The Real Cost of Skipping an Oil Change
Changing your oil is one of those things that is easy to overlook. With a to-do list a mile long, coupled with our busy schedules, making an oil change a priority is not always realistic, and it can fall off your radar pretty easily. The problem is that missing an oil change can cause irreparable damage to your car, which can cost you both time and money in the long run. It may also shorten the life expectancy of your car. As Seinfeld has taught us: “Oil is the life blood of a car.”
Direct Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xez2n371MTo
What does the oil do?
In order to understand why it’s so important to change the oil in your car, let’s first talk about what the oil actually does. Essentially, the oil in your car runs through the engine as your car is running, in order to keep the engine and all of its parts lubricated and running smoothly. Oil is stored in a pan when it is not being run through the engine.
Why do I need to change the oil?
Running through the engine constantly, and being exposed to the high temperatures of a hot engine, followed by cooler temperatures in the holding pan, causes your oil to fill with debris or condensation. As the amount of debris and condensation in your oil rises, the oil becomes thicker, and it is tougher for it to run through the engine as quickly or as smoothly.
What can happen if I don’t change the oil?
If the oil in your car is thick, or filled with debris, it will run through the engine slower, or perhaps not at all. The lack of oil available to cool down the engine can ultimately cause it to seize. Once this happens, you will need to pay to replace the entire engine.
Other benefits
A well-lubricated engine can also enhance the performance of your car and increase fuel economy as well, so the benefits to your pocketbook are two-fold.
How often should I change the oil?
The reality is that as new cars with more updated technology hit the market, and newer, higher-quality oils are available, the need to change your oil as frequently diminishes. However, each car will have a set of guidelines, typically based on the number of kilometres the car has travelled. Other things that may contribute to the need to change your oil are the temperature (colder temperatures can play a role), as can the air quality where you live (if you live somewhere like the desert with a lot of dust, that debris can get into your engine and your oil). Your best bet is to talk to your mechanic about what they recommend, based on your car and where you live.
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