Ever since before you learned to drive, you knew that oil changes were integral to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. You may not have really questioned why or what exactly engine oil does; you just always heard that oil needs to be changed out regularly. Now that you’re a vehicle owner, however, you may be more well-versed in the oil change—or you still might be in the dark, even though you replace your oil regularly as recommended. Either way, if you’re looking to get an oil change near Henrietta, Ralph Honda is here to help, providing you with a knowledgeable team and a state-of-the-art facility to help you keep moving forward with confidence. Here’s why it’s important to change out your car’s oil at regular intervals; you may just find that your oil does more than you realized…
What Does Engine Oil Do?
Many complex parts are hiding beneath the chiseled curves of your vehicle, and if you’re not a mechanic, you may not know what half of them are, but most drivers at least know about engine oil. An oil change was probably one of the first services you ever had performed on your vehicle. Although many drivers don’t really notice a change as they’re rolling down I-390 after getting an oil change, plenty of changes are happening beneath the surface. For one, oil acts as a lubricant, making sure there’s not too much friction between the moving parts of the engine. The quality of your engine oil affects how clean your vehicle runs, as oil helps to reduce debris and other elements that can clog up these moving parts, sealing them and lubricating them so that your engine runs efficiently. In this capacity, your engine doesn’t have to overwork, which helps it maintain its temperature and avoid overheating. When your engine isn’t consistently overworked, the many components that reside inside last longer, seeing reduced wear and tear. This allows you to travel with greater confidence.
Factors That Affect Engine Oil
The biggest factors that affect your engine’s oil are dirt and debris from the road, which is sucked into your engine through the air induction system. This is unavoidable, but luckily, your oil filter is there to filter out most of this debris so that it doesn’t end up in your engine. The bad news is that the filter also becomes clogged with use, which means that it will need to be changed out when your oil is changed. In addition to dirt from the road, when your engine heats up and cools down, condensation occurs, and when this water mixes with the oil in your vehicle, this reaction becomes acidic, affecting the quality of your oil. Oil is marred by dirt and debris, but how does that dirt and debris even come into contact with your engine? Well, by the roads upon which you drive, of course, as well as how often you drive and other driving habits. Those who traverse I-90 every day or find themselves immersed in nature tend to need oil changes more frequently. This is because they typically come across more of these damaging elements during their travels. As debris mixes with your engine oil, the consistency of the oil changes, becoming thick and unable to lubricate your engine’s parts as effectively.
What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?
We get it—sometimes life gets in the way of your vehicle responsibilities, and before you know it, you’re well past when you should have gotten an oil change. So, what happens if you completely forget to change your oil? Can you still drive your vehicle? The short answer is that it’s not recommended. Remember: your oil allows the parts of your engine to move freely, limiting the amount of friction and, thus, the buildup of heat. When these parts aren’t able to move as well, your engine goes into overdrive, which can result in overheating. This can be a costly mistake, as, in many cases, your entire engine will need to be replaced to remedy this problem. Failure to change your oil can also result in decreased efficiency and performance. You may notice that you’re spending more time at the gas station than usual, which is a result of your engine working overtime due to improper lubrication of its parts. You may notice that your vehicle isn’t as smooth or responsive on the road, and over time, this will only continue to deteriorate. Eventually, you’re heading for a breakdown on your way home after a long, hectic day at work.
Signs You Need an Oil Change
Our biggest piece of advice is to not wait until you experience these signs to get an oil change. Instead, keeping up with this regularly scheduled maintenance service will alleviate any issues arising as you’re on the road. If, however, finding time to bring your car in for service is difficult, at least pay attention to telltale signs that your oil needs to be replaced. If you notice that your engine is overheating more often, your oil may be to blame. This is something that cannot wait, so we’d advise that you schedule an oil change as soon as possible—as well as an overall inspection—to ensure more damage hasn’t been done. As we mentioned above, poor fuel efficiency is also a sign, so if you’re spending more time and money at the pump, your oil may be the culprit. Today’s vehicles are good at alerting you when you need an oil change; thus, if you notice your change oil light illuminated on your dash, that’s your sign that it’s time to schedule this important service. For those who don’t mind getting a little hands-on, taking a look at your oil after you pop the hood is a great idea. Clean oil will have an amber hue, so if you notice that your car’s oil is darker than that once you pull out the dipstick or has a sludge-like consistency, it may be time to change your oil.
How Oil Type Affects Engine Performance
There are many different types of oil to choose from for how you want your vehicle to perform, and each is made for specific reasons. Many newer cars run best with synthetic or synthetic blend oil, which reduces friction, helping your engine run optimally, thus achieving maximum fuel efficiency. These types of oil allow you to travel for longer in between oil changes, with some vehicles being able to go up to 15,000 miles before an oil change is needed. Older cars typically require conventional oil, which flows at a slower pace, preventing the buildup of sludge and helping to lubricate older parts more effectively. The oil type your vehicle needs will be located in your owner’s manual; however, if you’re unable to locate this tidbit, partnering with a reputable service center will help. Trained technicians know what type of oil works best for your vehicle, which allows you to have peace of mind that you’re traveling as safely and efficiently as possible. Now that you know what a big role engine oil plays in your vehicle, it’s important not to put off this service. From weekend trips to your everyday commute, your vehicle plays a monumental role in how you travel, and oil acts as the lifeblood of your engine. Don’t put this vital service on the back burner; when you want to travel with confidence, be sure to keep up with routine maintenance—not just for your car’s performance but for your safety as well.