Don’t Trust the 0% — The Truth About Your Oil Life Monitor
Alternative Automotive • June 17, 2025
That little oil life percentage on your dash? It’s not telling you how much oil is in your engine, it’s just estimating how worn out it is.
And waiting until it hits 15% (or worse, 0%) can lead to serious engine wear.
What That Number Really Means
The oil life monitor uses your driving habits, engine temperature, and mileage to guess how much lubricity your oil has left. It doesn’t measure oil level, just how effective it still is at protecting your engine.
When You Should Really Change It
We recommend changing your oil when it hits 40–50%—long before that number turns scary. And don’t rely on that monitor alone. Check your oil level manually, especially before road trips.
Why It Matters
Driving on worn oil means less protection, more friction, and expensive damage. Don’t wait for the dashboard to beg, get ahead of it.
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