All vehicle owners are familiar with one of their vehicle's most important services - the oil change. We understand that this service can be tiresome, especially knowing that you'll be back again for another in just 3 to 6 short months. If your oil change due date has arrived and you haven't been able to find the time yet to get it done, you may be wondering what could possibly happen if you skip an oil change. Will it go undetected and will your car drive perfectly fine, or will you find yourself dealing with engine troubles?
Engine oil is a very important fluid that ensures your vehicle runs smoothly. The job of this fluid is to lubricate your engine's parts to protect them from heat, wear, and grime build-up. It also helps to prevent metal to metal contact between parts. While the engine oil circulates, it picks up dirt and grime and brings it back through the oil filter which is vital when it comes to keeping your engine clean.
The one fault of engine oil is that it doesn't last very long, and needs to be replaced much more frequently than your vehicle's other fluids. The frequency of how often you'll need to have your oil changed will depend upon a number of things, including the make and model of your vehicle and the oil type it requires. When you bring your vehicle into Hoesly Automotive for an oil change, we follow your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations when it comes to the engine oil and will help remind you of when your next oil change is due.
So, what happens if you skip an oil change? Well, as we mentioned before, oil breaks down rapidly due to the excessive amount of heat it withstands. If the oil is old or dirty, it isn't able to properly protect and lubricate your engine as it is supposed to. When engine components aren't protected, they begin to rub against each other which causes premature wear and tear. This can lead to an engine that doesn't last as long as it should, and engine repairs may be needed that otherwise could have been avoided. Plus, when oil has a lot of sludge build-up, which can happen if it isn't changed, major engine components can be affected and you could find yourself needing an engine replacement or rebuild.
The moral of the story is - always get your oil change done! It is a quick and inexpensive service that will save you thousands of dollars on engine repairs over time. We know it is a bit of a hassle, but we promise that it is worth it. As always, if you are due for an oil change, trust the professionals here at Hoesly Automotive today!