Why You Should Never Skip an Oil Change: The Hidden Dangers

Performing oil changes personally can be a hassle.

When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most essential tasks is getting your oil changed, and here at Express Auto Repair, we strive to keep your car running to the best of our ability. Oil is what helps keep your engine running smoothly, and if you let it go too long without being changed, it can start to cause problems. But what happens if you don’t get your oil changed on time? Or at all? Here are some of the consequences that could occur.

Damage components

Your engine consists of many parts that are protected by the lubricating oil, which helps reduce friction. Once the recommended oil change interval has passed, the engine oil will start to deteriorate and is unable to fully protect the car’s components from friction. This friction then leads to wear and damage.

Engine overheating

Your vehicle’s coolant system is not enough by itself to cool the engine. Engine oil plays a vital role in cooling since it can reach places that the coolant cannot reach. As engine oil gets old, it starts to break down and become thicker because of exposure to high temperatures. This thermal breakdown prevents the oil from absorbing heat, which could result in the engine overheating, blown gaskets, and components wearing or warping.

Buildup of dirt

In addition to lubricating and cooling, engine oil also helps clean the inside of the engine by removing small particles and debris. Over time, any dirt or debris can build up leading to the plugging of the oil channels, which can decrease the engine’s life. This buildup also makes the engine work harder resulting in a loss of power. When the engine oil is not changed for a long time, it begins to solidify like gel in the engine and eventually turns into sludge. Since the oil is not able to reach all parts of the engine, these important components are starved of oil leading which leads to serious damage to the engine and possible replacement required.

Increase in fuel consumption

The engine must work harder when aged engine oil has thickened and become sludge. This will require that you use more fuel for the same amount of power. The increase in fuel consumption makes a difference between 1%- 2%. In addition, it may cause your vehicle to release toxic smoke into the air as it burns old engine oil.

Void your vehicle’s warranty

Your vehicle’s manufacturer ensures a warranty if you follow the recommended maintenance. When you do not have it serviced accordingly, it will void the warranty. If damage is done to your engine, this could lead to high-costly repairs or replacements which the manufacturer will not reimburse.

Having regular oil changes with the replacement of your oil filter is significantly cheaper compared to repairing a damaged engine. High-quality engine oil changed at the recommended intervals will allow your vehicle to perform at its maximum potential while extending its lifespan. Besides the fuel, engine oil is the most important fluid your vehicle needs so the right one should be chosen or done by a professional.

You don’t want your car’s engine to fail because of neglect, so it is important that you always have an oil change done on time. Your engine needs regular maintenance to stay healthy and functioning at its peak. Regular oil changes not only keep your engine running smoothly, but they also help to protect it from wear and tear. If you’re overdue for an oil change, call Express Auto we will get the job done right so you get back on the road in no time.