. ... For this reason, oil goes bad with time just by sitting in the engine. Over time, it becomes less viscous thus less efficient in maintaining proper lubrication between moving components.