Freezing temperatures may seem your car is a little noisier and more sluggish than usual, indicating that it could be time for an oil change. Oil plays a major role in the performance of an engine, lubricating moving parts to keep the friction and heat to a minimum. Do you know what happens if you don’t change the oil in your car? You may be spending a lot of time and dollars at an auto repair shop.
Using inferior oil can contribute to the build-up of “sludge”, a combination of dirt, soot, partially burned fuel, oxidized motor oil, leaked coolant, and condensed water vapor. You can’t see the initial impact of inferior oil on your engine, but by the time you do, your engine may be ready to die. In comparison, higher quality oil helps keep the contaminants separated from the oil, holding them suspended until they are drained out during an oil change, leaving nothing behind to create sludge.
Here are a few tips for drivers to know about oil changes:
- Choose the right weight – Oil is measured by its viscosity—basically how thick (a higher viscosity rating) or how thin (a lower viscosity rating) it is. All motor oils are given a rating grade by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Typically, a 5W-30 oil flows better than other weights in cold weather but will protect your engine year-round.
- Check your manufacturer's recommendations – Check your owner’s manual to understand the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for the right kind of oil for your vehicle.
- Consider synthetic oil – Synthetic oil contained fewer impurities, providing better protection, longer oil change intervals, greater resistance to breakdown, improved cold weather starts, and improved fuel mileage. It provides the best protection for both extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Keep your oil clean – Engines produce metal fragments that can cause harm. Routine oil changes help "flush" out any fragments along with the dirty oil.
- Choose a high-quality filter – A high-quality filter is worth the extra cost as it adds extra protection for the engine, catching the contaminants that could otherwise be circulated.
Remember: Regular oil changes play a major role in the performance and power of your vehicle.
Have questions about what happens if you don’t change the oil in your car? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about our oil change coupons and to schedule an oil change service. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
Freezing temperatures may seem your car is a little noisier and more sluggish than usual, indicating that it could be time for an oil change. Oil plays a major role in the performance of an engine, lubricating moving parts to keep the friction and heat to a minimum. Do you know what happens if you don’t change the oil in your car? You may be spending a lot of time and dollars at an auto repair shop.
Using inferior oil can contribute to the build-up of “sludge”, a combination of dirt, soot, partially burned fuel, oxidized motor oil, leaked coolant, and condensed water vapor. You can’t see the initial impact of inferior oil on your engine, but by the time you do, your engine may be ready to die. In comparison, higher quality oil helps keep the contaminants separated from the oil, holding them suspended until they are drained out during an oil change, leaving nothing behind to create sludge.
Here are a few tips for drivers to know about oil changes:
- Choose the right weight – Oil is measured by its viscosity—basically how thick (a higher viscosity rating) or how thin (a lower viscosity rating) it is. All motor oils are given a rating grade by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Typically, a 5W-30 oil flows better than other weights in cold weather but will protect your engine year-round.
- Check your manufacturer's recommendations – Check your owner’s manual to understand the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for the right kind of oil for your vehicle.
- Consider synthetic oil – Synthetic oil contained fewer impurities, providing better protection, longer oil change intervals, greater resistance to breakdown, improved cold weather starts, and improved fuel mileage. It provides the best protection for both extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Keep your oil clean – Engines produce metal fragments that can cause harm. Routine oil changes help "flush" out any fragments along with the dirty oil.
- Choose a high-quality filter – A high-quality filter is worth the extra cost as it adds extra protection for the engine, catching the contaminants that could otherwise be circulated.
Remember: Regular oil changes play a major role in the performance and power of your vehicle.
Have questions about what happens if you don’t change the oil in your car? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Heights Car Care today for more information about our oil change coupons and to schedule an oil change service. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Heights, Billings, MT, and the surrounding area.
