Close-Up Of Man Checking Car Engine Oil Level On Dipstick
The estimated cost for an oil change is $39.99. The cost to rebuild an engine due to a lack of oil is between $1,200 to $2,000. Despite the steep and costly consequences, an oil change is one of the primary car maintenance tasks people put off.
Several other reasons contribute to the importance of an oil change. So, why are oil changes important? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Are Oil Changes Important?
Oil is the second most important fluid your vehicle needs. Fuel is the first, obviously.
Why do cars need oil? Oil lubricates the moving metal parts within your car’s engine. It also helps to break up deposits within the engine to keep it running smooth and steady.
Why change the oil? Motor oil isn’t designed to last forever. It does require regular changing. Not taking care of your car will leave you Googling for “auto repair near me.”
Here are seven reasons to further explain why changing the motor oil is vital:
1. Thermal Breakdown
One of the benefits of an oil change is that it avoids oil having the chance to break down inside the engine. An engine puts out intense heat, and those high temperatures break the oil down over time, known as a thermal breakdown.
Once oil breaks down, it can’t lubricate the metal parts of the engine. Without that lubrication, the moving joints within the engine will rub against each other and become damaged.
2. Sludge Buildup
As oil gets old, it turns to gel or solidifies in the engine. This is called sludge buildup. Sludge buildup leads to a compounding effect that can damage the entire engine.
3. Oil Starvation
Once the engine has sludge buildup, the engine is starved of oil. This causes major damage to the engine. Oil starvation can damage specific parts or break the entire engine.
4. Improves Mileage
A lack of oil can lead to your vehicle guzzling extra fuel. The vehicle requires more fuel because old oil causes friction within an engine. This makes the engine work harder to perform. Clean, fresh oil gives you better gas mileage because the engine is able to run without any friction to slow down its moving parts.
5. Vehicle Longevity
Routine maintenance and staying caught up with your oil changes will make your vehicle last longer.
6. Protects Engine Parts
The car’s engine is made up of many smaller key parts that all move in unison. What does an oil change do in relation to these engine parts? Clean oil ensures these moving parts stay operating at peak efficiency.
7. Better for the Environment
If you don’t change your vehicle’s oil often, your vehicle puts out more pollution through the exhaust pipe. Keeping fresh oil in the car reduces the vehicle’s emissions.
Get That Oil Changed
So, why are oil changes important? Oil changes are important because it keeps your engine running as intended and helps extend the life of your vehicle. If you want to be able to drive your vehicle for years to come, take care of it and give it routine oil changes.
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