What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

You’re driving on your usual Stephenville commute, then you notice your oil light flashing on your dashboard. So what do you do like most people? You say, “I’ll do that later.” And then you push it off. And again. And again. We’ve all procrastinated on scheduling oil service at one point, but what happens if you don’t get your oil changed on your Ford? Well, nothing good. Motor oil keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated, and prevents it from overheating. But over time, motor oil breaks down and becomes ineffective at doing its job. This leads to an increase in friction, which leads to an increase in temperature and can ultimately lead to the complete failure of your engine.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

Now you know what happens if you don’t change your oil, you’ll want to avoid the outcomes by knowing when it’s time to schedule an oil change. How often should you get an oil change? Your vehicle’s oil change intervals depend on its recommended oil, but the rule of thumb is to get an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Though, it doesn’t hurt to get an oil change earlier than your vehicle’s recommended oil change intervals for every 3,000 miles, especially if you drive long distances frequently. Staying on top of oil changes and getting them early on can extend the longevity of your car on Weatherford roads. 

Problems That Arise from Not Changing Oil

You already know not changing your vehicle’s oil regularly is a big mistake, but what are some other problems that can arise? 

• Weakened Performance: When oil deteriorates, it leaves behind carbon deposits which can clog the positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves. This leads to diminished engine performance.
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: Over time, oil thins out to the point where it slides past seals and rings and winds up in the combustion chamber. There, the old oil burns up and increases fuel usage as a result.
• Engine Overheating: Oil loses its viscosity over time, which makes it more ineffective at regulating engine temperature. This can lead to overheating, and eventually complete engine failure.

Schedule Your Oil Change at Bayer Ford

So, what happens if you don’t get your oil changed? You’ll probably end up on the side of the road in Granbury, and can deal with some expensive repairs. If it’s time to schedule an oil change for your Ford, don’t wait and schedule at our shop in Comanche! For any scheduling questions or our service specials, please don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call at 325-330-8152 and we’ll be happy to help you out.