What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Sometimes, life gets hectic and routine car care can feel like it deserves a spot on the back burner. While we understand that sentiment, routine service is critical for preserving the quality of your commute from Morrisville to Apex. Sometimes, our service team gets asked, “What happens if you don’t change your oil?” Over time, the oil in your engine breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the moving parts in your engine. This can lead to increased friction and rising temperatures in the engine block. When your engine overheats, serious damage can occur. 

So, what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? You could be looking at Durham breakdowns and expensive repairs. If you’d rather skip the drama and stay on track with your oil change frequency, you can book an appointment with us to avoid finding out what happens if you don’t change your oil firsthand. Read on with us below to learn more about the dangers of neglecting car care. 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Before we further examine what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, let’s establish the role of motor oil:

• The main job of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear caused by friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to routinely clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents within motor oil help remove varnish from the engine. 
• When routinely changed, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away.

Trust us, you’d rather not find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed. What’s more, our team can help you determine if you need synthetic oil or conventional oil for your Cary vehicle. 

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, you likely heard that a proper oil change frequency hovered around once every 3,000 miles. However, thanks to improvements in auto care and design technology, you can likely travel anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. Your oil change needs can vary based on driving habits, vehicle type, and more. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

If you have a DIY spirit, you may be interested in taking on an oil change in your own garage, here’s how:

1. Lift your vehicle with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan under your engine. Place your oil basin directly beneath the plug, unscrew it, and let the old oil drain. The drainage process can take up to 15 minutes. Once the old oil is gone, you can replace the plug. 
3. Find your oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. You can expect a bit of extra oil to drain when you remove the filter, so be sure to keep the basing underneath to catch it. 
4. Grab your new filter, and be sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal to ensure it’s watertight. 
5. Put the new filter in place and tighten it by hand.
6. Now you can remove your oil cap. Pour the specified amount of the proper oil grade into the reservoir. Replace the cap. 
7. Check the oil volume with your dipstick. If you’re still low, slowly add more and continue to check until the volume is sufficient. 

Turn to Hendrick Cadillac Cary for Complete Car Care

Now that you’re aware of the dangers of poor car care, you can service your vehicle like a professional. Whether you’re turning the keys over to us or taking on your own oil change project, keeping up with routine maintenance is essential. If you have any lingering questions about keeping your vehicle in top shape, contact our service department at your convenience.