What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Changing your oil is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle. It’s critical that your oil gets changed every time your vehicle goes in for service. Sometimes, the Ford of Latham service center gets the question, “what happens if you don’t change your oil?”. This could lead to major issues down the road, as motor oil tends to break down over time and can no longer lubricate the moving parts in the engine. Failure to lubricate these critical engine components leads to increased friction and heat, causing parts of your engine to become warped. Learn more about what happens if you don’t change your oil with Ford of Latham! For more information about vehicle maintenance near Troy, feel free to contact us anytime!

The Function of Motor Oil

In short, motor oil lubricates your engine and keeps it running smoothly. Let’s take a look in greater detail below:

• Oil is designed to reduce wear and tear on your engine’s many moving parts. 
• Sludge can be cleaned from the engine when using motor oil with dispersants. 
• Various detergents included in the motor oil also help clean varnish from engine components. 
• Regularly changing engine oil can help reduce the presence of acids that result from fuels, cool the engine by reducing heat, and keeping piston ring seals intact.

How Often To Change Your Vehicle’s Oil

A good rule of thumb is to change your engine oil every 3,000 miles, however, with advancements in technology, modern vehicles can go from 7,500 to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. This also depends on driving habits and the type of vehicle you own, as you might have to change your oil more often in some cases.

How To Do An Oil Change

The first thing you need to do is consult your owner’s manual to ensure you have the proper type of oil. Then, you can follow these simple steps below:

1. Use a jack to lift up your vehicle. 
2. Find the oil drain plug underneath the engine on the bottom of your oil pan. Put an oil basin underneath the plug to catch the oil. Remove the plug and completely drain the oil, which could take up to 15 minutes. You can put the plug back once all the oil is drained. 
3. Find your oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. Drain out your oil filter into the basin.
4. Before installing your new filter, be sure to add some oil around the rubber seat to ensure a watertight fit. 
5. Install the new filter and tighten it until secure. 
6. After you’ve drained all the old oil out and replaced the filter, now you can locate your oil cap, and pour the recommended amount of oil into the compartment. If you aren’t sure how much oil to use, we recommend consulting your owner’s manual.
7. Now place the cap back on, and check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick. Be sure to add more oil if it’s low and then check the level again. If it is providing a proper reading, you’re all set to head out on the Albany roads. 

Schedule Service with the Ford of Latham Service Center!

Now that we’ve answered, “what happens if you don’t get your oil changed?”, you know how important this is to the health of your vehicle. If you’re still unsure of how to change or check your oil level, schedule a service appointment with the Ford of Latham service center to have your oil changed by our experienced technicians. Be sure to take advantage of our service specials to save near Schenectady! While you’re here, feel free to learn more service tips and tricks, such as what to include in your winter emergency car kit.