What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

At Knox Chevrolet, we understand that it can be a challenge to find the time to bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. Busy drivers around Winamac often ask, “What happens if you don’t change your oil?” This is not a service task that should be missed.

Oil changes are essential for safe and efficient driving in Plymouth. Over time, motor oil breaks down, becoming less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. When there is an increase in friction, the engine can get too hot. This can lead to serious damage like excess wear and tear and warped components. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed regularly? We dive into the details below. 

The Purpose of Motor Oil 

If you are wondering what happens if you don’t change your oil, it’s important to understand its essential purpose. Motor oil lubricates your engine, but it has other benefits, too: 

• Reduces wear and tear on moving parts due to friction
• Dispersants clean sludge from the engine
• Detergents in motor oil clean varnish from the engine
• Neutralizes acids that form from fuels
• Improves piston ring seals
• Cools the engine by moving heat away

We’re certainly confident that you do not want to experience what happens if you don’t get your oil changed! 

What Happens When You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed? 

For most newer vehicles in La Porte, an oil change is recommended every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed at these intervals? You may experience the following costly issues: 

• Weakened Performance: Oil leaves carbon deposits as it deteriorates. These carbon deposits can clog the positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves. If you notice your engine is operating sluggishly on Knox roads, this could be the cause. 
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: When oil wears down, it can get past seals and rings. When it gets burned up in the combustion chamber, your vehicle will experience an increase in fuel consumption. 
• Engine Overheating: Old oil loses viscosity and cannot properly regulate the temperature of the engine. This can lead to overheating, and eventually, total engine failure. 

Set Up an Oil Change at Knox Chevrolet

Now that you know what happens if you don’t change your oil, you may want to set up an appointment for your next oil change. We can help! Get in touch with us today if you have any questions, and don’t forget about our current service specials.