What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Checking oil level on dipstick

Balancing a busy schedule with routine car service can get tricky. One of the services that frequently gets put on the back burner is an oil change. What happens if you don’t change your oil? Short answer: nothing good! At Whitten Brothers Mazda, we offer fast and efficient oil change and oil filter change services, so you can get your car serviced, and be on your way. Read on to learn more about why oil changes matter from the experts at our service center, then schedule an oil change in Richmond. 

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil keeps the moving parts of your car’s engine properly lubricated, and plays the following role in keeping your car’s performance at its peak:

  • Reduce wear and tear caused by friction. 
  • Motor oil with dispersants is designed to remove sludge from the engine.
  • Fresh motor oil can help neutralize acids from gas, improve piston ring seals, and keep the engine cool.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

For most new vehicles, oil changes are recommended every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Of course, that oil change interval can change, depending on the car you drive and how you drive on Ashland roads. If you travel long distances often, for example, you may need an oil change more frequently. 

What Happens if You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed? 

You don’t want to find out for yourself what happens if you skip oil changes! The longer you go without changing your car’s oil, the more problems can arise as you drive around Fredericksburg. Here’s a closer look at the issues that can arise: 

  • Weakened Performance: As oil breaks down, it leaves behind carbon deposits, which can clog the positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves. This is often the reason behind “sluggish” engine performance. 
  • Loss of Fuel Efficiency: When oil wears down and becomes so thin that it slips past seals and rings, it gets burned up in the combustion chamber. This leads to increased fuel usage and smoke trailing out of the exhaust. 
  • Engine Overheating: Over time, oil loses its viscosity and can’t regulate the engine’s temperature. This can lead to engine overheating, and at some point in the future, engine failure. 

Schedule an Oil Change at Whitten Brothers Mazda Today! 

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t change your oil, you know how important it is to stay current on routine service. Is your Mazda vehicle due for an oil change? If so, you can use our online scheduling tool to book a service appointment in Richmond, VA. Before you schedule, check out our Mazda service specials for oil change coupons and other service coupons.

 

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Whitten Brothers Mazda 37.5060887, -77.5953618.