What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

When your schedule gets busy, it can become challenging to keep pace with your vehicle’s routine maintenance. Here at Serra Chevrolet Akron, customers ask, “What happens if you don’t change your oil?” Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the moving parts in your engine. This results in added friction, which can increase the temperature of your engine. If your engine gets too hot, significant damage can occur. So, read on below with our service team to learn about the importance of oil changes and more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Primarily, oil serves as a lubricant for your engine. Other jobs fulfilled by your engine’s oil include:

• The main task of motor oil is to minimize wear and tear on moving parts caused by friction.
• If your motor oil contains dispersants, it will clean sludge from the engine. 
• Detergents within motor oil help to remove varnish from the engine as well.
• With routine changes, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by removing heat. 

Take our word for it, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed while you’re commuting from Barberton to Massillon. 

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, you may have been taking on an oil change in your North Canton driveway every 3,000 miles. However, this frequency is no longer necessary. With modern advancements in both car design and service technology, you can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles before you need an oil change. However, just because you can wait longer to get your next oil change, doesn’t mean you should wait long enough to find out what happens if you don’t change your oil. Stick to your recommended intervals and consult with our team if you’re unsure. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

If you’re looking to take on a DIY oil change, you should be able to handle the job in roughly an hour. Start by checking your owner’s manual to determine the type of oil you need. When you have the proper oil, follow the instructions below to learn how to perform an oil change:

1. Elevate your car on jack stands or steel ramps. 
2. Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan. Place your oil basin beneath it, unscrew the plug, and allow the oil to drain for about 15 minutes. 
3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with your oil filter wrench. You can expect a bit of extra oil to drain at this stage, so keep your oil basin handy to catch it. 
4. Grab your new filter and rub oil around the rubber seal. This essential step ensures that the filter is water-tight. 
5. Replace the filter and tighten it by hand. 
6. Remove your oil cap. Add the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual. Replace the oil cap.
7. Before you clean up, check your oil level with a dipstick. If you’re a bit low, slowly add more until the level is sufficient. Then you’re all set!

Turn to Serra Chevrolet Akron for All Things Automotive

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’re ready to handle maintenance like a professional. While possible, it may be overwhelming to try changing your oil at home. If you’d rather let our experts handle the job in Akron, schedule an appointment with us at your convenience. You can also explore our service coupons for added savings on your next visit!