How Often Do I Really Need to Change My Oil?
The last thing you want to encounter when off-roading is a chug, a sputter, and a breakdown. Making sure you keep the oil fresh is paramount to reducing the risk out on the trails. Engine oil needs to be changed regularly and is one job you have to keep at the top of your list.
Engine oil has two essential functions: to protect and lubricate moving components in the engine. Many things can happen between oil changes, and you need to be aware of how important it is to the longevity of your vehicle.
How Often You Should Change Your Oil
When you need to change your oil depends on a few things, such as what type of vehicle you have, how often you drive it, and what kind of oil you choose to use. Checking your owner’s manual for this information is an excellent place to start, but once you’ve had an oil change, make a note of the sticker put in your lower left corner of the windshield. It’s not a good idea to go over 5,000-7,000 miles without an oil change. A reputable service technician will put the mileage, date, and at what mileage you need to return to change the oil again. The harder you drive your vehicle, the more reasons to change it sooner than recommended.
Reasons Why You Should Get Your Oil Changed
Reason #1. The Oil Gets Dirty
Engine oil picks up sediments, dust and other filth, which will change its consistency. OIl is meant to reduce friction but can’t do the job if it’s dirty. The contaminants in the oil cause it to accrue buildup, thickening it and impeding its flow throughout the engine, which means the oil can’t perform the job it was designed for.
Dirty oil can speed up the erosion process in an engine with the roughness from the sediments and can increase friction instead. With this frequent rubbing between engine components, metal shavings create debris in your oil. The engine oil helps take this debris away from the vehicle’s vital engine parts.
Reason #2. Mileage Decreases
Sludge in the engine will cause it to work harder to produce power, and this also burns up more fuel as a result. Keeping the engine lubricated reduces strain on the engine. A lot of states require vehicles to pass a yearly emission test to stay legal on the road. Regular oil changes help to achieve greater fuel mileage and, therefore, lesser emissions. This will help your vehicle pass those emission tests, and it’s good for the environment as well.
Reason #3. Your Engine Gets Louder
Sitting at a stoplight next to a loud vehicle may make you wonder how they can stand all that noise. Having a loud engine can distract you and other people on and off the road. This can signify serious engine problems, which keeping your oil changed on schedule could solve.
Reason #4. The Engine May Overheat
When your vehicle is running, your engine components are moving. As these parts move, they rub against each other, resulting in excessive temperatures and extreme friction. Friction is reduced by your engine’s oil transferring heat away from vulnerable parts, just as your vehicle’s temperature is kept in check by the coolant. If you don’t keep your oil changed at least every 5,000 miles, the friction will increase, and your vehicle may overheat.
Reason #5. The Engine Components Will Wear Out
Oil coats the engine’s components and helps them withstand harsh conditions, preventing premature damage. Engine components will need to be replaced due to wear, but you can extend their life by keeping your oil changed regularly. The engine is, without a doubt, the most crucial part of your vehicle. If you don’t take care of it and replace the oil and worn out components when needed, the life expectancy will decrease dramatically.
Reason #6. More Money Out of Pocket
The price of engine oil is high, and you may hesitate to change it as often as you should for this reason. The price of not keeping on top of this maintenance task may hit your wallet much harder in the long run. Replacing worn-out parts will rack up a lot more expenses, take up time better spent elsewhere, and cause undue stress. Keeping up with engine maintenance is well worth it.
Reason #7. Resale Value Decreases
Having a history of timely oil changes will show a potential buyer you have taken care of the vehicle. If you have been vigilant about changing oil and filters, you will likely be able to get more for your vehicle when you finally decide to sell or trade it in. A car that smokes, makes noise and just doesn’t perform the way it should will bring a low selling price, if you can sell it at all.
Choose the Right Professionals
At Mach1 Motorsports, we service all models and makes of vehicles from old to new. We can take care of all your off-road needs by helping you with our specialized experience with aftermarket parts, auto repairs, off-road vehicle builds, 4×4’s, diesel vehicle builds and specialized repairs.
We earn your trust and deliver the best service in the industry. Our entire team is committed to meeting any needs you may have and consider our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Because of this, much of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. Contact us today and let us take care of your ride as if it was our own.