What Happens If I Don’t Get A Oil Change?
FEBRUARY 19, 2016
What happens if I don’t get a Oil Change?. Skipping oil changes, going over the recommended mileage or going lengthy periods of time before your next oil change can wear out vital parts that keep your car running smoothly and even lead to engine failure. Repairing engine damage can be a big hit to your wallet, so avoid expensive repairs down the road and regularly change your oil.
Can my oil change schedule differ from manufacturer recommendations?
It can and often does. If you check the recommendation found in your owner’s manual, it typically lists oil change intervals for both normal and poor driving conditions. Make sure you pay attention to the listed driving conditions, too. Hotter weather and constant short trips will shorten the life of your oil. If the change oil light comes on, it’s time for a change.
If my car has an “Oil Life System” can I change it less often?
Oil Life Systems are a more recent innovation by car manufacturers that are designed to monitor your driving conditions and mileage to help determine the lifespan of your oil. But it doesn’t measure your oil condition. Although it measures mileage and environmental conditions such as heat, your owner’s manual will give you with an oil change schedule based on your specific make and model.
Quick Tip: Think of regularly scheduled oil changes as a kind of insurance against more costly repairs. Not following manufacturer recommended intervals for your oil changes leads to sludge build up and deposits, which can mean engine damage and repairs. We want to help you avoid that headache.
What is engine sludge?
Engine sludge is as gross as it sounds, with more descriptive nicknames like “mayonnaise sludge” (for soft consistency) and “black sludge” (harder consistency sludge). All of it, however, is old congealed oil. Whenever there is contamination, excessive heat, and oil additive breakdown, sludge forms — especially when a car owner skips oil changes or drives many miles past the recommended interval.
How does engine damaging sludge form?
Your oil begins shiny and slick but, over time, that incredible lubricant turns gunky and loses its ability to protect your engine parts. But how could such a vital liquid turn into sluggish mess, you ask? Here are a couple scenarios.
- Delaying or Skipping Oil Changes. All motor oil becomes contaminated with metals, acids, and air humidity, which transforms it into sludge. Waiting too long to change your oil increases the odds of sludge getting into all your engine parts.
- Don’t Stress Out your Oil. Stress and heat can lead to sludge in your engine oil. Humidity plays a major role in oil condition. The more humidity that gets in, the harder and thicker the oil becomes. Remember to change your oil before it wears out.
Sludge can become a serious problem for your engine — and your wallet. Follow your vehicle’s manual and the recommended oil change intervals, consider changing your driving habits, and save yourself the agony of a broken engine. Come see us for a quick, easy oil change that gets your car rolling smoothly again!
More on Oil and Oil Changes:
Some of the other services we offer: