I had my oil changed for the second time by YourMechanic last week, and I loved how convenient it was again for the mechanic to change it and inspect my van just in my driveway while I finished up some laundry and caught up on emails. Below is a great reminder from YourMechanic about the dangers of not changing your oil, which I’ve been guilty of procrastinating far too long!
By the way, the company has a very user-friendly website where you can schedule/reschedule an appointment, get estimates, read car tips, etc. anytime. It is truly a lifesaver if you need your car worked on but don’t have time to take it in (or don’t want to go out in this dreadfully cold weather!) Speaking of COLD, right now they’re offering a free throw blanket with your favorite NFL team logo on it for anyone who books an oil change before January 31, 2018. Get this free and fun throw blanket, stay cozy and warm, and cross that oil change off your list at the same time while you can!
“What happens if you don’t change your oil?”
You might not need to adhere to the old 3-months/3,000 miles rule, but you do need to change your car’s oil on a regular basis. Following the manufacture’s recommended maintenance schedule is the key. This information can be found in your owner’s manual (that booklet buried under napkins in your glove box). Some automakers recommend oil change intervals of 5,000, 7,500 or even 10,000 miles (!).
Engine oil and its additives break down over time. Once this happens, the oil no longer lubricates and cools like it should. Waiting too long between oil changes – or not changing your oil at all – can result in a number of problems.
Wear
Oil lubricates internal engine parts, preventing friction. Dirty oil, or a low oil level, doesn’t lubricate parts adequately. This causes wear and eventual engine failure. This is good for your mechanic and not so good for your pocket book.
Overheating
Engine oil cools vital engine parts by preventing heat-causing friction. Neglecting your engine oil level and condition can cause internal engine parts to run hotter than they should. After a while, the parts become discolored from heat and eventually fail.
Sludge build up
As the name implies, sludge is nasty stuff. Oil eventually turns into sludge as it breaks down. Sludge doesn’t have the lubricating properties of oil, which means it causes accelerated engine wear. It also clogs up vital engine parts, such as crankshaft oiling holes.
Low oil level
Be honest – when’s the last time you opened the hood of your car? Like many people, you probably rarely check your car’s oil level. Having your oil changed on a regular basis helps maintain a proper oil level. Of course, you should still check the level between oil changes. But we know how it is. Sometimes the kids, the dog – life in general – can cause you to forget.
Contaminant accumulation
After a while, contaminants such as debris and combustion byproducts can begin to accumulate in engine oil. These pollutants can cause major damage to internal engine parts, such as cylinder walls and connecting rod bearings.
The result: you end up having to buy a new engine. Certainly, you can think of better ways to spend your time and money – like a trip to the DMV followed by a fresh set of gym socks.
And the moral of the story is…
Change your engine oil on regular basis. It’s cheap insurance that helps prevent catastrophic engine failure. Think about it – would you rather pay under $40 for an oil change, or upwards of $5,000 for an engine replacement? The choice is yours.
Again – don’t hesitate if you’d like to get a free throw blanket and an oil change — the deal ends on January 31, 2018! Check out more tips and tricks and flexible scheduling on their website here. Let me know if you use this service – hope you love it as much as I do!
