If you can’t remember the last time you had an oil and filter change for your vehicle, it’s probably time to get one done!
Regular oil and filter changes are one of the easiest maintenance tasks that can be performed regularly on your vehicle to keep it in top shape and avoid the repair shop. Even though that’s true, many drivers don’t take advantage of oil changes and may wait until the oil warning light illuminates or they are broken down on the highway to take it seriously.
In this blog, we consider the importance of oil to your vehicle’s engine and the common reasons that your oil needs to be changed on a regular basis.
The Importance of Motor Oil
For as long as combustion engines have been around, they have required the use of motor oil. Motor oil is a petroleum-based compound that contains other additives like detergents and dispersants that circulates through your vehicle’s engine. There are three primary functions of oil, as follows:
- Oil cleans the components while flowing through your vehicle’s engine.
- Oil lubricates the components of your engine that would otherwise rub together and create friction during movement.
- Oil regulates temperature by pulling heat away to protect parts as it moves through the engine.
There’s no doubt that oil is critical to the overall operation and performance of your vehicle’s engine. When motor oil is low or absent, your engine develops problems that can result in damage or even total failure.
In addition to oil, your vehicle’s oil filter is specifically designed to clean the oil as it is pumped through your engine. The filter contains a synthetic medium that captures dirt and grime as oil is passed through it and back into the engine.
The Necessity of Oil Changes
While motor oil serves as a vital component to your vehicle, it is still susceptible to the extremes of the engine such as heat, dirt, and movement. This means that your vehicle’s oil must be replenished or replaced within regular intervals.
Below are the key reasons that motor oil and filters need to be changed:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | Different motor oils are classified by their “viscosity” or thickness of the fluid. Oil needs to be less thick in colder temperatures in order to circulate the engine, and thicker in hotter temperatures. Over time, the viscosity of oil changes and becomes thicker, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness. |
| Dirt | Oil accumulates dirt and sludge as it travels through the engine. The oil filter is designed to trap the dirt as the oil passes through it but a dirty filter will not do its job to keep the sludge out of the oil and your motor oil will become darker and dirtier over time. |
| Oil Consumption | A certain amount of motor oil will burn off from your engine parts over time and this is a completely normal process. Oil may evaporate from certain engine components even without any leaks. |
| Leaks | Damaged engine components may cause oil to leak in small or large quantities. Oil leaks should be addressed quickly in order to ensure that your engine continues to get the necessary amount of oil throughout the engine components. |
Oil and Filter Maintenance
If you have not established an oil and filter change maintenance routine, there’s no better time than the present. By getting regular oil changes, you are supporting the longevity and performance of your vehicle’s engine. The timeframe for regular oil changes can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your driving habits and the type of oil you are using in your vehicle. For example, if you tend to tow or pull heavy loads with your vehicle you should consider more frequent changes. When choosing oil, keep in mind that synthetic oils can go much longer between changes versus conventional oil.
If you haven’t had an oil change in a while, or are thinking about a regular routine, contact the service professionals at Colonial Service Station. We can schedule your oil and filter change and make recommendations for the proper schedule to continue ongoing maintenance.