What Happens If a Car’s Oil Isn’t Changed
You know you need to regularly get your vehicle’s oil changed, and you’ve been told how important it is, but you might not know exactly why. Just what are some of the issues that can arise when you don’t change your oil? The service team at Hinton Dodge Chrysler runs down just a few of the problems which can arise when you neglect this important aspect of car ownership and maintenance.
Poor Performance
The first, and arguably least important, issue you’ll encounter is a sharp decrease in your engine’s performance, efficiency, and emissions. The oil in your engine is there to lubricate and clean it, and when it starts to get dirty and sludgy, it forces the engine to work harder to function. This means your engine will be burning more fuel to do less work. Worse, all the contaminants in the oil can heat up due to the friction in your engine, burning off and creating that foul blue smoke you see belching out of the exhaust of neglected vehicles.
Engine Damage
Much worse than mere performance issues is the damage you can do to the engine. An improperly lubricated engine isn’t just going to be running harder, it’s going to be running hotter. The increased friction and overheating will cause parts to wear out and break down faster. What was originally a relatively inexpensive oil change can spiral into an incredibly costly repair down the road. Even worse, an over-worked, overheated engine can seize up, possibly rendering it completely unusable and in need of total replacement.
Warranty Issues
The warranty on your vehicle is meant to give you peace of mind that the manufacturer and dealer will guarantee its quality for a period of its lifetime. What many owners don’t realize, however, is that this is a two-way street. The warranty requires responsible ownership and maintenance of the vehicle. Every manufacturer will include specifications for reasonable intervals at which the oil should be changed in your vehicle. Someone who doesn’t follow these specifications runs the risk of nullifying the warranty, which can be costly if the engine is damaged due to this neglect.
Get Your Oil Changed in Perth, ON
Our service team can assist you with your oil change, as well as any other maintenance or service you might require. The next time you need any service, make Hinton Dodge Chrysler in Perth, ON, your first destination.