It’s important to check your car’s engine oil level, and it’s easy to top up the engine oil yourself whenever you find it’s too low, but you can’t keep doing this indefinitely. You also need to drain it completely and refill it from time to time, and install a new filter when you do. It’s an easy job to handle yourself, but what happens if you don’t change your oil regularly?
VOIDED VEHICLE WARRANTY
Failing to maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations can lead to the warranty being partially or completely voided, and these recommendations typically include regular oil changes. Check your owner’s manual for the specific frequency recommended for your car and keep track of all routine maintenance you perform.
WEAR AND TEAR OF ENGINE COMPONENTS
Over time, engine oil picks up dirt, debris, and soot, while heat and friction cause it to lose its properties and can change its viscosity. Dirty oil can clog the filter and cause low oil pressure, meaning less lubricant circulating in the system. This leads to increased wear and can easily result in premature component failure.
OVERHEATING ENGINE
Reduced lubrication also means reduced cooling and a risk of engine overheating. This can lead to leaking seals, warped cylinders, or a blown head gasket, and should not be ignored under any circumstances.
OVERALL ENGINE FAILURE
If left unchanged for too long, the engine oil won’t be able to perform its essential functions, and you could face total engine failure. That’s why it’s important to know how often an oil change is needed. The recommended intervals depend on your vehicle’s age and engine type, driving conditions, and the product you use.
So remember to perform this job on time and save yourself a lot of potential trouble down the line.