What Happens If You Skip Oil Changes?

What Happens When You Skip An Oil Change?

Oil changes are the backbone of all vehicle maintenance. Keeping a regular schedule should be a priority for everyone in the Oxnard area. In this day and age, it’s easy to get caught up in everyday life and miss a service or forget to schedule an appointment. Whatever the case may be, missing an oil change will have dire effects on your vehicle’s health.

We at Mekaniks’s Plus in downtown Oxnard, CA know the consequences of missing such a needed service. Our staff of ASE-certified technicians have seen what can happen when oil stays in an engine past its service time. If you’d like more information about oil services, please give us a call. Below, we’ll give some insight into the engine’s lifecycle, and what happens when it stays in your engine for too long.

The Life Of Engine Oil

As oil runs through your engine, it lubricates all the necessary components to make sure everything is running smoothly. While it travels through the components, it absorbs the heat generated by the combustion and carries heat away from the engine. During this cycle, it also picks up dirt particles and other debris sucked in through the grille. The particles can build up over time and cause the oil to become grimy, turning into a sludge like substance.

The lack of lubrication from sludgy oil will cause metal on metal contact with engine parts. In addition, you will begin to hear a knocking noise. This is a warning sign you need to get your oil changed immediately. Instead, it’s better to get oil changes every 3 to 5,000 miles. For most modern vehicles, there is an oil warning light when the oil begins to get low.

Fallout From A Missed Oil Change

As the oil sludge becomes more prominent, it begins to solidify. Because the oil no longer fully lubricates the engine, its components will begin to heat up. The engine will run less efficiently as this occurs. The heated parts and components will then begin to overheat and warp, permanently damaging them. Your vehicle’s engine may seize, rendering it unusable. Replacing the dead engine will cost in the neighborhood of several thousand dollars.

While the above problems may be frightening, there is a remedy for it. Getting your vehicle regular oil services is the most cost-effective way to keep your vehicle on the road. The best thing of all is you’ll rest easy knowing your engine will run like a dream. Our team looks forward to seeing you soon.