5 Reasons Why You Should Never Postpone An Oil Change

An oil change is the most frequent maintenance need for most vehicles. You shouldn't ever postpone an oil change. It may seem like a minor task, but it is a key component for a long-running and well-maintained car.

1. Performance Impacts

When you skip an oil change, one of the first things you may notice is a decrease in your car's performance. Engine hesitation is common, and the engine may sound louder or even like it is struggling when you are climbing a hill or laying on the gas. It often takes longer for a vehicle to get up to speed when the oil is filled with sludge, and the car may even run much louder.

2. Reduced Engine Life

Sludge-filled and dirty oil can't lubricate the engine well. This means that moving parts won't move smoothly and will be more prone to breakage and other damages. If you regularly put off oil changes or put one off for too long, the friction can lead to permanent damages that will lead to a shorter engine life overall, thus shortening the working life of the entire vehicle. 

3. Lower Fuel Efficiency

All of that sludge is making the engine work less efficiently, which means the car will use more fuel in the process of normal operation. Even if you don't notice performance issues, you will likely notice that you are having to fill up more often and that your car's average mileage per gallon has dropped. The longer you put off the oil change, the more drastically you will notice a drop in fuel efficiency.

4. Sludge Buildup

Oil collects small pieces of metal and other impurities from the engine parts as it flows through to provide lubrication. When it's time for an oil change, there can be quite a bit of debris in the oil. The amount of debris worsens the longer you go between oil changes, and the sludge can begin to coat other components inside the engine. If you go too long without changing the oil you risk permanently gunking up parts of the engine.

5. Overheating Concerns

The increased friction from sludgy oil means the moving parts in your engine can no longer move smoothly. This further increases the friction and the amount of heat being produced in the engine. If the engine overheats, you may find yourself stranded for quite some time. 

Contact an automotive service if it is time to schedule your car's oil change.

For more information on a car oil change, contact a company near you.