An oil change is one of the most basic, but most important, maintenance tasks that can be done for your vehicle. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, so it needs to be clean to keep the engine healthy and your car running well.
Proactively changing a vehicles’ oil and filter will help the engine continue to work at its best and prevent costly repairs to drivers down the road. Compare the average cost of a years’ worth of oil changes ($120) to the cost of not proactively maintaining a vehicle’s engine ($4,000)* and the benefit to both wallets and vehicle well-being is clear. Here we are sharing the top reasons oil and filter changes are so important to a car’s well-being.
1. Promotes Your Vehicle’s Longevity
It’s that simple, routine maintenance makes your vehicle last longer. Buildup from dirty oil robs a vehicle’s fuel economy and power and makes internal components work harder. An engine that works too hard will end up having more problems down the road as well as a shorter life span, which can lead to costly auto repairs. According to Kelley Blue Book, car valuation increases at resale time if regular maintenance has been upheld.
2. Improves Gas Mileage
Poor engine lubrication can lead to increased fuel consumption, so make sure there is enough clean oil in the engine. The U.S. Department of Energy says that with routine changes and the right kind of oil, gas mileage can be improved over time by 1-2%. That doesn’t sound like much of an improvement, but for the average car, it can lead to savings of an entire gallon of gas for a year!
3. Removes Engine Wear Particles and Sludge
Dirty particles are deadly to engines. Over time, dirty particles can cause corrosion and decrease the life of an engine. As time goes on, oil breaks down and turns to “sludge.” The name of the game is to keep the engine clean. Routine oil and filter changes help remove particles and sludge and keep engines at peak condition.
4. Maintains engine lubrication
All of the moving parts, pistons, valves, and other engine parts are moving at high rates of speed under the hood of a car. These components create heat and will wear down the engine dramatically without proper oil lubrication. Make sure to refer to the owner’s manual to see what specific weight and grade of oil the vehicle requires and ensure it is kept at the recommended fill volume.
5. Cools engine components
As explained above, moving parts that lack proper lubrication create friction, which in turn creates heat. Maintaining clean and sufficient amounts of oil is the perfect solution to prevent too much friction and the over-heating of your engine.
It’s important to keep your car in top condition, and a regular oil change is a great way to ensure that your engine runs smoothly. The best way to perform an oil change is by having an expert at your side like your local auto repair shop. They have the tools and experience to perform the task quickly and efficiently. In addition to the standard service, you can also get your car tuned up, have a new air filter installed, or get your tires rotated.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
With more than two decades of experience, Prestige Auto Works stands as an authority in the automotive industry in Slidell. Our team is bolstered by top-level dealer certifications and the constant presence of an ASE master technician, ensuring expertise in everything from routine maintenance to complex engine replacements.