I unknowingly drove my car for the last 5,000 miles without an air filter, what potential damage has been done?
I get my oil changed at a quick service chain regularly. My Honda has an oil life sensor that goes off when 15% of the life is remaining and that's when I get the oil changed. 5000 miles ago I had my oil changed and I paid for an air filter replacement. Today I went to get my oil changed and even though they could see I had my air filter changed on my last visit at a separate location, they opened the housing as protocol and found no air filter. This was all noted on my service record and printed out for me. I am afraid that some serious yet not visible damage has been done to my engine.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
I do believe that no serious damage would have occurred. The air filter is made to prevent any leaves or other debris from entering the engine. However, due to the design of many newer intake systems, the debris would likely not make it that far anyway. This is due to screens that are built into some throttle bodies. I would recommend going with the intake/fuel system cleaning as well as another oil change. Once all of these maintenance items are completed, the vehicle should be good to go with no damage to worry about. If you want to have this looked at, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to conduct a comprehensive inspection so that any issues can be addressed as needed.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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If you prolong your oil change long enough, eventually your entire engine will lock up and need to be replaced.
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. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.
Having a professional inspect your air filters may seem pointless, but with engine replacements costing up to $4,000, having this included in a full-service oil change can help you feel confident while on the road.
Ignoring the Mileage Requirements
In fact, most Hondas go anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 miles without an oil change, with some even topping out at the 15,000-mile mark.
You might have heard the old advice to get an oil change every “3 months or 3,000 miles.” But that`s simply not true anymore! With all the advancements in engine design and synthetic oil technology, modern vehicles can go 5,000, 7,500 or even 10,000+ miles between oil changes.
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.
Full synthetic oils will actually last well beyond 10,000 miles. The lifespan of synthetic oil depends, but it`s not crazy to see oils still working at 15,000 miles or longer. Synthetic technology is pretty amazing, but it isn`t magical.
However, it`s important to note that when changing the engine oil, both the oil filter and engine oil must be replaced together. While you can top off your engine oil if the existing filter is still good, it`s not recommended to ignore an old filter and simply replace only the engine oil.
In general, you should change your cabin air filter when you get an oil change. That`s every six to 12 months depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and your vehicle`s year, make, and model.
A dirty cabin filter, air filter, or fuel filter forces your car`s engine to work harder. That lowers fuel efficiency, increases the car`s emissions, and can even result in your engine stalling. It also affects how well your AC functions and allows pollutants to reach your lungs.
The basic rule of thumb says cars using conventional oil should get an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, which is about every 3 to 5 months. Vehicles that use synthetic oil should service every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or every 7 to 10 months.
How long will 15% oil last? You should get between 750 and 1125 miles of range from 15% oil life. This is based on the pure assumption that a single oil change is required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Advances in engine technology over the years have made it possible for you to go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. If your car uses synthetic oil, you can go for even longer between oil changes: 10,000 to 15,000 miles.
As engine oil ages, it breaks down and becomes less effective at doing its job. Most manufacturers recommend getting the oil changed at least once per year, no matter how few miles you`ve spent on the road.
Answer: If your car uses conventional motor oil, such as 5W30 or 10W30, we recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or 3 months. If your car uses synthetic oil, we recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
Exposing the oil to moisture degrades the oil as much as running the engine hard for 5,000 miles. The solution is to flush all that stuff out with fresh oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Thankfully, you don`t need to remember. We print both numbers on a sticker for you.
Oil breaks down after 6 months, so no matter how few miles you have driven, you`ll need to change the oil twice a year at least.
Ideally, an oil change is recommended after your vehicle is driven for 3000-5000 miles. In case the vehicle has not reached the mileage threshold, then you may begin to wonder whether you still need to get the oil changed. The answer to this pressing question is yes.
Do what it instructs! Quick lube places put reminder stickers in vehicles to have the next oil change done within 3000 miles to sell you more oil. This won`t hurt a thing, but in the vast majority of cases, it is TOTALLY unnecessary. My owner`s manual says to change oil at 7500 miles.
In general, though, modern cars can manage 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. If your vehicle calls for a blended or full synthetic oil, you can push that to 10,000 miles.
Despite today`s remarkable advances in oil chemistry and engine technology, replacing oil every 4,500 kilometers (3,000 miles) is still considered necessary. In fact, most carmakers state in their service manuals the interval should be either 11,000 or 15,000 kilometers (7,500 or 10,000 miles).
Most vehicles will need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you`re using synthetic oil, the maximum oil change interval increases to about 10,000 miles.
Usually, the mileage you can get from an oil filter is roughly 5 to 8 thousand miles. Some might recommend changing the oil filter every 10,000 miles, but that is a bit too long for most cars. Not so long ago, oil filters and oils were to be changed every 3,000 miles.
Almost all disposable oil filters will get clogged before they make it to the second change. They`re meant to be used only once. Reusing a disposable oil filter from the previous oil change may cause a lot of damage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I unknowingly drove my car for the last 5,000 miles without an air filter, what potential damage has been done?
ANSWER : I do believe that no serious damage would have occurred. The air filter is made to prevent any leaves or other debris from entering the engine. However, due to the design of many newer intake systems, the debris would likely not make it that far anyway. This is due to screens that are built into some throttle bodies. I would recommend going with the intake/fuel system cleaning as well as another oil change. Once all of these maintenance items are completed, the vehicle should be good to go with no damage to worry about. If you want to have this looked at, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to conduct a comprehensive inspection so that any issues can be addressed as needed.
