The simplest and most essential way to keep your car running smoothly is to keep up with regular oil changes. But what happens if you skip them? Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, cools the engine, and traps harmful debris. Skipping your oil change might save time in the short term, but eventually, you’ll have to pay to repair some costly damage.
What really happens if you don’t change your oil? Here are three common results of running your car on old engine oil.
Reduced Engine Efficiency
When oil gets old, it becomes dirty and loses its ability to lubricate the engine properly. Poor lubrication leads to increased friction between engine components, causing the engine to work harder than it should. You may notice a drop in your fuel economy, a louder engine, or sluggish acceleration. While not immediately catastrophic, this decrease in efficiency indicates that your engine is under strain and not performing at its optimal level.
Engine Overheating
Old oil not only loses lubrication properties but also its ability to regulate temperature. Sludge can begin to build up, blocking oil flow and causing parts to overheat. Overheating puts stress on components such as the head gasket and pistons, thereby increasing the risk of more serious failures. If your temperature gauge starts rising or you smell something burning under the hood, your engine might be overheating, which is often a result of neglected oil changes.
Complete Engine Failure
This is the worst-case scenario. If the oil becomes too dirty or runs low, metal parts in the engine can grind together, causing irreversible damage. Bearings can seize, pistons can warp, and the engine can lock up entirely. In many cases, the only solution is a complete engine replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. That’s far more than a routine oil change would have.
Protect Your Engine! Get an Oil Change at Broken Wrench Repair
Skipping oil changes may not cause immediate damage, but it sets off a chain reaction of wear and inefficiency that can ultimately lead to engine failure. To keep your vehicle in good condition and avoid costly repairs, follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule. It’s a small investment that protects your car’s most important (and expensive) component.
