6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Next Oil Change

Oil changes keep your engine running smoothly and help prevent major problems down the road. Ignoring this maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, reduced fuel efficiency, and even shorten your car’s lifespan. In this blog, we’ll discuss six key reasons why skipping your next oil change isn’t worth the risk. Regular oil changes are vital for keeping your engine in top condition and ensuring your vehicle performs its best. Let’s take a closer look at why this is one task you should never overlook.

1. Prevents Sludge and Keeps the Engine Clean

Engine oil helps keep your engine clean by removing dirt and small particles that build up over time. As you drive, oil flows through the engine and picks up these contaminants, stopping them from settling on important parts. But as oil gets old and dirty, it stops doing this properly. If you don’t change the oil, it can turn into sludge, a thick, sticky substance. This sludge can block oil from reaching vital engine parts. When this happens, your engine has to work harder, which can cause damage and reduce its performance. In the worst cases, your engine could fail entirely. Regular oil changes remove this dirty oil and replace it with fresh oil. Most modern vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 – 7,500 miles.

2.Reduces Engine Wear and Tear

Inside your engine, there are many moving parts that constantly rub against each other. These parts need to stay lubricated to avoid damage. Engine oil helps by creating a protective layer between these parts, reducing the friction and heat that builds up when they move. As oil gets older, it becomes dirty and breaks down. When this happens, it can no longer protect the engine as well. The metal parts in the engine can start to grind against each other. This causes them to wear down faster and could lead to damage. If you don’t replace the oil, the engine can overheat, or even stop working entirely. Changing your oil on time helps keep your engine in good condition. It ensures all parts are properly lubricated and reduces the risk of serious engine damage. Keeping the engine parts in good shape extends the life of your vehicle and saves you from expensive repairs.

3.Improves Fuel Efficiency

Coolant, when mixed with antifreeze, also stops the liquid in your engine from freezing in cold weather. This is important because if the liquid freezes, it can expand and cause damage to your engine. For example, the engine block could crack, or hoses could burst. During winter, using the right mix of coolant and antifreeze keeps your engine safe from these problems.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Regularly checking your coolant levels and fixing any leaks as soon as they appear can save you a lot of money. Major engine repairs, like fixing a blown head gasket or replacing an engine block, can cost thousands of dollars. Maintaining your coolant system properly helps prevent these expensive repairs.

Ensures Vehicle Longevity

When you change your car’s oil regularly, it helps your engine run smoothly, which means your car uses less fuel. Fresh, clean oil reduces friction between the engine’s parts. This makes it easier for the engine to work without putting in extra effort. But as oil gets old and dirty, it becomes thick and less effective. This forces the engine to work harder to do its job. When the engine has to work harder, it burns more fuel. Over time, this means you’ll need to refuel more often, and that can add up, especially if you drive a lot. Regular oil changes help your engine run efficiently, using less fuel and saving you money. If your engine is properly lubricated, it doesn’t need to use as much energy to perform, which keeps fuel consumption low.

4.Prevents Overheating and Regulates Engine Temperature

A good repair shop should always perform a thorough diagnostic check before starting any repairs. This means they should not just guess what’s wrong. Instead, they should conduct specific tests to find the exact problem. For example, a Cooling System Pressure Test helps to identify where the leak is happening. They should also check the condition of the radiator cap and inspect the water pump’s weep hole to see if it’s leaking. By doing these tests, the shop ensures that they fix the right problem and don’t miss anything important.

5.Helps You Pass Emissions Tests

In many places, your car needs to pass emissions tests to make sure it doesn’t release too much pollution. Old or dirty oil can affect these tests. When oil is dirty, it causes the engine to work harder. This leads to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions. If your car’s emissions are too high, you might fail the test. In some cases, old oil can also cause the engine to produce more smoke or fumes, which makes it harder for the car to meet environmental standards. If your car fails the emissions test, you may not be able to drive it until the problem is fixed, which could mean extra costs and repairs.

6.Protects Your Warranty and Resale Value

If your car is still under warranty, the manufacturer usually requires you to follow a maintenance schedule. This schedule often includes regular oil changes. If you skip oil changes and the engine breaks down, the manufacturer might not cover the repairs. This means you would have to pay for the repairs yourself, even if the car is under warranty. Regular oil changes also help maintain your car’s value. When it’s time to sell or trade-in your car, potential buyers will look at its maintenance history. A car that has had regular oil changes is seen as well-maintained. It’s more likely to sell for a higher price. On the other hand, if the oil hasn’t been changed on time, buyers might think the car has engine problems. This can lower the value of the car.

Trust Discount Tire & Auto for Your Next Oil Change

At Discount Tire & Auto in Kamloops, BC, we know how important regular oil changes are for keeping your car running smoothly. Our team of skilled mechanics is dedicated to ensuring your vehicle stays in top condition. We offer more than just oil changes. Whether you need tire repairs, brake services, or a full vehicle inspection, we’re here to help. At Discount Tire & Auto, we prioritize honesty and customer satisfaction. We take the time to explain what your car needs and offer fair, transparent pricing.

When you choose us for your next oil change, you’re choosing a team committed to keeping your vehicle safe and running at its best. Book your appointment with Discount Tire & Auto today and experience why so many drivers in Kamloops trust us with their vehicles.