Everyone who has ever owned or even driven a car knows that you need to change your oil regularly. But why? Those of us who aren’t mechanics just accept that engines need oil, and we make sure to change it after so many miles. But what if we didn’t? What would happen to your car if you went too long without getting an oil change? To answer this question, we don’t recommend that you do an experiment with your car. Luckily, the experts at Road Runner Auto Repair know the answer.
Here’s what will happen if you wait too long to get an oil change.
What does oil do?
First, we need to understand what oil does for your engine. And as it turns out, it does quite a few things. The four basic functions of engine oil are:
- Cleaning
- Lubrication
- Protection
- Cooling
Stuff builds up.
It might seem counterintuitive for oil to clean your engine, but it does! Well, along with the filter. Crud and debris from the outside get into your engine, the oil picks it up as it moves through the engine, and then the filter catches it. That’s why you also need to change your oil filter, so it doesn’t get clogged up and cycle dirty oil back through your engine.
Parts wear down.
The other three functions of engine oil—lubrication, protection, and cooling—all work together to keep your engine running smoothly. The oil moves through the engine, reducing the friction of the moving parts and keeping your engine running efficiently. If there is not enough oil, or if the oil is old and has turned to sludge, the engine can overheat. If your engine runs too hot, you can blow a gasket, or parts of the engine can warp. That can be a very expensive repair, and it’s easy to avoid by getting an oil change regularly.
Get your preventive maintenance done at Road Runner!
Whether you need a major repair or just some preventive maintenance like an oil change, we’ll take care of it at Road Runner Auto Repair.