Your engine relies on oil to keep its many moving parts running smoothly and efficiently. Acting as a lubricant, oil reduces friction and prevents components from grinding, overheating, or locking up. But over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness. If it’s been too long since your last oil change, you might be wondering what’s at risk.
Here’s what you can expect if you delay too long:
- Accelerated engine wear: Engine oil lubricates moving parts like pistons and valves, reducing friction and wear. Over time, it breaks down and loses effectiveness. Without regular changes, this can lead to increased friction, heat, component damage, and reduced engine performance.
- Overheating: Engine oil helps regulate temperature by dissipating heat from areas the coolant can’t reach. Clean, high-quality oil is essential in preventing overheating, especially under severe conditions. As oil ages and breaks down, it thickens and loses its ability to absorb heat, increasing the risk of engine overheating, blown gaskets, and warped components.
- Sludge accumulation and engine contamination: Engine oil also cleans by removing dirt and combustion by-products. Over time, these can form sludges, clog passages, and restrict oil flow. Without regular oil changes, this leads to oil starvation, increased wear, power loss, and potential engine failure.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Old or degraded engine oil creates more friction between engine parts, making the engine work harder to perform. This added strain increases fuel consumption, typically by 1–2% and can also cause the engine to emit more pollutants as the oil begins to burn.
- Voided warranty: A new car comes with a manufacturer warranty, but failing to follow the recommended maintenance schedule—like regular oil changes—can void it. If engine damage occurs and service records don’t meet factory specifications, repair costs may fall entirely on you.
Stay ahead of oil issues
To protect your engine and avoid costly repairs, get into the habit of checking your oil level regularly, ideally every time you fill up with gas. Spotting low oil early can help prevent serious engine damage.
Even with routine checks, oil loss can still happen. If it does, follow these steps:
- Check the oil level: Make it part of your fuel stop routine.
- Top off if needed: Always use the correct viscosity recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Address persistent loss: If your oil level keeps dropping, have a technician inspect your vehicle to identify and repair the cause.
A quick check now can save you from major engine trouble later.
Signs you need an oil change
Your car may be overdue for an oil change if you notice:
- Loud engine noise – Lack of lubrication causes grinding sounds.
- Poor fuel economy – Old oil makes the engine work harder.
- Reduced power – Sluggish performance can signal oil issues.
- Burning smell – Dirty oil may produce a burnt odor under the hood.
What you should know before changing your oil
Before getting an oil change, always check your owner’s manual and consider these factors:
- Vehicle age: Newer engines may go longer between oil changes, while older ones typically need more frequent service.
- Oil type: Full synthetic oils last longer and offer better protection than conventional oils.
- Driving habits: Towing, off-roading, or stop-and-go driving puts extra stress on your engine and may require more frequent oil changes.
- Local climate: Extreme heat and cold can affect oil performance and engine efficiency.
Don’t forget: The oil filter should be replaced every time you change the oil. It traps dirt and debris, and a clogged filter can restrict oil flow, reducing engine protection.
Routine oil and filter changes are a small investment that can help prevent costly engine damage down the road. Consider using Ultra1Plus™ motor oil, premium quality at a competitive price. Explore our products at U1P Shop to find the right oil for your engine's needs.
We hope these recommendations help you maintain your vehicle with confidence.
