If you own a car, this is advice you hear ad infinitum: “Get an oil change every four to six months. But what is the fuss about? What does skipping an oil change mean for your car and its engine?

Though it appears a routine maintenance chore, an oil change is making sure your engine is functioning correctly and at peak efficiency. Without them, the engine has to work harder, burning more and more fuel, potentially damaging the internals unit.

In this article, we will explain why oil changes are so important, how often you should be changing your oil, and what are the benefits of following this process regularly. If you are a newbie driver or an old car lover, the following has all your ignition keys in it to unravel what importance engine oil has to offer and how they shield the crucial parts of your car.

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Another similar to engine oil, engine oil is the blood line of your cars engine. This performs a few different critical functions needed to ensure the engine runs efficiently and safely:

1. Lubrication: Consider this, engine oil decreases friction between moving parts, ensuring metal to metal contact between components does not take place and cause any damage.

2. Cooling: When oil passes throughout the engine, it absorbs heat from the parts and carries it away so combustion heat does not overheat the engine.

3. Cleaning: Oil retains dirt, dust and metal particles that get created during use and keeps damaging debris in check.

4. Corrosion Prevention: Good oil creates a protective film over the surfaces within the engine metal, which means less chance of rust and corrosion in the engine itself.

5. Sealing: It will help fill tiny spaces between the piston and cylinder wall and between the piston rings and the cylinder wall to maintain proper operation of the engine and keep things such as compression from leaking out.

These functions are then compromised when you neglect those regular oil changes, putting your engine in jeopardy.

Warning: What If Oil Change Is Not Done

While potential problems from skipping oil changes may not be immediately noticeable, they will develop into significant engine issues down the line. Now, here is what happens to an engine if you postpone or skip oil changes:

1. Contaminated Oil: Over time, the oil becomes contaminated and loses its efficiency to lubricate and cool the engine.

2. Higher Resistance: Engine parts rub against each other instead of sliding, resulting in extremely abrasive wear.

3. Engine Overheating — The old oil does not properly dissipate heat, which raises the risk of engine overheating.

4. Sludge Accumulation: Extremely dirty oil can become sludge, which can clog critical engine components and restrict the flow of oil.

Worst Case Scenario: Can Result to Engine Failure If you never change the oil in your engine and allow it to run for some time without changing the oil, it may well lead to a situation where your entire engine breaks down and you end up having to pay a small fortune on repairs, or even replacing the entire engine.

Importance of oil change after particular intervals

We may take regular oil changes for granted because everyone knows that changing your oil is a must because it prevents costly engine damage, but in this article, we will explain why doing it regularly can actually help you save a few bucks and ensure smooth work under the hood.

1. Improves Engine Performance

New oil guarantees the regular operation of all engine parts. An engine that has proper lubrication runs like a bell, meaning more power, more acceleration, more gas mileage.

2. Extends Engine Lifespan

Frequent oil change lowers friction, helps wear and tear, prevents the engine from overheating. Enabling you to get the most out of your engine and your car for years to come.

3. Enhances Fuel Efficiency

An engine with good lubrication runs more smoothly and consumes less fuel. When any of the above is the case, your engine has to exert more effort than normal to function, which, in turn, makes your automobile use more gasoline.

4. Reduces Harmful Emissions

Reducing the harmful combustion emissions that your car releases into the environment is facilitated by clean oil. Old dirty oil produces higher hydrocarbon emissions harming the environment and the performance of your vehicle.

5. Prevents Costly Repairs

Regular oil changes save you hundreds on future repairs. Old or dirty oil can cause engine damage that can lead to costly major mechanical failures.

🧰 Oil Service Interval: How Often Do You Need an Oil Change?

How often you should get an oil change also will vary based on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits. In the old days, the advice was to change oil every 3,000 miles (4,800-kilometers), but better oil technology and advanced engines have stretched that interval.

And here are a few general rules :

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km): For typical new conventional vehicles.
7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) — For cars that employ synthetic oil.
Follow Your Car Manual: The first thing to do is to always check your vehicle owner manual first.

Increased Oil Change Frequency Numbers Are Based on Ideal Driving Conditions:

Oil will break down quicker if you drive the vehicle only short distances all the time.
If you drive in very hot or cold conditions or do not drive for long distances, the oil must be changed more often.
While towing, you are stressing your engine and that means you need to change the oil more often.

types of engine oil: What is the best for your car?

Selecting the correct engine oil is crucial for the wellbeing of your car. These are the main kinds of:

1. Conventional Oil: It is inexpensive to manufacture, but it is necessary to change it more often, as it is made from refined crude oil.

2. Synthetic Oil: It is chemically engineered to provide greater performance benefits; it offers superior protection, and to a degree that is effective for a longer period when compared to conventional oil.

3. Synthetic Blend Oil: Half way between traditional and synthetic oil, provides better protection than traditional oil, but at a lower cost.

4. High-Mileage Oil: This oil reduces the runs and oil usage designed for vehicles over 75k miles.

Always consult your owner’s manual for the oil your vehicle runs best on.

💡 5 Signs You Need To Change Your Vehicle’s Oil

In some cases, your car will tell you that the time for an oil change is soon coming. Here’s what to watch for:

Engine Noise: Knocking or grinding noises may indicate your engine does not have sufficient lubrication.
Oil Change Light – Many late model cars now have a light to remind you when a oil change is needed.
Dirty, Dark Oil: New oil is amber-colored and clear, and dirty oil is dark and gritty.
Clouds of Exhaust: A cloud of exhaust smoke can indicate that your oil is dirty or burning.
Reduced performance: If your oil needs to be changed, it may not be able to keep your engine working properly and this can result in reduced power, slow acceleration and reduced fuel efficiency.

FAQs Guide To Oil Changes

Is it possible for me to do my own oil change on my vehicle?

Sure, your car can be changed the oil at home only if you have sufficient tools and understanding. But if you really have doubts, make sure to let a professional do it.

What If I Wait Too Long To Change My Oil?

Oil changes are a preventative step and skipping them, or delaying them too much can lead to higher rates of wear, overheating, sludge, and an eventual engine replacement.

Does synthetic oil last longer than conventional oil?

Yes, synthetic oil is better in terms of longevity and wear protection, which enables longer oil change distances.

How much does a oil change run?

It depends on your oil type and who you take it to, but generally each oil change will cost between $30 and $100.

Can I just top off my oil near the oil change?

If the oil levels are low, topping off oil may be a stopgap measure, but it cannot replace an oil change that removes the dirt and contaminants in the oil.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Never Ignore Your Oil Pressure Light, Get Regular Oil Changes To Keep Your Car Running Smooth

Changing the oil regularly is among the easiest and least cost-effective ways of keeping the engine running smoothly while prolonging the car life. If you pay attention to your manufacturer recommendations and your car, you can save your self expensive repairs, also increase your gas mileage and the longevity of your motor.

Finally, it is more than simply saving money, it is about investing yourself and ladies and men being able to enjoy a smooth ride for years to come! So book those oil changes, and your engine will be forever grateful!