Regular oil changes are often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do for your car. And it is one of the quickest and easiest ways to help ensure your car runs smoothly. Without regular oil changes, your car’s engine can suffer from several problems that can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
Let’s look at what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, why it’s essential to change your oil regularly, and how our drive thru oil change service makes it easy and convenient for you to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
What Does Engine Oil Do?
Since many of us don’t know the basics of car care, let’s start with the essentials and learn a little more about what engine oil is and does.
Engine oil is essential for keeping your car running smoothly. It lubricates the moving parts in the engine, reducing friction between them and helping them move more efficiently. It also helps keep the engine cool by transferring heat away from the combustion chamber. Engine oil also helps protect against corrosion and rust by forming a protective barrier over metal surfaces.
There are two main types of engine oil: conventional and synthetic. Conventional engine oils are made from mineral-based oils that have been refined and blended with additives to help protect against wear and tear. Synthetic engine oils are man-made and designed to provide superior performance over conventional oils, offering better protection against wear and tear, improved fuel economy, and increased engine life. Both types of engine oil can be used in most vehicles, but it is important to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended type of oil for your specific make and model.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Replacing your engine oil should always be done per what your car manufacturer recommends. However, there are several factors that influence when you should change your oil, including the age of your vehicle and how you use it. Generally, most newer cars can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before needing an oil change.
If you drive a high-performance engine or a classic car, you may need to change your oil more frequently. And if you regularly drive in extreme conditions, such as hot weather or stop-and-go traffic, staying on the shorter end of this interval is best.
So before you search oil change near me on your phone, make sure you take a look at your owner’s manual to find out the exact intervals for changing your oil.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?
Regular oil changes are important for keeping your car in good condition. Over time, engine oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with particles and debris from the engine. If you don’t change your oil regularly, several serious issues can arise:
- Corrosion – The protective barrier formed by fresh oil will start to break down over time, leaving metal surfaces exposed which can lead to corrosion and rusting of vital parts in the engine.
- Accelerated engine wear – Without fresh lubrication, the moving parts in the engine will start to wear down faster than expected due to increased friction between them. This can lead to costly repairs down the line.
- Sludge accumulation – Over time, dirt and debris will accumulate in the oil, forming a thick sludge that blocks vital passages in the engine, leading to decreased performance or even complete failure of certain components.
- Overheating – Without enough lubrication, heat won’t be transferred away from the combustion chamber as efficiently as it should be. This can cause overheating, damaging other engine components such as pistons and valves.
- Total engine failure – The engine can become so damaged that it fails entirely without regular oil changes. This can lead to extremely costly repairs or even require replacing the entire engine.
- Warranty can be voided – Not changing your oil on schedule can void certain warranties, so if you have a warranty on your vehicle, stay up-to-date on oil changes.
What To Know Before Getting An Oil Change
When getting an oil change, there are a few things you should know beforehand to make sure you get the right type of oil for your vehicle.
First off, check your owner’s manual for the type and weight of motor oil that is recommended for your vehicle — this may vary based on the age and model of your car. Additionally, consider what type of driving habits you have. For example, a synthetic blend or synthetic motor oil might be best if you drive mostly short distances, as they tend to last longer than conventional oils under those conditions. And finally, consider any additional services such as air filter replacement or tire rotations while you’re at it, as these all help keep your car running in top condition.
Where To Get Your Oil Changed
When it comes to getting an oil change, there are a few different options.
First, you can take your car to its local dealership for service. Dealerships typically have trained professionals familiar with your vehicle’s make and model. A similar option for getting an oil change is taking your car to an independent auto repair shop. Both these options usually require you to make an appointment and potentially even leave your car with them for a few hours. They also come with price tags that can be more expensive than other options.
If you’re feeling handy, you can always attempt an oil change yourself. You’ll need basic tools, such as a socket wrench and drain pan, along with the correct type of oil for your vehicle (check the owner’s manual). It should only take around 30 to 60 minutes. Just make sure you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, you can cause more damage than good.
Finally, you can let us do the work. Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change makes it easy and convenient for you to keep up with their vehicle’s maintenance schedule with their drive thru service — no appointment necessary! Plus, you can save with a drive thru oil change coupon, downloadable from our website.
So, don’t wait any longer. Keep your car running in peak condition with regular oil changes. Ensure you check your owner’s manual for the correct type of oil and schedule for your vehicle, and come see us at Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change. Do a quick search for 10 minute oil change near me, and you’re sure to find one of our convenient locations near you.
We’ll help keep you on the road safely and reliably.
