The Importance Of An Oil Change In A Car

As a car owner, you know that an oil change affects how your vehicle performs, most especially the engine, so that it will last for many years. However, some car owners don’t realize that an oil change also has a positive impact on other vital functions of the vehicle, including improvement in gas mileage and efficiency. 

An oil change technically removes the old oil from a car, and it’s replaced with new and fresh oil, along with the oil filter. Oil change on a new car should follow the auto manufacturer’s instructions. 

Continue reading below to learn more about the essential benefits of an oil change. 

Oil Change Lubricates Your Car Engine 

The moving components of your car, including valves and pistons, move at high speeds, creating heat over time. With this process, the parts wear down, and so does your engine, without proper lubrication. Always refer to the auto manufacturer’s manual to check the grade and specific weight of oil your car requires. Also, make sure it is maintained at its recommended fill volume.

Here are the most common myths about oil change:

• Oil Change Every Three Months or 3,000 miles: Change the oil of your modern car once the oil life monitor light of your car appears. Oil change intervals have extended because the engine technology and oil chemistry have evolved. 
• Oil Change Before a Long Trip: While it’s a smart idea to check your car before a long drive, it’s not necessary to change your oil preemptively if it’s not scheduled. However, if the schedule occurs during the trip, make sure to change the oil 3 to 7 days before leaving to ensure everything is good before you leave. 
• Checking the Oil Using a Dipstick: Oil turns black over time because it’s doing its job well. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the oil has no use anymore. 
• Start Using One Type of Engine Oil and Use It Forever: This statement is a myth because petroleum-based and synthetic oil are usually blended. You can always switch either way as long as the engine oil you’re using meets the viscosity and service requirements set in the owner’s manual. 

Oil Change Cools Engine Components 

One of the most common vehicle issues is that the engine parts will become too hot. If the engine parts lack proper lubrication, it creates heat. If the components are too hot, the engine will run less efficiently, which causes the engine parts to warp and eventually wear out. Without oil change, the engine will shut down and needs to be replaced. That’s why it’s important to maintain an enough amount of clean oil to avoid friction and engine overheating. 

Improves Overall Car Performance 

Accumulated dirt particles cause engine corrosion, which can significantly decrease its lifespan. You can remove dirt particles and oil sludge through routine filter and oil changes to also improve the performance of your vehicle. Changing the oil draws heat from the engine parts for more efficient running, increases the lifespan of engine parts because of proper lubrication, and improves horsepower and mileage. 

Here’s how old oil affects your vehicle’s overall performance:

• Oil breaks down eventually and turns into sludge. 
• Old oil or sludge can block the oil pathways, which limits its ability to flow on the important components of your vehicle, thus reducing lubrication. 
• The sludge insulates the engine parts, most especially the hot ones. 

Oil Change Improves Gas Mileage

Increased fuel consumption occurs with poor engine lubrication. Without proper viscosity, the engine runs less efficiently and hotter, causing negative impacts on the gas mileage. There’s increased friction, so your vehicle needs to burn more fuel to negate its effects. Along with bad air filters and oxygen sensors, poor lubrication and friction reduce your gas mileage up to 20%. 

That’s why you have to make sure that your engine has enough clean oil. Routine oil changes can improve your gas mileage by 1% to 2%. While it may not appear to be a significant improvement, it can save you a gallon of gas in one year. 

Oil Change Promotes Car Longevity

Routine car maintenance, including oil change, lengthens the lifespan of your car. On the other hand, dirty oil consumes more fuel and power of the engine parts, making them work harder, which shortens their lifespan. 

Here are some expert tips when changing car oil: 

• Warm up the oil if the engine is too cold by running it for five minutes. If the engine is too hot, wait for 30 minutes to prevent burns. 
• Don’t use a socket or adjustable wrench on the drain plug. Better use a box-end wrench or metric with the correct size. 
• Using jack stands is highly recommended; don’t work with jack support only. 
• Before spinning the oil filter, coat it with new oil. 
• Don’t use a filter wrench to tighten the filter. Use your hands to avoid damage. 

Conclusion 

It can be a hassle performing oil changes by yourself, so you might as well leave it to an expert to ensure it’s done correctly using the right products. Now you better understand the importance of changing the oil of your vehicle. It can improve its mileage, your car’s overall performance, and lengthens the engine’s lifespan.