What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

The oil change schedule for your vehicle is designed to ensure that you always enjoy a smooth and safe ride on Roswell roads. So, why do cars need oil changes? What happens if you don’t change your oil? Motor oil breaks down over time and will not be able to effectively lubricate critical parts and components within your engine. This can lead to an increase in friction which will cause your engine to overheat and potentially result in serious damage and costly repair. In this guide from the experts at United BMW, we’ll explain why oil changes are such an important part of your vehicle maintenance. If it turns out that your car or SUV is due for its next oil change, schedule an appointment with our service center in Alpharetta today!

Why Do Cars Need Oil Changes?

As noted above, routine oil changes are an important part of your overall vehicle maintenance schedule and will help keep your engine running at peak performance levels on Marietta-area roads and beyond. So, why do cars need oil changes and what exactly does motor oil do? Here are some important facts regarding motor oil:

• Motor oil is refined from crude oil and is used to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Dispersants in motor oil clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine.
• Regular oil changes can neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and keep the engine temperature in check.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

The old school rule-of-thumb was that you should have an oil change every 3,000 miles, but with improvements in engine and motor oil technology, most drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. You should consult your owner’s manual to see what your oil change schedule is and to find out whether conventional oil or synthetic oil is recommended for your specific vehicle. Note that the type of vehicle you have and how and where you drive can affect how often you’ll need to change the oil. It is also important that you check your oil level on a regular basis between oil changes.

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Car Oil?

Here’s a quick look at what happens if you don’t change your car oil: 

• Reduced Performance: Motor oil leaves behind carbon deposits as it deteriorates, which can hamper ventilation and clog exhaust gas recirculation valves, leading to sluggish engine performance. 
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: Motor oil can lose its viscosity over time so that it slides past seals and rings and gets burned up in the combustion chamber. This increases fuel usage and causes smoke to seep out from the exhaust. 
• Engine Overheating: The loss of viscosity can also lead to overheating, and eventually, total engine failure. 

Get Your Next Oil Change Today at United BMW!

Knowing what happens if you don’t change your oil will help you understand why you need to keep up to date with your oil change schedule. We provide the full range of oil change services at United BMW, and you can count on our certified technicians to quickly change your oil and get you safely back on Johns Creek-area roads as soon as possible. Make sure to check out our BMW Ultimate Care Oil Services and our current service specials and coupons. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our service team.