If there’s something about auto maintenance that everybody knows, it’s that you should change your oil. The frequency varies a bit depending on your car, but the basic rule is that you should change it every 3,000 miles or 7,000 if the car takes synthetic oil. If you’re diligent about getting an oil change whenever your car needs one, you probably have not experienced what old oil can do to your engine. But if you have put it off too long, you know that it’s not fun.
Let’s find out what happens to your engine if you neglect to change the oil.
Dirty oil makes bad lubricant.
One of the primary purposes of engine oil is to lubricate the engine to protect it from wear and keep it from overheating. When you wait too long to change your oil, it becomes dirty from picking up the crud and gunk that builds up in your engine. In time, the oil becomes so dirty that it can’t protect the engine anymore and even damage it instead. Signs that you are running with dirty oil include increased engine noise, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine overheating.
Old oil shortens the life of your engine.
When your engine runs with old or dirty oil, it can shorten the life of your engine. Your engine is more susceptible to wear and tear, damage, or overheating. During an oil change, the mechanic will also change the oil filter. This is important because if the filter is clogged, it prevents the oil from flowing through the engine. Consequently, the engine has to work harder, reducing its lifespan.
The worst-case scenario: engine failure.
If you run your engine with dirty oil for long enough, the worst will happen: your engine will fail. Sludge and other contaminants build up in the engine and block passages, leading to damage to the internal components of the engine. This causes to engine to overheat, and when the engine gets too hot, it can fail completely. At that point, your only solution is to rebuild or replace the engine. It’s much simpler to just keep up with your oil changes.
Schedule an oil change at Devoted Repairs!
At Devoted Repairs, we want to keep your car on the road and in good repair. More often than not, the easiest way to do that is with simple maintenance, like getting an oil change.
