What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

When your calendar is full, it can be difficult to find time for car care. While simple tasks like oil changes may feel easy to skip, the result of doing so can be severe. So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? Well, oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Meaning, fresh oil is needed to lubricate the moving parts, remove contaminants, and regulate temperatures. If you let your oil degrade too far, you may end up damaging your engine! If you’d rather not find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed while out on the North Canton streets, read through our guide with our service team to learn more. 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil serves as a lubricant for your engine. Its full task list includes the following roles:

• The primary role of engine oil is to reduce wear and tear caused by friction. 
• Motor oil that contains dispersants is designed to remove sludge from the engine. 
• Detergents found in motor oils can also remove varnish from the engine. 
• With routine changes, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine.

Believe us, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed!

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, conventional wisdom stated that you should get an oil change once every 3,000 miles. Today, with the advancements in car design and service technology, most vehicles can travel roughly 7,500 to 10,000 miles before an oil change is needed. However, your driving habits on the Hudson streets may make you a candidate for more frequent oil changes. Our team can help you determine what your oil change frequency should look like. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

Considering changing your oil by yourself? Once you have the proper grade of oil, follow these steps to learn how to change your oil:

1. Elevate your vehicle on jack stands or ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug under your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain for about 15 minutes. Once you’re sure all the oil has drained, replace the plug. 
3. Find your oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. You can expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter, so keep your oil basin underneath to catch any excess. 
4. Grab your filter and rub some oil around the rubber seal. This essential step ensures that your filter is watertight. 
5. Place the new filter and tighten it by hand.
6. Now you can remove your oil cap. Pour in the proper amount of new oil and replace the cap. If you’re not sure how much oil to add, consult your owner’s manual. 
7. Before you clean up, check the oil level with your dipstick. If you’re low, slowly add a few more ounces and re-check. Once you’ve reached the proper oil level, you’re set!

Turn to Serra Mazda for Oil Change Service and More

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’ll be better prepared to care for the needs of your vehicle. While certainly possible, taking on a DIY oil change in your own Hudson garage can be overwhelming. So, if you’d rather not find out what happens if you don’t change your oil, rely on our team for your oil care. Simply book an appointment with us for expeditious service. Better yet, you can browse our service coupons for added savings when you visit us in Akron for car care.