We all know that we’re supposed to get an oil change every 3,000 miles (or 7,000 if your car takes synthetic oil), but what happens if you don’t? At Top Level Automotive, we don’t encourage you to find out firsthand. But we can tell you what will happen if you neglect this routine maintenance.
Here’s what happens when you don’t change your oil regularly.
Dirty oil doesn’t lubricate well.
Regularly changing the engine oil is crucial for the proper functioning and longevity of a vehicle. If you don’t change the oil regularly, the oil will eventually become dirty, thick, and lose its lubrication properties. This can lead to several problems that can cause extensive and costly damage to your engine.
The oil in your engine performs several essential functions, such as lubricating the engine’s internal components, reducing friction and heat, cleaning and preventing the accumulation of contaminants, and preserving the engine’s performance. However, over time, the oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and other impurities, which can clog the oil filter and reduce its lubrication properties.
Poor lubrication causes the engine to overheat.
Without proper lubrication, the metal components in your engine will start to rub against each other, generating heat and friction. This can cause the engine to overheat, leading to a loss of power and reduced performance. Additionally, excessive heat and friction can cause significant damage to your engine, such as warping or cracking the cylinder heads, damaging the pistons, and wearing out the bearings.
And then there’s sludge.
Another potential issue that can arise from not changing the engine oil regularly is the buildup of sludge, a thick and sticky substance that accumulates in the engine’s internal parts. Sludge can clog the engine’s oil passages, causing the engine to work harder and reduce fuel efficiency, leading to more wear and tear on the engine.
It’s not just the engine that relies on an oil change.
In addition to the engine damage, not changing the oil regularly can also cause other issues. For example, the engine’s sensors may malfunction, leading to inaccurate readings and decreased fuel efficiency. The catalytic converter can also become damaged, leading to increased pollution emissions and possibly failing an emissions test.
