Dread those routine oil changes that feel like they need to be done constantly? That’s understandable, but Lakelands Tire & Auto wants you to know that those oil changes really are necessary and can help your car’s engine to last a lot longer than it would if you skipped them.
Spending Too Much on Gas
When your car is overdue for an oil change, you might start to notice that your fuel mileage is getting worse. The longer you wait to get an oil change, the worse you’ll see the mileage get. This happens because the engine is working more, and therefore it needs more fuel in order to do the same job as usual.
Overworking the Engine
The problem with the engine working harder is that it’s not really supposed to. Your car’s engine is designed to work only as hard as it has to in order to propel the car. When you’re doing things like skipping or delaying oil changes, the engine just cannot keep up with what it has to do. Eventually, something has to give.
Overheating Engine
At some point, the engine may overheat. That happens because engine oil circulates through the engine, cleaning and cooling as it goes. If engine oil is old and dirty, there is no way for it to keep up with the demands of the engine. Just as with overworking the engine, something gives eventually and the cooling system isn’t able to keep up, either. That’s when you see steam coming from under the hood.
Damaging the Engine
So, what does all of this mean in the end? Ultimately, you’re going to end up with permanent engine damage. That’s something you can avoid simply by getting the oil changed on a consistent basis, according to schedule. Depending on the demands you place on your car’s engine, you may need the oil changed sooner than you expect. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the oil regularly yourself in between oil changes. If you notice dirt in the oil or you notice that the oil levels are lower than they should be, it’s time to get the oil changed again.
Lakelands Tire & Auto in Greenwood, SC can help you with all of your repair and maintenance issues, including oil changes. Give us a call today and we can set up a time to change the oil in your car and make sure that you’re up to date with all of your necessary services.