If you have owned your vehicle for very long, you know that it’s the oil in the engine that keeps it running smoothly. As the oil circulates through the engine, it lubricates the metal components of the engine as well as draws the heat away. Whether your vehicle requires an oil change every 3,000 miles, or 10,000 miles, it is important to keep track of when your next oil change should take place. Forgetting regular oil changes sets you up for serious problems down the road.
Oil is most effective when it’s fresh and clean, but it only stays that way for so long. The problem with neglecting oil changes is that damage can be taking place inside the engine that you won’t know about until it’s too late.
But how do you know if you need your oil changed and what happens if you don’t change it on time?
- Build-up of dirt and debris. Oil picks up dirt and debris as it moves through the engine. If the oil, as well as the filter, isn’t replaced periodically, this dirt and debris will eventually clog the filter and the dirty oil will be cycled back through the engine.
- Engine parts start to wear down. Dirty oil is thick and abrasive. Every time it cycles through the engine it picks up more dirt and debris. It may still be lubricating the engine for a time, it will wear out the engine at an accelerated rate.
- Oil additives lose their effectiveness. Most oils have additives such as detergents, dispersants, rust-fighters, and friction reducers. Over time, these additives wear out and lose their effectiveness.
- Oil turns to sludge. Over time, the volume of dirt and debris can eventually outweigh the actual oil, resulting in a thick, dark, sludge with no lubricating qualities.
- Complete engine failure. If the oil gets too dirty, it becomes useless in keeping the engine’s components lubricated. The friction of metal-on-metal contact can damage the components so severely that the engine completely fails. At this point, the engine must be completely replaced.
Remember: The cost of an oil change is far less than a major engine repair! Less than $100 on a quality oil change that takes less than 30 minutes can save you thousands of dollars in engine repair.
Wondering how do you know if you need your oil changed? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
To find out how do you know if you need your oil changed, talk to the automotive professionals at Phil’s Service. Their oil change coupons can save you money.
If you have owned your vehicle for very long, you know that it’s the oil in the engine that keeps it running smoothly. As the oil circulates through the engine, it lubricates the metal components of the engine as well as draws the heat away. Whether your vehicle requires an oil change every 3,000 miles, or 10,000 miles, it is important to keep track of when your next oil change should take place. Forgetting regular oil changes sets you up for serious problems down the road.
Oil is most effective when it’s fresh and clean, but it only stays that way for so long. The problem with neglecting oil changes is that damage can be taking place inside the engine that you won’t know about until it’s too late.
But how do you know if you need your oil changed and what happens if you don’t change it on time?
- Build-up of dirt and debris. Oil picks up dirt and debris as it moves through the engine. If the oil, as well as the filter, isn’t replaced periodically, this dirt and debris will eventually clog the filter and the dirty oil will be cycled back through the engine.
- Engine parts start to wear down. Dirty oil is thick and abrasive. Every time it cycles through the engine it picks up more dirt and debris. It may still be lubricating the engine for a time, it will wear out the engine at an accelerated rate.
- Oil additives lose their effectiveness. Most oils have additives such as detergents, dispersants, rust-fighters, and friction reducers. Over time, these additives wear out and lose their effectiveness.
- Oil turns to sludge. Over time, the volume of dirt and debris can eventually outweigh the actual oil, resulting in a thick, dark, sludge with no lubricating qualities.
- Complete engine failure. If the oil gets too dirty, it becomes useless in keeping the engine’s components lubricated. The friction of metal-on-metal contact can damage the components so severely that the engine completely fails. At this point, the engine must be completely replaced.
Remember: The cost of an oil change is far less than a major engine repair! Less than $100 on a quality oil change that takes less than 30 minutes can save you thousands of dollars in engine repair.
Wondering how do you know if you need your oil changed? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service about our oil change coupons and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
