What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Everyone knows life gets busy at times, which leaves little time for routine car maintenance. While it can easily get put on the back burner, routine car care is essential. This rings true for oil changes. Even though they are often overlooked, regular oil changes are essential for safe commutes between Garfield Township and Interlochen. So, what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? What happens if you don’t change your oil filter?

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Simply put, neglecting oil changes puts your engine at risk. Over time, motor oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the moving parts within your engine. What happens if you don’t change your oil routinely? The ineffective oil will be unable to prevent friction between moving engine parts. This can lead to damaged parts and an overheating engine. In our service guide below, you’ll get a closer look at the role of engine oil and what happens if you don’t get your oil changed. 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil provides lubrication for the moving parts in your engine as you travel on the Kalkaska streets. More specifically, oil fills the following roles:

• The main purpose of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving engine parts. 
• Motor oil that contains dispersants is designed to remove sludge from the engine. 
• Motor oil that contains detergents is designed to remove varnish from the engine. 
• With routine changes, oil can help to neutralize acids that form from fuels, cool the engine, and improve piston ring seals. 

You can take our word for it, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t change your oil filter or oil while driving through town!

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, you were likely advised to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. While this was once great advice, this rule of thumb no longer applies. So, how often should you change your oil? In most cases, an oil change once every 7,500 to 10,000 miles is appropriate. Your personal driving habits may impact this frequency, so work with our team if you’re unsure about when to have your oil changed.

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

If you don’t have your oil changed at the appropriate intervals, your vehicle will experience:

• Weakened Performance: As oil deteriorates, it leaves behind carbon deposits that can clog the positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves.
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: When oil wears down far enough, it can slide past the seals and rings and burn up in the combustion chamber. This reduces fuel efficiency and causes smoke to pour from the exhaust. 
• Engine Overheating: When oil loses viscosity, it fails to properly regulate engine temperatures. This can eventually lead to engine overheating and eventually, total engine failure. 
• And more! 

Visit Us in Traverse City for Oil Change Services and More

Now that you know how crucial it truly is to keep pace with your scheduled oil changes, you can turn to Serra Volvo Cars of Traverse City for your routine maintenance. When you book an appointment with us, you can rest assured that you and your vehicle will receive the very best care. What’s more, you can explore our service coupons for additional savings. Contact us if you have lingering questions like “What happens if you don’t change your oil filter?” and more!