What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Oil Light

 

From life getting busy or the oil change frequency for your Chevrolet, Ford car feels like it’s too often, there are some reasons that might lead to Andover drivers not getting their car’s oil changed on time. So what happens if you don’t change your oil? The engine will most likely stop performing correctly as motor oil becomes less effective at lubricating its moving parts over time. This will cause an overheated engine and serious damage. Learn more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed with the service team at Don Hattan Dealerships 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

To put it simply, motor oil lubricates your engine, but if you want the full details, read on:

  • The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction on the Maize roads.
  • Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
  • Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
  • When changed regularly according to schedule, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away.

So what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? The engine won’t be able to work correctly as it should with motor oil as stated above, and you’ll run into serious issues during your drives. 

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

There used to be a saying that you need an oil change every 3,000 miles, but these days, most new models will need one every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the right frequency and if you have specific habits like off-road driving or driving long distances on the daily, then they will also affect the frequency. Consult with our service team if you have any questions, and we can also tell you how much an oil change will cost you near Wichita. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

An oil change is often quick, and you can get back on the roads in no time, so you shouldn’t have to avoid them and find out what happens if you don’t change your oil. If you’re handy and enjoy working on your car, you can even get them done yourself. Figure out what type of oil your vehicle requires and purchase it. Then, do the following:

  1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
  2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely. This could take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
  3. Locate your oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter, and make sure you keep the basin underneath to catch it. 
  4. Grab your new filter and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal. This ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step. 
  5. Set the new filter in place, and then tighten it by hand
  6. Now that your old oil is completely drained, and a new filter is in place, you can remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Finally, replace the oil cap.
  7. Before you call it a job well done, you should check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Ask Us More Oil Change Questions!

The best way to not find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed in the Wichita area is to have a better understanding and appreciation for this service task. No matter which three of our Don Hattan Dealerships locations you reach out to, our team can tell you more! Need a professional to get the job done? Schedule an appointment now.

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Don Hattan Dealerships 37.688889, -97.336111.