Ever wondered why an oil change is so crucial? Turns out they're even more vital than you think. Here are some things to ponder.
If we’ve heard it once,
we’ve heard it a million times – an oil change is crucial to the health of an automobile. Have you ever wondered why this is true? We all adore our cars and depend on them for our transportation. We drive to our jobs, to school, to drop kids off at daycare, to take the dog to the vet and to buy groceries. If we don’t take good care of our shiny mode of transportation, we could end up in deep trouble. Here are some reasons this fairly simple task is a “must do.”
- What function does motor oil serve? An auto’s engine is made up of a series of metallic components that rub together and create force, heat, motion and friction. This is exactly what needs to happen in order to propel a vehicle along the highway. All this friction, however, can cause damage without proper lubrication.
- Must it be replaced every 3,000 miles? This used to be an unbreakable rule in the past. Now, however, cars are designed to go longer in between changes. Some of the newer cars have manufacturers’ recommendations of 5,000 miles between changes. Check the owner’s manual to find out.
- What would happen if it leaked out? Don’t let this happen! This fluid keeps parts moving and cleaned out. It cuts down on erosion and damage. Without it, metal would grind against metal and the engine would go kaput.
- I keep checking but even after driving many more than 5,000 miles, the dipstick still registers full. Can I skip the change? No! It may be full, but it is certainly grimy. Over time, this substance becomes grungy and thick. The sludge can clog up the operating systems of a vehicle and invite break downs and big repair bills.
- Can I skip the changing duty if I use oil that contains detergent? No! Detergent may help but it won’t last forever. Think of washing clothes in a washing machine. Remember the rinse and drain cycles? No one wants to wash their clothes with the same cruddy water no matter how much laundry soap is poured in. This also holds true for automotive lubricants that contain detergent.
- Will a filter strain out the debris? A filter will help but over time both it and the oil will need to be replaced. Grungy petroleum can turn acidic and damage the mechanical workings of a vehicle.
- What if I can’t afford to have this service performed? The cost of performing this preventative maintenance task is way less expensive that the repair bills that will occur if it is NOT taken care of. To save money, look for coupons, sales or even an automotive school where the techs-in-training can practice on your auto.
- How difficult is this maintenance chore to do at home? It can be done at home by a relatively competent DIYer who has the proper tools. Examples of tools include a funnel, a tub to drain the old fluids into, gloves, and another container such as an empty milk jug to take to the recycling center.
Why is an oil change crucial? For all of these reasons and more.
