How Long Can You Go Without Getting An Oil Change

Maintenance May 29, 2020

How Long Can You lot Go Without an Oil Change?

Which pick would you choose: paying nether $100 for an hour-long oil change OR paying thousands(!) for engine repair that takes days to complete?

The oil change is the obvious pick, but that's the gamble you take when you lot put off an oil change.

Information technology's all-time not to push your luck with how long you can go without an oil change. It may seem similar a burden to take the time to do it. But if you don't get regular oil changes, the junk volition build up and you'll exist facing a much larger problem.

Why Oil Changes Matter

Frequent oil changes are necessary for keeping your auto performing at its all-time. Motor oil's main function is to keep the various parts of your car'south engine well-lubricated. As information technology circulates through the engine, oil provides a layer of protection between the engine's moving parts, draws heat away from the engine, and carries away $.25 of dirt and metal.

Over time, exposure to heat, air, and moisture causes your auto's oil to become less effective. Debris clogs up the oil filter, and oxidation thickens the oil into sludge.

The sludge and debris article of clothing away parts of the engine the oil is meant to protect, leading to very expensive repairs. However, for a simply piddling flake of fourth dimension and money, this could all be avoided!

Read: Why Fluids are Crucial for Proper Vehicle Maintenance

What happens if you don't go an oil alter?

Our Falls Church location in one case had a automobile come up in that had been driven over 12,000 miles since its last oil modify—far more the recommended mileage interval. The engine had run almost completely dry, and the pistons had seized inside the motor. The entire engine needed to be replaced because information technology was beyond repair.

This is because once motor oil turns to sludge, information technology doesn't draw heat away from the engine or lubricate the engine parts. As all the moving parts rub metal-on-metal in the high heat, they warp and wear down.

Eventually, the engine will blow a gasket or seize. When you try to outset the machine, you lot might go a small "click" racket or null at all. Once an engine seizes, it cannot be repaired—it must be replaced.

How ofttimes should you get an oil change?

Y'all might have heard the old communication to get an oil change every "3 months or 3,000 miles." But that'due south only non true anymore!

With all the advancements in engine design and synthetic oil engineering, modern vehicles can go 5,000, seven,500 or fifty-fifty 10,000+ miles betwixt oil changes. Our best advice is to follow the manufacturer's recommended oil alter interval found in the owner'southward transmission.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with an engine oil life monitoring system that notifies yous when you're due for an oil change. Every system is slightly different, just, substantially, the oil life monitoring organisation tracks your mileage and driving habits to calculate how much longer your oil will last.

Read: Why is My Dashboard Oil Lite On?

Go along in heed, though, that most manufacturers recommend getting an oil change twice a twelvemonth no matter how many miles you've driven. That'due south correct—even if you've only driven ane,000 miles since your last oil modify, you still demand to become an oil change every six months.

When yous come in for an oil change for the beginning fourth dimension at Virginia Tire & Auto, we brand a annotation in our database of what type of oil your machine's manufacturer recommends and how often to change it. And then, every time you come in for an oil change, we put a sticker in your window to remind you when yous should become your side by side oil modify.

Many shops still put the default three,000 miles on their oil change sticker, no matter what the possessor'southward transmission says. Merely nosotros know that's not skilful for your wallet, your car, or the surround! And we want to give you the best, about honest recommendation every time you come into our shop.

Following your recommended oil change schedule is very important for the life of your vehicle. Don't turn a minor inconvenience in your schedule into a major clamper out of your wallet.

Due for an oil change? Schedule an appointment today at one of our 17 Virginia Tire & Automobile locations.

Source: https://vatire.com/car-maintenance-tips/how-often-to-change-oil/

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