What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

We all know that regularly changing the oil in your vehicle is important, but sometimes life gets busy in Raleigh. It would be nice to not have to worry about it, so we wonder “What happens if you don’t change your oil? Do I really have to?” If you’ve been putting off getting your oil changed, you should schedule a service appointment without delay. Old oil can turn into dirty sludge, or you may even run out of oil, and then your neglected engine will be in a dire state. We here at the Hendrick Kia of Cary service center have written this guide to teach you about the importance of regular oil maintenance, as well as about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed. Keep reading for more.

What is Motor Oil Needed for?

Your car’s engine is made up of many moving parts. Those parts rub against each other producing friction, which produces heat. Think of how you rub your hands in the cold to warm them up. Motor oil lubricates those parts, allowing them to move smoothly and not rub against each other as much, which reduces the amount of heat produced.

What happens when you don’t get your oil changed is that your oil can get old or your oil levels can get low. The older your oil is, the thicker it gets, which can gum up the mechanics in your engine, and low levels of oil allow the friction to heat up the engine again, often to the point of overheating significantly. Both can be huge problems that can go unnoticed until the day you’re driving around Durham and your car breaks down.

How Often Do I Need to Change My Oil?

So now you know it’s important, but how often do you need to change your oil? Well in the past, technicians said that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or so, but there have been big technological advancements since then.

Now, vehicles can usually go from 7,500 to 10,000 miles before they need an oil change. Each car’s owner’s manual will have specifics for that vehicle, so check yours to see what the manufacturer recommends!

Can I Change My Car’s Oil Myself?

Absolutely! If you’re going to change your oil yourself, make sure to check your owner’s manual for guidance before you begin. Your manual should tell you what type of oil your vehicle needs for the best performance. You can order that oil from our parts department, then, you can follow these steps:

• Find your vehicle’s oil filter and remove its drain plug.
• Drain your old oil completely.
• Replace the oil filter and put the drain plug back on.
• Slowly fill the oil reservoir with fresh oil. Do so until you reach the right level.
• You’re all set!

Have Hendrick Kia of Cary Change Your Oil!

Don’t allow yourself to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed by firsthand experience. If you’re near the Apex area, come by our dealership to take care of your oil change on the spot. Here at Hendrick Kia of Cary we’re proud to employ technicians who are experts in their field, so feel free to schedule your service online! If you like, you can also check out our rotating service coupons to see if we have any deals, or you can contact us if you still have any questions!