Does a 2014 Lexus RX 350 need to have a service of new cabin air filter and engine air filter at 17,000 miles
ANSWER : Hi there. If you regularly park your car under a tree or near bushes, or live in desert areas the cabin air filter(s) will likely suck up debris and leaves, becoming dirtier, faster. It’s recommended to have this component replaced every 30,000 miles or every two years. The tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles – regardless of age; to ensure proper wear. If your dealership offers that service FREE, i’d take advantage of the tire rotation. If you’re a Costco member, they can complete the rotation as well for no charge. One of our [mobile mechanics can come to your location and complete the cabin air filter replacement if you’d like.
Intake air flow leaking. What makes this happen?
ANSWER : Hi there. When having the code P0171, the fuel system is too lean. This could be the fuel pump is not working, the fuel filter is dirty or plugged, or the injectors are plugged or not working properly. Check the fuel system and make sure that the fuel system is having a pressure of 35 psi or higher. Also, check the spark plugs and look for any burn marks. This would indicate that the spark is hotter than normal and the fuel system needs cleaned or repaired.
For the intake air flow leak, check the intake for any vacuum leaks on both sides of the throttle. Check all of the hoses from the air cleaner box to the throttle and check the manifold and all vacuum line including the brake booster line for any leaks. Put a vacuum hose on the engine and see what the engine vacuum is at idle. The vacuum should be 17 hg to 22 hg on the gauge. If there is a vacuum less that that, then there is a leak. If you need further assistance with your fuel system and a vacuum leak, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Will a missing air box resonator stop my car from going over 10mph?
ANSWER : Hi There,
The air box resonator missing should not impact the running condition of your vehicle at all. If the air box had cracks in it, this may have caused excess air to be injected into the intake system which may affect the reading of something called the mass air flow sensor which meters the air intake into the engine. When this is producing faulty readings or detects abnormal air intake, this may cause the jerking reactions you describe. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays vital information to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
The air box resonator missing should not impact the running condition of your vehicle at all. If the air box had cracks in it, this may have caused excess air to be injected into the intake system which may affect the reading of something called the mass air flow sensor which meters the air intake into the engine. When this is producing faulty readings or detects abnormal air intake, this may cause the jerking reactions you describe. The mass air flow sensor monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the motor. This sensor relays vital information to the ECM which uses this to make adjustments to fuel supply to the motor. A dirty or faulty sensor can cause an imbalanced air/fuel load to be supplied to the motor which results in an over fueling or under fueling situation depending on the conditions. This type of inconsistent fuel supply to the motor may cause a hesitation, loss of power, a jerking reaction, potentially a bit of black exhaust smoke and typically a strong smell of fuel when this sensor is malfunctioning. I would suggest having a professional from Your Mechanic come to your home to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.
My serpenting belt broke and i drove my car to a street, replaced the belt but now car wont start and its leaking oil from filter
ANSWER : Hi there. The broken serpentine belt shouldn’t have damaged your oil filter housing or the filter itself, so it’s likely that is an existing issue. In regards to why the car won’t start now, it’s possible that while you were replacing the serpentine belt, that an electrical connection or harness may have been removed and not reinstalled correctly on one of the ignition system senors or components. There could be multiple issues causing this problem, so it’s probably best to have one of our professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a car is hard to start inspection; so they can pinpoint the source of this problem and complete or recommend the right repairs.
When the car is stopped and in gear, the engine often shakes and nearly stalls when the air conditioner is turned on
ANSWER : Hey there. There is an A/C idle-up VSV (vacuum switching valve) on your vehicle. The purpose of that valve is to increase engine speed at idle to accommodate the added load of the A/C compressor when the A/C switches on.
If the idle-up valve is not functioning, it is possible that this is a cause, or part cause, of the issue you are facing. In addition, of course, you could have engine tuning issues which are contributing to the rough operation and that should be evaluated as well during a tune up.
If the plugs haven’t been replaced for 100,000 miles (and perhaps less depending on age) they will have to come out and YourMechanic has the expertise to get them out safely without damage.
To have this scoped out further, I recommend having a certified professional, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose the shaking symptom so that it can be properly resolved.
I filled my car up with gas, drove about a block to get a newspaper, put it in park and it died before i ever got out of the car .
ANSWER : With a car that cranks but won’t start, there are a few things that need to be checked. But before I explain them, there is a common thing that happens with Nissan’s. Every once in awhile they will flood the cylinders with fuel and wash the oil film off the cylinder walls and rings. This will reduce compression enough that the car will not start. Fortunately, there is an easy fix for this problem. It is what is known as clear flooding.
Hold the gas pedal all the way to the floor while cranking the motor. It won’t start immediately and when it does it will not run very well at first. Feather the throttle to keep it running until the motor clears out the excess fuel and the motor begins to run smoothly. If after cranking the motor with the gas pedal held to the floor for at least
Car crash and SRS light
ANSWER : Hey there. It is likely that your front impact sensor was damaged during the frontal collision but not with enough force to deploy the air bags. There is a threshold for how hard a vehicle must be hit in order to deploy the airbags that is set by the manufacturer that may not have been met. When the SRS light is illuminated, this means that the air bags will not deploy in the event of an accident, even if it is hit hard enough. I would recommend having the frontal collision sensor inspected and replaced if necessary by the dealer or a professional who is proficient in air bag repair.
