Why a Regular Oil Change Is Always Necessary

Most car owners know that oil changes are required at specific intervals, but they may not know why this is necessary. Many people neglect their vehicles, and this routine service is not always performed when it should be. If you consult a mechanic, he or she might say that the oil is like blood for the engine. This is because the engine cannot function properly without oil.

An internal combustion engine has many working parts that come in contact with one another repeatedly during operation. The oil lubricates these parts to reduce friction and prevent wear, allowing the engine to run smoothly. Over time, the oil loses its viscosity and becomes less effective. The viscosity refers to the oil's resistance to flow, and it decreases with exposure to extreme heat. The oil becomes thinner and does not protect the parts of the engine from wear and tear. The oil change is needed to replace the low-viscosity oil with thicker oil that will prevent damage. Smooth engine operation makes your car more fuel efficient as well, which will save you money on gas and reduce the car's emissions.

In addition to losing its viscosity, motor oil also becomes contaminated over time. Particles of carbon and other contaminants can build up in the oil and cause damage to the engine parts. This damage is not reversible, and the engine will not perform as well as it did before ever again. If you continue operating your vehicle with contaminated oil, the engine may eventually fail altogether. You could find yourself stranded with an inoperable vehicle on the highway, but this fate is easy to avoid with regular oil changes.

During an oil change, your mechanic may notice a leak or other major engine issue that would otherwise go undetected. There is no question that this service needs to be done routinely, but it can be difficult to decide when to get it done. There are widely varying opinions on the proper intervals of time or miles between oil changes. Generally, the most common rule is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or every 3 to 6 months. Your car maker's manual may suggest this service at least once a year or every 7,500 miles. This is too seldom for most people's vehicles because they spend a great deal of time in stop-and-go traffic or taking short drives. This type of driving condition is harder on the engine than the ideal conditions that the manufacturer's recommendation refers to.

The intervals between oil changes may also depend on the type of oil you are using. Newer synthetic oils or synthetic blends do not lose viscosity as quickly and are resistant to contaminants. These options are more expensive because they last longer and reduce the vehicle's emissions. If you use synthetic oil, you may only need to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Your manual may also recommend changing the oil filter at every other oil change. Most experts say you should actually change the filter every time you change the oil. Part of the reason for this is the smaller filter design on many newer vehicles.

When it comes to choosing the right interval, it is best to go with the safest option. Waiting too long between oil changes can cause irreparable damage and permanently affect your vehicle's performance.