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One of the most important routine maintenance chores that is performed on a vehicle is an oil change. This is when the old engine oil in the engine is drained out, and replaced with new, fresh oil. Most of the time, the mechanic may also suggest changing the engine oil filter too. Engine oil plays an important in a vehicle as it lubricates the engine and all its moving parts. It absorbs the heat created when the engine parts rub against each other, to ensure there is no overheating.
However, the engine oil tends to get dirty and breaks down with time. And dirty oil does not efficiently lubricate the engine or absorb any heat. Without this very much needed lubrication with fresh oil, the engine moving parts start grinding together and lead to eventual wearing down and engine problems.
This is when, and why, you have to change the engine oil before it causes significant engine problems. Regular oil changes are essential, preferably every 5000 miles to prevent substantial engine problems. While engine wears out is one reason, here are ten more reasons justifying why you should not miss your next oil change.
10 Reasons Why you Shouldn’t Miss an Oil Change
1. Poor mileage
Not many know that missed oil changes affect your car’s mileage. This is because broken down oil leads to your engine working harder, and this consequently leads to the burning of more gas per mile. So this means that the longer you take to change oil, the more gas you end up burning per mile. This thus reduces your car’s mileage while increasing fuel costs.
2. Poor vehicle performance
You will see that there is a lot of difference in your car’s performance before and after an oil change. You will mainly notice that your car tends to run smoothly, and with much more power after an oil change.
3. Leads to more pollution and low performance
Missing an oil change leads to your engine emitting more pollution. This is because your car’s computer manages the car engine’s inner complex workings and gives the best gas mileage, as long as the engine burns cleanly. Your engine, however, emits more pollution when the engine oil breaks down, which in turn means your car doesn’t perform as it should.
4. Voids your car warranty
It’s a known fact that a new car comes with a warranty that based on your car model, may last even for a decade. However don’t take things for granted, and do read the fine print. Some car manufacturers maintain that the warranty is valid only if you are regular with your car’s maintenance.
Skipping too many oil changes is valid reason enough for your auto manufacturer to render your warranty void. And this can lead to additional expenses of thousands of dollars if any problems occur because of the missed oil changes.
5. Reduced resale value
You will one day have to sell your car to buy a new one, and it’s only with regular oil changes can you expect a right resale price. If you don’t change the oil regularly, then it leads to the engine not performing well, which in turn prompts a lower resale rate. Besides, if you maintain records as proof of your car maintenance like regular oil changes, you can expect a better sale price as it proves that you have taken good care of your vehicle.
6. Poor maintenance and bigger engine problems
It’s during an oil change that mechanics inspect your can by taking a look at the battery, brakes and air filters. Your mechanic will thus be able to notice any signs of significant problems. They will therefore remind you of any upcoming maintenance that is needed to help keep your car running in perfect condition. However, this is impossible if you don’t change your engine oil regularly.
7. Turns into oil sludge
The engine tends to remain hot if you don’t change oil regularly. And the oil slowly turns into sludge if the engine remains in this heated condition for some time. Leaving the oil like this for a long time only leads to severe damage to your car.
8. Engine seizure
While one or two missed oil changes will not harm your car, multiple misses can lead to an engine seizure.
9. Engine heats up
Engine oil is essential for regulating engine temperatures by absorbing and thus reducing the heat produced by friction. Old oil loses its ability at cooling the engine, which increases the risks and possibilities of the engine overheating. Of course, while the engine’s cooling system does regulate the engine temperature the oil helps prevent expensive damage that is triggered by excessive engine heat.
10. Leads to a dirty engine
Not only does oil cool the engine while circulating through the engine, but it also picks up and removes all impurities like dirt, dust and other contaminants that reach the engine. It is, in fact, these impurities that thicken the oil which in turn creates a harsh working environment in the engine.
The thick oil prompts the engine to work harder just so that it can cut through the sludgy oil and this leads to a reduction in engine power and fuel efficiency. It’s when you change your vehicle’s oil that the old oil is drained from the car, along with all the accumulated contaminants. The fresh oil that you pour into the engine helps improve the engine’s operating efficiency.
So while an oil change may seem an inconvenience and a waste of time and money, it is primarily an essential part of your car’s maintenance schedule. It is very much necessary if you want your car to last a long time, and perform well. If you tend to miss an oil change, these ten reasons should prompt, and remind you to change your engine oil. Anyway, you are the one who will be at a loss if you don’t change your engine oil as missed oil changes only lead to eventual loss of your precious money and time.
