What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

We all want to save where we can, but cutting certain corners will only cost you more in the end. Are you wondering what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? We often hear this question from our customers at the Larry Puckett Chevrolet service center. Regular oil changes are key to optimal engine performance and longevity in Montgomery and beyond. So, what happens when you don’t change your oil?

When you let it go, motor oil will break down, becoming far less effective in lubricating the parts within your engine. As a result, friction will increase, causing increasing temperatures. If your engine gets too hot from fluctuating temperatures, you might end up with excess wear and tear or warped internal components. If you want to know more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed or where to get an oil change in Prattville, Alabama, read on!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Before knowing what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, let’s address why oil is so important in the first place:

• The primary role of motor oil is reducing wear and tear on your car’s moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants can reduce and clean sludge from your vehicle’s engine.
• Detergents within motor oil can also help remove varnish from your engine.
• If it’s regularly changed, motor oil can help neutralize acids that may form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away.

Finding out what happens if you don’t change your oil is not something anyone wants to experience around Wetumpka.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, automakers recommended that you have an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, it’s now possible to drive up to 10,000 miles between oil changes depending on the type of oil used and the engine’s service requirements. In addition, some driving habits may warrant more frequent oil changes. When in doubt, always check your owner’s manual. 

Problems That Arise from Not Changing Oil

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle; it keeps everything running smoothly. Failing to perform regular oil changes can cause severe engine issues, including:

• Weakened Performance: Once your oil deteriorates, it leaves behind carbon deposits that clog up your positive crankcase ventilation and the exhaust gas recirculation valves. This leads to far more sluggish engine performance, among other issues.
• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: As the oil wears down to a particularly thin level, it’ll slide past your rings and seals and get burned up in the combustion chamber. This will lead to greater fuel usage and eventually cause smoke to come out of your exhaust.
• Overheating Engine: With your oil losing viscosity and failing to regulate the temperature of your engine, multiple issues can arise. The result is overheating and, finally, total engine failure.

Remember, this is only a sampling of what can happen if you don’t schedule regular oil changes in Prattville, Alabama.

Turn to Larry Puckett Chevrolet For Oil Change Service & More

Now that you’ve gathered a sense of what happens if you don’t change your oil, it’s best you consider regular oil change service at Larry Puckett Chevrolet. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone today at (334) 649-7408. Be sure to check out our service offers and see how you can save on auto maintenance needs. While you’re with us, peruse our information hub and learn more about a variety of topics, including Hybrid vs. Electric vehicles and the most fuel-efficient Chevy SUVs available in Prattville. We look forward to seeing you at Larry Puckett Chevrolet!