What happens if you don't change your oil? Skipping oil changes can harm your car's performance and lifespan. In busy cities like DeRidder and Farmerville, where daily life keeps us busy, it's crucial to understand what happens if you forget this important task. Over time, motor oil becomes less effective, leading to insufficient lubrication of your engine's moving parts.
At Benoit Motors, we understand how crucial regular maintenance is for keeping your new or used vehicle in top shape. Let's explore what happens if you don't get your oil changed in this detailed guide from our skilled service team.
What Does Motor Oil Do?
Before we discuss the consequences of skipping oil changes, it's important to understand how essential motor oil is for your car. It acts as the lifeblood of your engine, performing several crucial functions:
- Reducing friction to protect moving parts from wearing out.
- Cleaning the engine by getting rid of sludge with special oil formulas.
- Preventing varnish buildup inside the engine with its detergent properties.
Additionally, routine oil changes serve to neutralize acid formation from fuels, enhance piston ring seals, and ensure efficient heat dissipation to maintain engine coolness. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can result in severe consequences, as detailed below.
How Long Can I Go Without an Oil Change?
How often should you change your oil? It depends on a few things. The old rule of changing it every 3,000 miles has changed. Nowadays, most cars can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. But this can vary based on how you drive and what your car needs. For example, if you do a lot of long-distance driving outside of Monroe, you might need to change your oil more often to keep your engine in good shape.
What Happens if You Don't Get Your Oil Changed?
So, what happens if you don't get your oil changed? It can cause serious problems:
- Diminished Performance: Accumulation of carbon deposits from old oil can obstruct vital engine parts, resulting in reduced vehicle performance.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: Thinning oil may seep into undesirable areas, such as the combustion chamber, escalating fuel consumption and emitting smoke from the exhaust.
- Elevated Engine Heat: Inadequate lubrication from thicker oil can predispose the engine to overheating and subsequent breakdowns.
Opt for Expert Oil Change Services at Benoit Motors in DeRidder
Now that you understand what happens if you don't change your oil, it's crucial to book this essential service to protect your vehicle. If you find changing oil in Alexandria daunting, let experienced professionals handle it.
Just schedule an appointment at our DeRidder service center for reliable oil change services. Need help or wondering how long an oil change should take? Contact our skilled service team at , and we'll assist you every step of the way.