Why Oil Goes Bad & When You Should Change It

Everyone knows that an engine requires fresh oil. A regular oil change ensures that an engine is at the height of its performance, and it mitigates the possibility of engine damage due to friction, heat, and debris. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of regular oil changes, and the frequency at which we should swap out the oil in our vehicles.

Oil Changes Lubricate an Engine

Oil lubricates your engine. And unfortunately, engines burn off oil and leak oil. Thus, it’s crucial to replace oil at regular intervals. If you have low levels of oil, or oil that’s filled with sludge and debris, your engine could be suffering. Both low oil levels and debris can increase the heat and friction of moving components throughout your engine.

Oil Changes Remove Debris & Sludge

Speaking of debris, it’s important to remain cognizant of the debris and sludge that can build up within an engine. Despite vehicle designers’ best intentions, engines aren’t perfect. When engine parts rub against each other, tiny shreds of metal can disintegrate and make their way into an otherwise near-frictionless motor. Oil can also become contaminated by dirt, water, and burnt fuel, resulting in sludge.

Oil Changes Aid in Cooling the Engine

While your radiator is largely tasked with cooling your engine, your engine oil is critically important to maintaining that cool. While oil isn’t really a coolant, it does reduce friction. Without oil, your engine components would be free to grind against one another. And metal grinding against metal can cause a major spike in heat. In this way, oil is a crucial component necessary for maintaining safe engine temperatures. If you’re low on oil, or if you have oil that’s gunked up with debris and sludge, the temperatures in your engine can rise, causing irreparable damage.

Oil Changes Extend a Vehicle’s Lifetime, Its Gas Mileage, & Its Value

Since engine oil keeps that engine running smoothly, it extends the lifetime of a vehicle. In addition, regular oil changes ensure that a vehicle runs efficiently. In fact, the Department of Energy stated that regular oil changes can improve fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent. As your vehicle ages, regular oil changes ensure that your engine is operating as it should. Without regular oil changes, your engine will lose power, its components will wear, and your car will lose value.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

Most mechanics suggest an oil change every three months or every 3,000 miles. That said, some folks will say you can wait longer. While that may be true, it certainly doesn’t hurt to get an oil change every 3,000 miles, especially if you have a brand new car, an older car, or a car model that’s infamous for burning through oil.

If that’s not reason enough to get your oil changed regularly, well, we’re not sure what is. Over time, you’ll save money, save your engine, and improve the performance of your car with regular oil changes. Learn more about our oil change services, and, once again, don’t forget to change your oil every 3,000 miles.