Oil Change - Do Not Neglect
An oil change is a simple maintenance requirement, but one that should never be overlooked by a car owner. Doing so will certainly lead to poor performance and engine issues.
Every car owner knows that getting an oil change is part of the routine maintenance that every vehicle needs. Neglecting this simple maintenance is certainly unwise,
especially if you plan to drive your car for a long time. Automobile engines need an effective lubricant in order to run properly, but lubricants break down over time. This is precisely when problems start to occur.
When an engine is well-oiled, it runs smoothly and almost without issue. When you get an oil change, you are protecting the engine from excess sludge that can accumulate in old, used oils. If unchanged, this sludge and clog the engine and the lines that the oils move through, causing poor performance and long-term damage if left unchecked.
Sludge can build up in the filter, causing the fluid to become rapidly dangerous to the engine. The filter is a key component because it helps keep contaminants out of the oil, but if it cannot do that any longer then problems are more likely to occur. If an oil passage becomes clogged, the pressure could drop and friction in the engine could increase.
Without a frequent and regular oil change, the engine in your car will wear faster and could actually become slower. In extreme cases, your engine could seize (lock up). If this happens, you may have to completely replace the engine or purchase a new vehicle. Additionally, since a regular oil change is part of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance, neglecting to do so could negate the terms of the warranty (if there is one).
Taking your car for an oil change does not have to be a difficult process. Some establishments require appointments, but there are plenty that do not. Many service centers will allow you to remain in your car while the service is performed or will offer a waiting room for your comfort. Sometimes the service can take as little as 15 minutes or may take as much as an hour. The mechanic should let you know how long you will have to wait, but it helps to be prepared with reading material to keep yourself occupied.
By caring for your vehicle, you can expect it to run well for a very long time. Performing simple maintenance and keeping your car in top shape is the best way to make sure it keeps running for years to come. You may find it helpful to keep a notebook or chart of the maintenance as it is performed. With this notebook, include an envelope for receipts for the services performed.
