Why You Should NEVER Skip an Oil Change
Highlights
- A well-oiled engine can fetch a higher resale value.
- Engines that have had oil changes tend to last longer
- Without an oil change, your car's engine will work harder than it should.
An engine that runs well has a regular oil check-up and change. It is essential to put that dipstick in regularly and keep track of what's going on under the hood. Let's find out some other reasons why you should never skip an oil change. Let's dive in!
Engine Lubrication
Valves and pistons in the engine continuously work while you're driving. To ensure that these are not damaged, you need to keep them properly lubricated. Oil plays an essential role in your engine. The oil change is required because the engine breaks down the oil with time, and this oil gets contaminated with debris and dirt. This makes it impossible for the engine to do its job properly.
Cooling Effect
Engine oil ensures that your engine stays cool and does not overheat. The parts in the engine work continuously and create friction in the process. This generates heat, and it is essential that you keep your engine properly lubricated with engine oil because it reduces friction and prevents the engine from overheating.
Removing Sludge
Your technician changes the oil filter every time you change your oil. This removes the sludge and particles from the engine. Dust and dirt are deadly to your vehicle as they cause corrosion with time. This results in a decreased car and motor life. If it is not changed regularly, the oil turns to sludge, so you must change it to keep your car in peak condition.
Increased Mileage
Your habits and factors such as where you live, drive and maintain your car affect the mileage. If your engine is not properly lubricated, it will use more fuel and won't perform at its best. A study by the U.S. Energy Department stated that your gas mileage could improve by 2% if you change your oil regularly. While 2% might sound low, it equates to a lot of fuel over time.
Longer Life
It is a fact that owners who change their car's oil regularly can expect their car to last a lot longer than owners who skip this critical step. Due to the dirt and debris, the internal engine components wear out quickly if the oil is not changed. This makes your engine work harder than it should.
A harder working engine will result in a shorter life and fetch a lower value when you sell it. If you keep a record of your car's maintenance, you can increase your car's resale value. Regular oil changes indicate that you have taken good care of your car, resulting in longer engine life.
You can either change the oil yourself or go to a professional mechanic who will do it for you.