Engine oil, more commonly known as motor oil, is one of the most important substances in maintaining the health and performance of your vehicle’s engine. However, many vehicle owners still neglect the importance of regularly changing their engine oil. What happens if you don’t change your vehicle’s engine oil on a regular basis? Let’s discuss this.
The function of Engine Oil
Engine oil serves as a lubricant, coolant, and cleaner for your vehicle’s engine. The lubricating properties of engine oil help reduce friction between moving engine parts, preventing wear and tear and extending the life of your engine.
Additionally, engine oil also acts as a coolant, carrying heat away from the engine’s components and cooling them down to prevent overheating. Lastly, engine oil helps clean out dirt and deposits that form inside the engine.
Dangers of Not Changing it
If you don’t change your engine oil regularly, the risk of engine damage increases. This is due to the accumulation of dirt and deposits inside the engine, which can cause excessive friction and wear and tear. These deposits can clog the oil passages, obstructing the flow of oil to all parts of the engine.
If this happens, the engine temperature will skyrocket, potentially causing severe damage or even engine fires.
Effects of Overdue Oil Change
If you let your engine oil go past its recommended change interval, there is a risk that your engine oil will run out and your engine will become dry.
A dry engine can have a negative impact on the engine’s performance, and may even cause permanent damage to the engine. When an engine becomes dry, the friction between moving parts increases, accelerating wear and tear and reducing the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine.
Therefore, it is crucial to always ensure that your engine oil is properly filled and to change it according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Signs Your Engine Oil Needs to Be Changed Immediately
It is important to know the signs that indicate your engine oil needs to be changed. Some of these signs include louder engine noises, increased engine temperature, increased fuel consumption, and dark-colored engine oil. You may even detect a foul odor coming from your engine.
Conclusion
It is important to change your engine oil regularly to maintain the health and performance of your vehicle’s engine. The risks and dangers that can occur if you neglect to change your engine oil on a regular basis can lead to serious engine damage. Be sure to change your engine oil according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and follow the proper schedule.