The Costly Price of Not Changing Your Oil 

For many people, needing another oil change can sneak up and become just another mundane task that needs to be done. Oftentimes, drivers might try to put it off day after day because their cars aren’t showing signs of problems. However, if you don’t have your oil changed on time, you could be risking detrimental damage to your car. 

We know that it can feel like you have to change your oil all too frequently, however, it’s important that it gets done to prevent extensive damage to your engine. An oil change can be just one more thing to try and squeeze into hectic schedules, but our team of professionals makes the process as painless as possible. 

What is an Oil Change?

By definition, an oil change is the process of removing old, dirty oil from a vehicle and replacing it with clean oil. The purpose of oil in your car is to keep the metal pieces lubricated and prevent unneeded friction. Further, oil also helps keep your engine from overheating. If your car doesn’t have oil in it, your car won’t run. When the oil is old, your car will begin to not run as optimally as it should. The longer oil sits in your car, the more dirt it accumulates and prevents it from lubricating your car’s parts as it should. 

When to Change Your Oil

A good rule of thumb is to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles, or at least every three months. You don’t have to stop driving your car as soon as you hit one of these marks, however, the longer you go the more damage to your car could happen. 

What Happens When You Skip the Oil Change 

Your car needs gas to run, but it also needs oil. Having the right, clean amount of oil in your car helps keep all the parts running side-by-side without friction that can cause issues like premature wear. U.S. News & World Report explains the dangers of not changing your oil:

• The oil will eventually break down due to high temperatures in the engine
• Oil will quit providing necessary lubrication for metal parts after an extended amount of time
• Moving joints in the engine will rub against each other and cause premature wear
• When not changed, particles in the oil will settle and cause corrosion 

While none of this is good for your car, the worst part has to be sludge buildup that can happen when oil oil solidifies in an engine. This means the oil can’t flow freely. Due to this, the crankshafts, bearings, camshafts, and other valve train components will not be getting adequate oil. When this happens, it can cause costly damage to your engine, and in some cases, the engine might have to be completely rebuilt or replaced. 

Signs Your Oil Needs to be Changed

Your car will begin to try and tell you it’s time for an oil change after a while. First, the oil light will show up on your dash. Next, you may begin to hear screeching sounds that mean parts are rubbing together that shouldn’t be. Further signs include smelling oil or seeing exhaust smoke, both of which are also signs that there is an issue with your oil. 

Let Scott’s Change Your Oil

We know that needing an oil change can come around fast and it’s hard to find time for it. However, to prevent costly repairs in the future, it’s important to get it done. Call Scott’s Auto today to make an appointment at our location nearest you. We will get you in and out fast to make this errand as painless as possible. 

Fort Collins: (970)-682-4202 

Loveland: (970)-541-4404

Montrose: (970)-615-5150