Not sure if it’s time for your car’s oil change? Skipping this essential procedure can be dangerous for your car engine’s health. Similar to the body’s circulatory system, your car needs regular oil changes to keep it running healthy.
Most people see oil changes as a chore that can be put off. However, it’s critical to stay on top of these appointments to protect your engine and prevent more serious, expensive problems from happening.
At Planet Oil Change, we offer professional oil changes in Waterford, MI, and the surrounding areas. Our vehicle technicians are one of the best choices for expert oil changes and car maintenance in the area.
How Do Oil Changes Protect Your Car?
Lubrication
Oil provides a layer of protection on pistons, bearings, and other metal parts. These parts move fast when the car is turned on, creating friction, heat, and wear over time. Oil protects these parts, preventing metal from grinding on itself and creating serious damage inside your vehicle.
Cooling
Many drivers don’t realize that oil also absorbs heat in areas where coolant can’t reach, helping to dissipate it so it doesn’t build up around the engine. For this reason, oil is essential for regulating the amount of heat created during the engine’s combustion process.
Cleaning
Quality oil includes cleaning detergents and additives. These cleaning agents are essential for preventing dirt, metal shavings, and sludge from jamming gears and damaging other parts.
How Can Old Oil Damage Your Car?
Old oil might not seem like a big problem, but it’s actually dangerous for your car’s health. For this reason, it’s important not to delay your oil change.
As oil gets older, it starts to go through a chemical breakdown process. As a result, it loses its viscosity and becomes less slippery. As the oil gets thinner, it’s harder for it to lubricate and protect moving parts. When this happens, the parts can grind against each other, causing serious damage.
Old oil also gets dirtier as it picks up metal particles, dirt, and combustion byproducts. Eventually, it becomes thick and sticky and forms sludge in your car’s system.
How Can Delaying an Oil Change Affect Your Car?
Delaying or skipping your oil change can have serious impacts on your vehicle, particularly the health of its engine:
- Decreased Engine Performance: Without the right lubrication, your engine has to work much harder. This strains the system, and can significantly decrease your gas mileage.
- Engine Failure: When the metal parts in your engine have no lubrication, it causes them to grind together. This leads to the engine seizing up, which is difficult to repair and usually requires a full engine replacement.
- Sludge Buildup: Old oil forms sludge that can block parts of the engine, preventing oil from providing lubrication to all areas.
- Engine overheating: Older oil can’t cool down, leading to overheating, head gasket failure, and the metal parts in the engine becoming warped.
Need an Oil Change? Visit Planet Oil Change Now
Oil changes might seem like a hassle, but it’s an important investment in your car’s health. They’re a key part of preventative maintenance, and an easy way to protect your engine from severe, expensive damage.
If you’re looking for an oil change in Waterford, MI, or the surrounding area, visit Planet Oil Change & Car Wash. Our vehicle technicians have over 140 years of combined experience, making us a trusted, go-to source for maintaining your car.
We also offer coupons and special offers, making it easier to afford your vehicle’s essential maintenance.
Ready to schedule your oil change? Contact us online or visit your nearest Planet Oil Change location today.
