What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

At Sid Dillon, we understand that fitting routine vehicle maintenance into your busy schedule can be quite difficult at times. A common question we hear at our service center is, “What happens if you don’t change your oil?” There are several reasons why you want to stay up to date with this maintenance task. Over time, motor oil breaks down and will become less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. This can lead to more friction, making it easier for your engine to overheat. When your engine gets too hot, it can cause a number of issues such as excess wear and tear or warped components. Learn what happens when you don’t get your oil changed with Sid Dillon, and see how you can change your oil right from your Omaha garage. 

The Purpose of Motor Oil 

Motor oil is designed to lubricate your engine in addition to performing other important tasks:

• Reduce the wear and tear on moving parts caused by friction
• Clean sludge from the engine with dispersants 
• Clean varnish from the engine with detergents 
• Neutralize acids that form from fuels
• Improve piston ring seals
• Cool the engine by moving heat away

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed?

So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? Your engine can become too hot, and your engine will not work as efficiently as it should. Lincoln drivers who put off this task could end up having to replace their engines prematurely, which can cost thousands of dollars. 

How Often Does My Car Require an Oil Change? 

Years ago, an oil change was recommended every 3,000 miles. However, thanks to advancements in automotive technology, most drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Your driving habits could affect that interval, and you may need to perform an oil change more often. Oil should be changed at least twice a year, even if you do not do a lot of driving in Fremont. 

How to Perform an Oil Change

Before you get started, consult your owner’s manual so that you choose the right motor oil for your particular make and model. Once you have what you need, simply follow the steps below:

1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find the oil drain plug. It is located on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug. Unscrew the plug to allow the old oil to drain out completely. This can take a little bit of time (as much as 15 minutes). Once all of the old oil has been drained from the vehicle, put the plug back into place. 
3. Use and oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Because a bit of extra oil could drain out when you remove the filter, keep the basin in place to catch it.
4. Take your new filter and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal so that the filter is watertight. 
5. Set the new filter in place, and tighten it by hand. 
6. Remove your oil cap and add the proper amount of new oil. Once filled correctly, put the oil cap back on. 
7. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. 

Visit Sid Dillon for Trusted Automotive Service

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, it may be time to perform this essential maintenance task. If you do not want to perform an oil change on your own, you can leave this task to the professionals at Sid Dillon. Set up an appointment today or contact us at your convenience.