Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and frequent changes are critical to the health of your car. Changing your oil is one of the simplest tasks you or your service center can perform to ensure optimal engine performance, prolong vehicle lifespan, and save money over the long run. Let’s take a look at why timely oil changes are essential, and how they keep your car running at its best. The short-term cost of changing your oil is minor, in comparison to major engine repairs or replacement.
Key Takeaways:
- Changing your oil will extend your vehicle’s lifespan and maintain your car’s overall performance.
- Newer cars have oil-life monitoring systems that tell you when you need an oil change through their oil-life monitoring systems.
- You can change your own oil or visit our service center at Lunghamer Ford!
Is Getting my Oil Changed Frequently Important?
A vehicle needs oil for the following reasons:
- Lubrication: Lubrication reduces friction between its moving parts. This slows or prevents wear and tear on your vehicle.
- Cooling: Oil helps dissipate heat from engine components; by acting as a coolant, it prevents overheating.
- Cleaning: Oil traps dirt, sludge, microscopic particles and other debris in the oil filter to prevent engine damage.
What Benefits Can Be Seen From Changing Engine Oil More Frequently?
Regular oil changes allow you to maintain engine health and overall performance. For example, fresh oil in your vehicle keeps it running smoothly and gives you better fuel economy. It prolongs the lifespan of your engine, as it reduces wear and tear and prevents the need for costly repairs due to contaminated or degraded oil.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My Oil Frequently?
Skipping oil changes doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll run out of oil, but you can damage it in the process. If you don’t routinely change oil the following may occur:
- Increased engine wear: When older oil degrades it can fail to lubricate your engine properly.
- Overheating risks: Older oil cannot absorb and dissipate heat properly and your car may overheat as a result.
- Potential engine failure: If sludge builds up over time, friction occurs and can cause irreversible damage.
How Often Should I Change Your Oil?
How many times you change your oil will depend on the age of your vehicle, its manufacturer, and your driving habits. For example, oil changes in older cars are typically based on mileage with two maintenance schedules, one for "normal" operation and another for "severe service,” which involves driving under the following circumstances:
- Mostly short trips of five miles or less
- Overly cold, hot, or dusty climates
- Frequent stop-and-go driving
- Towing a trailer and carrying heavy loads
New cars are much easier to gauge when to schedule oil changes, as they are typically equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that determine when you need to change your oil. If you are, you’ll be notified via an alert on your car’s instrument panel. When you do have your car serviced, the technician will reset the oil-life monitoring system. However, if you change it yourself, you can find information on how to do it from your owners manual. AAA states that a good rule of thumb for an oil change is about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
Is the Banner Ford Service Department a Good Place to Get My Oil Changed?
Maintenance through regular oil changes is a small but essential investment for vehicle health and longevity. To keep your car humming, schedule your next oil change with Banner Ford’s service department today!