What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

What is the purpose of motor oil? It helps to minimize friction by lubricating the moving components of your engine. It also helps your vehicle run as efficiently as possible and reduce the risk of excess wear and tear on expensive components.

So what happens if you don’t change your oil? It could lead to costly repairs down the road. Beyond changing your oil, you should check it regularly.

Over time, engine oil breaks down and it doesn’t lubricate the moving parts of the engine as it should. Oil can become contaminated with dirt and debris that increases friction. The more friction there is, the hotter the engine gets, which leads to damage. To avoid an expensive repair bill in the future, it is important to keep up with regular oil changes. Learn more about vehicle maintenance with Sam Leman Automotive Group.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a lubricant for your engine. It also performs the following tasks:

• The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil assist in keeping the engine clean.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, it was recommended that you bring your vehicle in for an oil change every 3,000 miles. Thanks to advancements in vehicle technology and motor oil itself, many cars can go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. For the proper oil change interval, always check your owner’s manual.

Remember that any oil change intervals are based on typical driving, a mix of highway and city. If you are in a lot of stop and go traffic, you should consider having your oil changed more frequently.

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

If you plan on performing your own oil change, the first step is to take a look at your owner’s manual. It will let you know what type of motor oil is required for your vehicle. Once you get the right type of oil, follow the steps listed below.

1. Raise your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely. This step could take as long as 15 minutes. Once you know that all of the oil has been drained, the plug can be put back in place.
3. Find the oil filter, use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Some more oil may end up draining out, so you will want to keep the basin in place.
4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal – this ensures your filter will have a proper seal and is an essential step.
5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand.
6. Remove the oil cap and add the right amount of oil (again: see your owner’s manual). Replace the oil cap once it’s full.
7. You’re not done yet! Be sure to inspect the oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you are all set.

Depend On Sam Leman Automotive Group for

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’ll never skip this essential maintenance task. If you don’t want to worry about performing an oil change on your own, you can leave it to the professionals at Sam Leman Automotive Group. Contact us today for more information. We are also happy to provide other maintenance tips, such as how to clean car seats.