What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Motor oil plays a vitally important role within your car’s powertrain, acting as a lubricant for moving components to minimize friction while at the same time maximizing performance and efficiency and reducing the risk of costly damage. What happens if you don’t change your oil? It will begin to break down over time, becoming less effective as a lubricant and picking up dirt and debris in the process, which can increase friction. Increased friction can cause the engine’s temperature to get too hot, leading to expensive damage or total breakdown. Regular oil changes ensure you won’t find yourself stranded in Matthews with an overheated engine. Learn more with the service team at Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe, below!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

As we noted above, motor oil performs the essential task of lubricating the moving parts of your car’s engine. Here’s a more in-depth look at what else motor oil does for your Waxhaw car:

• Motor oil’s most important role is minimizing the wear and tear on moving engine components that can be caused by friction
• Motor oil containing dispersants is designed to clean the engine of performance-inhibiting sludge
• Detergents in motor oil also help keep things clean, removing any varnish that may form over time
• With regular changes, motor oil also helps to neutralize acid-forming fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away from it

Unfortunately, some Weddington drivers will learn what happens if you don’t get your oil changed the hard way. Oil change service at Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe is always carried out in a timely manner by our certified technicians, so you’ll have no reason to delay appointments! We make it easy to fit the service into your schedule.

How Often is an Oil Change Necessary?

In the past, you may have been told to get an oil change every 3,000 miles, but that interval doesn’t apply to many vehicles anymore. Modern vehicles can now safely go about 7,500 to 10,000 miles between services. Keep in mind, however, that your unique driving habits may affect that interval. If you like to go off-roading or have a long-distance daily commute, for example, you’ll probably need an oil and filter change more frequently. You’re always welcome to call our service team at (704) 288-0337 for professional tips and advice!

Can I Change My Oil Myself?

To make it more convenient to keep up with oil changes, many Monroe drivers prefer to take care of the task on their own at home. It’s simpler to learn than you might imagine! Here’s a quick guide to give you an idea of what you’re in for:

1. Jack your car up on level ground using jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find where the oil drain plug is located on your vehicle – it should be on the bottom of the oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and prepare for the old oil to start draining out. This may take up to 15 minutes and can get quite messy, so be sure to wear old clothing and perhaps even a pair of mechanic’s gloves. Once all the oil has drained, you’re good to replace the plug, but keep the oil basin where it’s at.
3. Next, locate your oil filter so you can remove it and replace it. You will need an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter and should be prepared for a little extra oil to drain out, which is why you’ll want to keep the basin in place.
4. Grab the new oil filter and rub a little oil around its rubber seal. This is an essential step that helps the filter remain watertight.
5. Set the new filter in place. Note that you need to tighten the new filter by hand, not with the oil filter wrench.
6. With your old oil completely drained and a new oil filter in place, you can now remove the oil cap. Pour in the proper amount of new oil, which will be outlined in your owner’s manual. Replace the oil cap.
7. You’re not done just yet. As a final step, it’s smart to check that the oil level is correct. Locate the oil dipstick and remove it, then wipe it clean with a rag and re-insert it. Pull the dipstick out once more, noting where the oil level is sitting. If it’s at the right level, you’re all set to go!

Schedule Your Next Oil Change at Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe

If after learning what happens if you don’t get your oil changed you’ve remembered that your car is overdue, you can schedule an appointment online with Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe! Check out our availability, and contact us if you’re having trouble finding a time that works for you or if you would like more information on oil change prices. We offer a rotating selection of service specials that frequently contains oil change coupons, so there’s no need to delay oil service due to cost!