What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

When your calendar fills up, it’s natural to prioritize chores that you think are the most important. Unfortunately, this means many Omaha drivers end up neglecting their oil changes. While we understand the challenge of a time crunch, oil changes are not a task to be brushed aside. Engine oil serves major roles under the hood of your car, so keeping it fresh is essential. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed? Your engine can overheat, components can warp, and you can end up stranded on the Lincoln streets. If you’d like to avoid this unpleasant experience, read on with our expert service team to discover what happens if you don’t change your oil!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a critical component tasked with the following roles:

• Reduces wear and tear on moving engine parts caused by friction. 
• Dispersants in motor oil clean sludge. 
• Detergents in motor oil clean varnish. 
• With routine changes, engine oil helps neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cools the engine by removing heat.

Believe us, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed during your commute from Lincoln to Fremont!

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In years past, you may have been told to get an oil change once every 3,000 miles. While that was once a great piece of advice, it’s no longer the case. Today, vehicles are built to travel between 5,000 and 7,500 miles between oil changes. Some manufacturers even recommend an oil change just once every 10,000 miles! Your owner’s manual will offer the specific mileage recommendations you need to keep your engine in good shape. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

Looking to roll your sleeves up and get to work? Follow the steps below to learn how to change your oil:

1. Elevate your vehicle with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find the oil drain plug underneath your engine. Center your oil basin underneath it and unscrew the plug. Give the oil about 15 minutes to fully drain. Once all of the oil has drained, replace the plug. 
3. Locate your oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. At this point, you can expect a bit of extra oil to drain out, so keep your basin handy to catch it. 
4. Grab your new filter and rub some oil around the rubber seal. This important step ensures that your filter is watertight. 
5. Replace the filter and tighten it by hand.
6. Remove your oil cap and add the proper amount of fresh oil. If you’re not sure how much oil you need to pour in, review your owner’s manual. Replace the oil cap. 
7. Before you clean up your garage, check your oil level with the dipstick. If the volume is too low, add a few more ounces of oil until you reach the correct amount. Once you get a proper reading, you’re all set!

Turn to Sid Dillon Chevrolet-blair Inc for Car Care

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you can prioritize the needs of your vehicle appropriately when it’s time for service. While you can always change your oil at home, booking an appointment with us in Blair offers you the chance to relax while the pros handle the dirty work. Not only are our prices competitive every day, but our rotating service coupons always feature special offers on oil changes. If you have any lingering questions about what happens if you don’t change your oil, contact us today!