One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your car is to get regular oil changes. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the type of oil used, you should get an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first.
Not sure why this is so important? Read on to learn more about oil changes and why they are essential for the health of your car.
What Does Motor Oil Do?
Motor oil has a number of responsibilities when it comes to keeping your car running smoothly. It lubricates engine parts, helps cool the engine, and prevents corrosion. Over time, however, motor oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness. That’s why it’s important to get regular oil changes.
During an oil change, a technician will drain the old oil from your car and replace it with fresh oil. They will also generally check other fluids in your car, such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid.
What Happens If I Don’t Get an Oil Change?
If you go too long without getting an oil change, a number of things can start to go wrong with your car. Your engine will start to run less efficiently, which can lead to decreased gas mileage and increased emissions. You may also start to notice increased engine noise or even warning lights on your dashboard. In extreme cases, engines can seize up completely-which is a very costly repair!
As you can see, getting regular oil changes is essential for the health of your car. Neglecting to do so can lead to decreased performance and unexpected repairs down the road. So be sure to add this simple but important maintenance task to your moto-vehicular routine!