Oil is one of your vehicle’s essential fluids. It provides lubrication for all of the tiny parts in your engine to ensure that they run properly and that your vehicle can produce the performance that’s expected of it. If you’ve missed one or two of your scheduled maintenance visits, you may be wondering “What happens if you don’t get your oil changed?” In short, your engine’s performance will suffer, and if you don’t replace it for a long period of time, you risk facing a major repair from damaged or seized parts.
Learn more about what happens if you don’t change your oil with Dick Hannah RAM below, and if it’s time for an oil change, schedule an appointment with our service department!
So, what does motor oil do? Motor oil is a lubricant for your engine. It ensures that there is no friction between engine components and that your vehicle is running efficiently. You can read more about the different roles oil can play in your engine below:
As motor oil ages, it begins to separate and break down. This makes it less effective as a lubricant, plus it makes it easier for tiny debris to pollute the oil which then moves into your engine and may clog its parts. If your oil cannot lubricate properly and it’s filled with debris, the heat in your engine will build, causing it to overheat and potentially cause some parts to be damaged or seize together. This type of damage can lead to a costly repair – or it may cause the vehicle to be inoperable altogether.
Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’re probably wondering how often you should change your oil. Generally, most vehicles can go 7,500 – 10,000 miles between oil changes. However, if you use your vehicle for high-performance jobs on your Portland job site or if you like to take it racing on a track near Beaverton, then you’ll need to have your oil changed more often. The best way to gauge when you need your oil changed is to check your owner’s manual.
If you’re a DIY home mechanic – or if you just want to save some money – changing your oil at home is easy! Follow the steps below and you’ll have your car back on Hillsboro roads in no time!
Now that you know more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, stop by Dick Hannah RAM to have your vehicle serviced and inspected for any damages. Make sure to browse our Vancouver service tips for more step by step guides on DIY vehicle maintenance. If you have any questions, reach out to us and our service experts will help you however they can! We look forward to working with you!
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