Importance of Regular Oil Changes: Oil flows through many components in your vehicle, lubricating and protecting them. Unfortunately, your oil gets dirty as it works and needs to be changed frequently.
Consistent oil changes can extend your engine life and increase your car’s resale value.
Keeps Your Engine Clean
There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes to oil change intervals. The most straightforward approach to finding out how often you should get an oil change is to look up the suggested mileage interval for your car model in your owner’s handbook and consider several elements, including road conditions, environment, and driving style. Engine oil reduces friction between moving components in your engine and helps cool the system by carrying heat away from hot areas. Over time, however, it can become contaminated with dirt and other debris that can cause wear on engine parts and lower your vehicle’s performance and lifespan.
In addition, dirty engine oil increases your car’s emissions, contributing to air pollution and may result in your vehicle failing an emission test. Consistently getting regular oil changes will keep your engine clean and properly lubricated, improving your fuel economy and increasing your engine’s lifespan. You’ll also have a more comfortable driving experience since your engine will run smoothly and efficiently.
Prevents Excessive Heat
In addition to extending the lifespan of your vehicle, regular oil changes prevent excessive heat caused by friction between moving parts. When oil is old, it can break down and not effectively lubricate moving engine parts, creating excess friction and heat that can cause costly damage over time. Clean oil will help your engine work efficiently, improving gas mileage and saving you money at the pump.
Dirty oil also causes your engine to work harder and produce more pollution, which can lead to expensive repairs down the road. Visiting an oil change shop will help your vehicle run more smoothly and efficiently, reducing its emissions and keeping it passing yearly state inspections and emission tests. Think of it as mowing your lawn in the summer – if the grass is lush and green, the mower cuts through quickly, but dried, wiry grass is a struggle that could potentially damage your mower.
Prevents Wear and Tear
The lubrication provided by engine oil protects the moving parts of your car from excessive wear and tear. Without it, metal components could rub against each other and cause abrasions that shorten their lifespans. Engine oil also helps to carry away heat and keep the engine cool. Without it, the engine would overheat and potentially destroy itself.
Routine oil changes prevent the build-up of harmful dirt and sludge in your engine. These deposits slow down your vehicle’s performance, decreasing its power and fuel efficiency.
Every time your engine burns fuel, it produces energy in the form of heat. However, some energy is lost in the heat your engine carries away through its various components. With clean oil, your engine can efficiently capture and convert the energy from fuel into the mechanical force needed to propel your car. This increased efficiency will help to preserve your gas mileage and reduce environmental impact.
Prevents Gas Mileage Loss
Regular oil changes and minimizing unnecessary wear and tear on your engine keep your automobile from wasting too much gas. For example, dirty or clogged air filters can hinder engine performance and indirectly increase fuel consumption. A mechanic will check your air filter during your oil change and replace it when needed.
Sludge build-up in your engine also decreases fuel efficiency because the dirty oil does not correctly lubricate your vehicle’s metal parts. Insufficient lubrication causes friction that increases the energy your engine uses to operate, decreasing fuel economy.
Remember that manufacturer-recommended oil-change intervals are based on ideal driving conditions. If you drive in harsh or dusty environments, you may need to change your oil more frequently than recommended. Also, consider using synthetic oil, which resists breaking down more efficiently and keeps your engine cleaner longer, resulting in better fuel efficiency.
