Everything You Need To Know About Changing Your Oil
As a car owner, there are many small things that you will need to do in order to keep your car well maintained. For example, you will need to get a regular oil change. Many car owners know this but don't actually know the true reason as to why this is important to do. Here's everything that you should know about why you need to stay on top of changing your oil:
What the Oil Does:
The first thing you should know is what the oil actually does for your vehicle. The oil constantly lubricates the engine and the many parts that make up the engine, which helps to keep everything working together smoothly. While the oil is lubricating the components that make up the engine, it is also carrying away heat that builds up while the engine is running.
Why Change the Oil:
Now that you know what the oil does, you may be wondering why you have to change it. The reason for this is that, while moving around the engine components, the oil begins to pick up dirt and other debris from the engine. This causes the oil to become dirty and eventually abrasive to the engine components. This eventually causes the engine to become worn and not function as it should.
What Happens When You Skip an Oil Change:
It can be difficult to determine when your oil needs to be changed. However, the general rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles when the oil tends to become dirty and ineffective for the average vehicle. You can also check your owner's manual to determine what your manufacturer recommends for your specific vehicle. If you skip an oil change, many things can happen that will cost you more money than it would be to just pay for an oil change. One of the main problems is the engine becoming overheated. If this happens, your entire engine will need to be replaced, which can cost you a great deal of money. In fact, most of the time, if this happens, it may be a more cost effective option to replace your vehicle entirely. In the end, it's best to avoid this getting an oil change at the recommended intervals.
When you know these things about the oil in your vehicle, you can better understand just how important it is to receive an oil change, which can help motivate you to stay on top of oil changes for your car.