Ask A Master Mechanic: What If I Don’t Change My Oil?
At Master Mechanic, we see a lot of drivers that forget to change their oil at regular intervals, or simply do not know when those intervals occur. Any good mechanic will tell you one of the easiest ways to properly maintain your car is to change the oil regular. They’ll also contact you to remind you before it’s time to have your oil changed so that you’re not causing unnecessary damage to your engine.
In an ideal world, we’d all have our oil changed like clockwork, but unfortunately, life can get in the way. When it does, it’s all-too-easy to ignore what we can’t see–like what’s going on under the hood of our casr. Although changing your oil is easy and fast–especially for a trained mechanic–failing to do so can cause serious, irreversible harm to your vehicle.
What is engine oil for?
Oil is designed to perform multiple vital functions: cooling the engine, cleaning, sealing, and lubricating. It’s vital to your car’s health, performance, and longevity. To help drivers better understand the importance of regular oil changes, we spoke to a Master Mechanic about what could happen if you don’t change your oil.
A ‘Dirty’ Engine
If you leave your oil circulating through your engine for too long, dirt and debris will start to build up, which can cause your oil filter to clog. Dirty oil is thick and has abrasive metals in it that can cause expedited wear and tear to your engine. Not something you want.
It’s Getting Hot in Here
The most common symptom we see when drivers forget to change their oil is an overheating engine. This is often noticed on the cars display’s temperature gauge, or because the vehicle stops isn’t running as efficiently as usual. If left unattended, your engine components could overheat to the point that they begin to warp and seize.
Engine Failure
When a driver puts an oil change off for (far) too long, this could leave them with a completely failed engine. Over time, the wear and tear caused by dirty oil could lead to a damaged engine block, which isn’t something you ever want to hear your mechanic say. As the heart of your vehicle, replacing the engine usually costs too much to justify, and most drivers choose to sell their car at that point.
Call Master Mechanic!
If you treat your car well, your car will be reliable for a long time. Don’t increase the likelihood of breakdowns and unnecessary wear by putting off something as simple as oil changes. They’re quick, easy, and if you’re experienced, you can probably perform them yourself. If you need a hand, don’t hesitate to contact your local Master Mechanic–we’re always happy to help!
