Regularly changing your oil is essential when it comes to maintaining the longevity of your vehicle. Clean oil is necessary for your engine and its components, as it provides the lubrication necessary for them to function without generating excessive levels of heat. After all, your engine is comprised of metal components that are moving at high speeds. Without clean oil, the valves, pistons, and gaskets will create friction, which in turn, causes heat. When this heat reaches high enough temperatures, it results in damage to your engine and its components.

Oil also gets dirty over time, becoming saturated with harsh particles, which only results in further damage to your engine. It also becomes thick and sludgy, and in that state actually acts as a heat insulator – the opposite of what you want.

Regular oil changes will:

• Keep your engine cool: Proper lubrication will prevent friction and keep your engine from overheating.
• Remove sludge and harsh particles: Dirty oil has a highly corrosive effect on your engine, often resulting in irreparable damage.
• Enhance the function and longevity of your vehicle: Regular oil changes keep your vehicle running at its optimal capacity. Dirty oil not only causes damage to your engine and its components, it also results in lower quality performance, as your engine has to work harder than it would if it were saturated with clean oil.
• Save You Money In The Long Term: Maintaining your engine through regular oil changes will keep it performing well, and help you save on fuel economy. Not only that, it will also help you avoid the high cost of engine repair, and keep your vehicle’s resale value high.

The Results Of Foregoing Regular Oil Changes

It’s easy to put off the small, regular things required for vehicle maintenance. Often, people think they’ll be okay for another week or so. Then that week turns into a month, and that month turns into two.

You need to remember that your oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Failing to get an oil change can have disastrous results. All of the components of your engine will begin to corrode, warp and wear out, eventually leading to the complete overheating of your engine. Often times, the cost of replacing a vehicle’s engine is higher than replacing the vehicle entirely.

When To Get An Oil Change

While there is some debate, the popular consensus among the experts is that your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. There is an argument to be made that you will generally be okay with a replacement every 5,000 miles, but in the end it’s better safe than sorry.

There are some factors to consider while deciding when to get an oil change. These include environmental factors, and how the vehicle is driven. Aggressively driven vehicles, or vehicles used for hauling heavy equipment or towing other vehicles, may require more frequent oil changes. High altitudes and hot climates also necessitate more frequent oil changes.

Ultimately, you should consult your owner’s manual for everything you need regarding your vehicle and its requirements.