Why Putting Off Your Vehicle’s Oil Change is a Bad Idea

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, oil changes are one of the simplest yet most crucial tasks you can perform. And with all the activities going on in Arden, it’s a task easily overlooked. But neglecting this basic service can lead to severe consequences for your engine. So, the experts at Meineke in Arden explain why, if you’re considering putting off your next oil change, why doing so could be a costly mistake.

What Does Motor Oil Do for Your Engine?

Motor oil plays several vital roles in keeping your engine running smoothly. And these include:

• Lubrication: Oil lubricates all the moving parts inside your engine, reducing friction and preventing them from wearing out prematurely.
• Cooling: While the coolant system manages the engine’s temperature, motor oil also helps by carrying heat away from engine components. And this prevents them from overheating.
• Cleaning: Over time, dirt, dust, and metal particles can build up inside the engine. And oil helps collect these contaminants and carries them to the oil filter, keeping your engine cleaner.
• Sealing: Oil helps to form a seal between engine parts, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Rust Prevention: By coating engine components, motor oil protects them from moisture and corrosion.

Without fresh oil, your engine is at serious risk of damage, poor performance, and even failure.

What Happens When You Put Off an Oil Change?

Skipping an oil change might not cause immediate problems, but over time, the engine will suffer. So, let take a look at this breakdown of what could happen:

• Oil Degradation

Over time, motor oil breaks down due to exposure to heat and combustion by-products. This makes it less effective at lubricating the engine and more prone to forming sludge. Sludge can block oil passages and reduce oil flow, leading to poor engine performance and, in some cases, complete engine failure.

• Increased Engine Wear

Without proper lubrication, metal parts inside your engine grind against each other, causing excessive wear. And this causes the engine to work harder making it more likely to overheat or seize up, which can lead to expensive repairs.

• Poor Fuel Efficiency

Dirty oil reduces your engine’s ability to run efficiently. And as a result, your engine will consume more fuel, leading to lower fuel economy and higher costs at the pump.

• Overheating

Old, sludgy oil can’t properly transfer heat from the engine, which can cause the engine to overheat. And this not only reduces performance but can also cause long-term damage.

• Increased Emissions

A poorly maintained engine produces more harmful emissions. Because, dirty oil leads to more carbon deposits and increased exhaust emissions. And this can cause your vehicle to fail emissions tests and negatively impact the environment.

• Potential for Catastrophic Engine Failure

Ignoring regular oil changes can eventually lead to engine failure. And rebuilding or replacing an engine is one of the most expensive repairs a car owner can face—costs that far outweigh the price of routine oil changes.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The general recommendation is to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, this varies based on your driving habits, the type of oil used, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. So, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, or operate in extreme temperatures, you may need to change your oil more frequently.

Benefits of Staying on Top of Oil Changes

1. Extended Engine Life
   Regular oil changes keep your engine clean and properly lubricated. And this helps to extend its life and ensures reliable performance.
2. Improved Gas Mileage
   Fresh oil reduces engine friction, allowing your vehicle to operate more efficiently. And this means better fuel economy and savings at the pump.
3. Cost Savings on Repairs
   By spending a little money on regular oil changes, you avoid expensive repairs that come from neglecting your engine’s needs.
4. Maintaining Your Warranty
   If your vehicle is still under warranty, skipping oil changes can void your warranty. Because, manufacturers require proof of regular maintenance to honor the warranty terms.

Putting off oil changes may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but the long-term consequences can be severe

Regular oil changes are an inexpensive way to keep your engine in top shape, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your vehicle’s longevity. So, don’t wait until it’s too late—call Meineke in Arden today to schedule your next oil change. Because your car will thank you with better performance and reliability. And your wallet will thank you for the savings regular oil changes provide.

If the Meineke in Arden, NC is not a convenient location, check out these other locally-owned Meineke North and South Carolina locations:

North Carolina

MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #1596
801 Fairview Road Suite 14
Asheville, NC 28803
Call (833) 720-9793

MEINEKE ASHEVILLE #2467
124 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Call (833) 243-0637

MEINEKE MOORESVILLE #1931
190 E. Plaza Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115
Call (980) 444-0002

MEINEKE LINCOLNTON #2159
2009 East Main Street
Lincolnton, NC 28092
Call (704) 240-9839

MEINEKE WALKERTOWN #2394
5267 Neal Trail Dr
Walkertown, NC 27051
Call (877) 688-8804

MEINEKE ARDEN #2468
2137 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704
Call (844) 891-3628

MEINEKE HICKORY #2884
1052 11th Avenue Blvd SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Call (828) 270-7267

South Carolina

MEINEKE EASLEY #2983
6949 Calhoun Memorial Hwy
Easley, SC 29640
Call (864) 644-8872

MEINEKE ROCK HILL #1134
2366 Dave Lyle Boulevard
Rock Hill, SC 29730-8931
Call (803) 328-6677

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