What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

We know our drivers near and beyond Crawfordville have busy schedules and it can be hard to schedule an appointment for maintenance. At Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC in Tallahassee, we often have customers ask, “What happens if you don’t change your oil?” When you don’t change your oil, the motor oil can break down and not lubricate the engine components like it should. With our service center, learn more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed in the guide below. 

How Does Motor Oil work? 

So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? Here are just a few reasons all Panama City drivers should know why motor oil is important: 

• Motor oil is meant to decrease the wear and tear on all components of the engine due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants helps to clean sludge from your engine. 
• Motor oil also has detergents that help clean varnish from the engine.

Believe us, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed through firsthand experience!

How Often Should I Change My Oil? 

Many Thomasville, GA drivers might remember the days when an oil change was recommended every 3,000 miles, but now it’s about 7,500 to 10,000-mile intervals. Be sure to learn about the price of oil changes, too. 

How Can I Do My Own Oil Change? 

Now that you know what happens if you don’t change your oil, you may want to learn how to complete an oil change by yourself:

1. Prop your car up on level ground using jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find your oil drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan under your engine. Place your oil basin right under the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the oil to drain out. Once drained, replace the plug. 
3. Locate your oil filter, then use a wrench to remove it. Some extra oil might drain out when you remove the filter, just place the basin back underneath to catch it. 
4. Rub some oil on the rubber seal of your new oil filter. This is a key step and ensures your filter is water tight. 
5. Place the new filter in, then tighten by hand. 
6. With the new filter in place, remove the oil cap. Check your owner’s manual to learn how much oil your vehicle takes, then pour the specified amount of new oil in. Finally, replace the oil cap. 
7. Be sure to check your oil level using the dipstick. Add another ounce of oil if needed, then check the level again. Repeat this process until your dipstick reads at the correct level. 

Get Serviced at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC! 

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, contact us at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC about our service offers to see your options.