DRIVERS ASK, TOM ANSWERS: VEHICULAR

ABUSE PROBLEMS SOLVED

Tom,

Q How long can I go between oil changes without doing harm to the

engine? I have a 2000 Ford with a 2.0-liter engine in it.

Sally—Baton Rouge,  Louisiana

Sally,

A What do you expect to accomplish by performing this feat other than

destroying your engine? When you leave the oil in the engine for too long, it
loses its ability to lubricate, cool, and keep dirt in suspension to be filtered
out by the oil filter. Not to mention the fact that the oil filter gets clogged
with dirt and inhibits oil flow through the engine. This practice is simply no
good for your engine and will result in major engine damage over time.