When should you change your oil? In previous years, experts recommended getting an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, due to improvements in fuel-delivery systems, engine materials, manufacturing techniques and oil chemistry, today’s cars can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles before needing a change.
How often you should schedule a service depends on where you drive, the time of year and if you tow with your vehicle. For instance, you may need to get an oil change more often if you:
Make many short trips of five miles or less
Drive in lots of traffic in very hot weather
Drive on many muddy, gravelly or sandy roads
Drive long distances at slow speeds
Tow trailers or vehicles for long distances
Fortunately, many modern cars have a light on the instrument cluster that indicates the amount of oil life left, taking the guesswork out of the equation.
Now that you know how often to change your oil, let’s take a look at why it’s essential to do so.
Why You Should Change Your Oil
Your car needs an oil change. But what happens if you ignore it and continue driving?
Oil is essential to your car's engine. It lubricates the metal components, allowing them to press against each other without causing damage. Without oil, the friction caused by metal on metal will create so much heat, the surfaces will weld themselves together and the engine will seize.
If your engine seizes due to lack of oil, the damage may be irreparable. Even if a mechanic can rebuild the engine, the process will take dozens upon dozens of hours — meaning a very high cost of repair. Most people who experience a seized engine ultimately decide to purchase another car.
The above is what will happen if your vehicle lacks oil. However, what occurs when you keep putting oil in, but don’t schedule a car oil change? The answer is two things:
Increased dirt: While the filter will remove dirt for a time, it will eventually clog, and dirty oil will bypass the filter through the relief valve. Since dirty oil is thick and abrasive, it will cause more wear and tear on the engine.
Decreased lubrication: Additives in your oil, such as rust-preventers, friction-reducers and detergents, will wear out. As a result, the oil won’t lubricate the engine as well as it should, potentially causing damage.
Where to Get an Oil Change
If you forget to change your oil for a week and go over the recommended mileage by 500 miles or so, don’t fret. You won’t cause any damage. However, running the same oil through your engine for thousands and thousands of miles will inevitably lead to irreparable damage.
If you live in Pennsylvania or you’re just passing through, stop in at Muncy Restoration Works for your oil change service. Don’t forget to check out our monthly specials, too — we always offer great deals!