Why Regular Oil Changes Are Important

We know keeping up with regular maintenance tasks like oil changes can be tiresome. However, delaying getting an oil change can be detrimental to your car’s engine. Regular oil changes are essential in keeping your vehicle is good condition.

Why is Oil Important?

A car engine is made up of many moving parts. Thanks to advances in technology, engines today are much more complicated than those of the past. However, even modern engines need a key ingredient: oil. Due to all those moving parts, engines need to stay lubricated. Oil serves as the grease in an engine that keeps metal from rubbing on metal. Oil also helps keep an engine cool, by preventing heat generating friction. In general, having fresh oil in your car helps improves gas mileage and keeps your engine working longer and more efficiently. By taking care of regular maintenance tasks like oil changes, you can prolong the lifespan of your car engine.

What Happens Without Regular Oil Changes

Over time, the oil in your car breaks down and becomes full of dirt and dust particles. As the oil becomes dirty, the oil filter gets clogged with dirt and debris. Usually starting as a golden color, oil will darken to a brown and eventually black color with use. While fresh oil is slick, with consistent use over time it will deteriorate to a thick, sludge like consistency. At this point, the oil can no longer keep the engine lubricated.

How Often Should You Get Your Oil Changed?

Check your car manual, as it will state the recommended type of oil to use and how often it should be changed. We suggest changing your oil between 3,000 and 5,000 miles to be safe. Though oil changes can be a nuisance, the cost of regular oil changes is far less than the cost of replacing parts of your engine, or worse, your whole car. For more information or to schedule an oil change, contact us today for friendly, reliable service!