Any lesson on Car Maintenance 101 will stress the importance of regular oil changes, and for good reason. Oil changes increase the performance and longevity of a car’s engine so it’s crucial to not overlook this simple maintenance task. Most vehicle owners know that oil changes are essential, but it’s worth a closer look into the role of engine oil and how best to go about getting your next oil change.
The Role of Oil in Your Vehicle’s Engine
Motor oil is the lifeblood of a healthy engine, serving several critical functions.
- Lubrication: First and foremost, oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts to reduce friction and regular wear. Metal components inside your engine require sufficient lubrication to run properly. Lack of adequate lubrication can cause significant damage or complete engine failure. Lubrication also enhances overall engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Cooling: Another critical function of motor oil is acting as a coolant, dissipating the heat generated by running the engine. This helps prevent the motor from overheating.
- Cleaning: Engine oil also helps maintain a clean engine by suspending any unwanted bits such as dirt, debris, and contaminants in the oil. These particles are then easily removed from the engine during an oil change. The engine oil will naturally gather grime and grit over time, lowering its effectiveness as a lubricant and coolant as well.
- Protection: The layer of oil around engine components helps prevent corrosion and rust, extending the lifespan of engine parts. Adequate oil levels and regular oil changes protect the engine from excess wear and tear, saving you big bucks in the long run.
What Happens When You Skip an Oil Change
Regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your vehicle’s engine operating in tip-top condition. Neglecting to change the oil when necessary can have severe consequences for your car, possibly leading to big repair bills down the road. The advanced chemicals in engine oil will naturally break down over time and become less effective at doing their job inside the engine such as lubrication and cooling.
Running your engine with dirty oil will wear out engine components more quickly. Engine oil gathers contaminants over time to transform it into a slow-moving sludge. This can clog parts of the engine and restrict the flow of oil through the engine, reducing overall efficiency. In the most severe cases, an under-lubricated or “dry” engine can cause engine seizure which is a much more costly repair.
You’ve probably seen images of used oil being drained— black sludge glooping out of the engine. Remember that fresh engine oil is a relatively viscous and light-colored liquid before it picks up all the dirt and contaminants inside the motor. It’s easy to imagine that a car engine runs much more smoothly with clean oil. Following a schedule of regular oil changes is a simple routine that shouldn’t be overlooked— your vehicle and your wallet will thank you.
When Is It Time For an Oil Change?
The general rule of thumb these days recommends oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. The traditional milestone used to be changing the oil every 3,000 miles or so, but modern lubricants and newer cars can go longer between oil changes. Engines and vehicle models vary so it’s still a good idea to refer to your car’s manual for the most specific recommendation.
Common signs that it’s time to swap out your car’s dirty oil include unusual engine noise, the oil change light, or exhaust smoke. Vehicle owners can easily monitor oil levels with the included dipstick near the front of the engine. In the meantime, it’s important to keep oil levels topped off between oil changes.
Choose Auto Metric for Your Next Oil Change in Boise, ID
Auto Metric provides Boise, ID and the rest of the Treasure Valley with the highest-quality service with a full range of auto repairs and maintenance. Transparency and helpfulness are top priorities at our shop— we take pride in treating our customers fairly and clearly explaining any vehicle issues and how we plan to fix them. We have decades of experience repairing all makes and models to make sure you and your family always get to where you’re going.
Your Trusted Neighborhood Garage
Experience the friendly service of neighborhood auto repair with expertise in cars from around the world. Our professional mechanics are well-known for their full-service Volvo and Volkswagen repair, extending to other European brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche. Or do you drive a Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, or Jeep? Of course, our ASE-Certified Master Mechanics will take care of domestic cars too!
Oil Change Services Near Me in Boise, ID
Swing by the shop or call us to schedule an appointment for an oil change, check filters, or any of your other maintenance needs. Boise Auto Metric is a full-service automotive service center and tire shop that will keep your car running at peak condition. We are also one of the only mechanics that can pick up your car when needed. Whether it’s high time you get that overdue oil change or you’re planning future maintenance, come visit us at Auto Metric!
