Why Is It Important to Get an Oil Change?

BySignal Garage Auto Care Updated on

Oil changes are an essential preventative maintenance that should always be done to extend and improve the life of your vehicle. Motor oil handles more tasks within an engine than any other component, fluid, or material. Oil lubricates moving parts, cools the engine by transferring heat, and keeps internal components clean and free from varnish and harmful deposits. As time and mileage builds up, the oil´s additives get used up, causing the engine oil to degrade. At this point, the oil must be changed before sludge and deposits build up. When the oil is drained and changed, the contaminants are removed as well.

Here are 5 reasons why you should get an oil change:

1. Oil breakdown
Because of high operating temperatures, oil experiences a thermal breakdown. This will start to wear on the oil’s additives and lubrication. When the lubrication wears down, parts of the engine may begin to rub against each other causing dysfunction and possibly a shorter life span for your engine.

2. Combustion buildup
Combustion buildup can cause major damage to your engine which will ultimately make your car run less efficient. As corrosive byproducts build up in your oil over time, gunk will start to accumulate. If the buildup is left for a long period of time, this may cause your engine to overheat.

3. Corrosion
Along with the gunk produced by combustion, your oil can also accumulate debris such as water, dirt and dust. These impurities can corrode the inside of your engine. A regular oil change will help clean out the debris.

4. Clogged Filters
Each time you get an oil change, you will receive a new filter. This filter will help keep the gunk from reaching your engine. If the filter is not changed regularly, it may become clogged from old oil, debris, or combustion gunk. This will prevent the good oil from getting to your engine, which could kill it.

5. Leaks
Over time, cars can leak gasoline or coolant into the oil. This doesn’t happen too often, but by getting an oil change these problems can be detected right away. These leaks will contaminate your oil which will overtime damage your engine.

Need an oil change? Schedule your auto appointment with us today!

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