What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

In our day-to-day routines around Brandon, we can forget about our vehicle’s regular maintenance. At the Capital Ford Winnipeg service centre, customers ask, what happens if you don’t change your oil?

Over time, your motor oil will break down and become far less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. This will cause an increase in friction and raise your internal temperature. When your engine gets too hot, serious damage occurs, including warped components and excess wear and tear. Learn more from our team at Capital Ford Winnipeg and contact us with any questions. 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Before answering what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, it’s important to understand how it impacts your daily drives. Motor oil acts as an engine lubricant and has the following roles in Portage la Prairie vehicles:

• The primary role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is made to clean sludge from your engine.
• Detergents in motor oils will help clean the varnish from your engine.
• When changed regularly, motor oil will help neutralise acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool your engine by moving heat away. 

Let’s be frank, you don’t want to see what happens if you don’t change your oil.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

Many years ago, it used to be said that you should have an oil change every 4,800 kilometers. Nowadays, most drivers can go between 11,000 and 16,000 kilometers between oil change services. However, every driver is different alongside the vehicle they’re driving. If you’re driving long distances around the Dauphin area, you might need more frequent oil changes. 

Problems That Arise From Not Changing Your Oil

So, what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? Here’s a summary of several of the problems you can encounter, all of which are time-consuming and expensive to fix:

• Weakened Performance: As oil breaks down, it will leave behind carbon deposits, which clog your positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves. This will lead to sluggish engine performance.
• No Fuel Efficiency: This occurs when your oil wears down so thin it will slide past seals and rings, only to be burned up in the combustion chamber. As it’s burned up, this will increase fuel usage and cause smoke to seep from the exhaust.
• Engine Overheating: Your oil will lose viscosity and fail to regulate the engine temperature. All of which can lead to overheating and finally, total engine failure. 
• And more!

Turn to Capital Ford Winnipeg For Your Next Oil Change and More!

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’re much better equipped to handle your vehicle. You can always schedule service at Capital Ford Winnipeg near Brandon. Remember to check out our service specials and see how much you can save.

If any pieces on your vehicle are worn out, you can save with one of our parts specials today! Keep your car in tip-top shape around Portage la Prairie with Capital Ford Winnipeg!