Hi-Way Chevrolet Buick Auto Repair Service

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Oil On Time?

You’re cruising along as usual one day, and your “check oil” light flickers on. All of us here at Hi-Way Chevrolet Buick Auto Repair Service know how crazy life gets; sometimes, you just can’t make it to the service drive to get that oil changed right away. Although pushing the limit a few days past the light coming on may be okay, what happens if you wait too long to change your oil?

Your oil is essential to keeping your car running smoothly. Specifically, the oil in your car works to lubricate the engine and keep it cool. This works to make sure each of the thousands of parts that make up your engine is operating smoothly, and also carries heat away from the engine, which also works to keep it from malfunctioning.

Why, then, do I have to change it at all? Well, the answer is dirt and other small particles that are picked up by the circulating oil. This isn’t a bad thing, though, as the oil helps to keep the engine free of that dirt and those particles. But, once the oil becomes too dirty, it stops being effective. This is when that “check oil” light comes on on your dashboard.

If you don’t change your oil, two things can begin to happen. The very reason that you have oil (to lubricate the engine and generate heat) becomes the problem: your engine can start to erode away from friction and motion, and parts of the engine will overheat. This causes the engine to run less efficiently, and ultimately, wear out. Eventually, if you never change the oil, you’ll need to completely replace your engine, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Don’t let this scare you though—an oil change is a simple, easy process. If you’re ever unsure of whether your car is due for a change, just give us a call. We’re always here to help our friends, clients, and neighbors in the greater Rock Valley, IA area and beyond!

Sources: All Pro Service Center, How Stuff Works