If you’ve bought your first car, you must be feeling quite excited. Many people dream about the day when they own a car and sit in the driver’s seat. Car ownership is, certainly, one of the best feelings, but it also comes with some responsibilities. With all the excitement of your new car, you shouldn’t forget the responsibilities that come along with the driver’s license. To ensure safe and pleasant driving, routine car maintenance is crucial. Your car’s performance depends on by getting it checked from time to time. From tires to engine filters, many things need to be checked timely. The most important element of routine maintenance is the oil change. This process involves removing the old oil from a vehicle’s engine and replacing it with the new one. Are you now wondering why you need to change the oil in your car?
Why do You need to Change Engine Oil Regularly?
All vehicles have several moving parts that rub against each other and friction is created. Oil is needed to lubricate these moving parts and absorb heat. It is the engine oil that reduces friction and prevents overheating. However, over time, oil breaks down, and its ability to absorb heat and lubricate the engine reduces. It’s important to change the oil before it wears out to avoid serious engine issues. Now, you may ask how to know it’s time to change the oil. Well, it’s recommended to change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. However, many factors determine how often you need an oil change such as your driving habit, climate, engine age, oil quality, and more. The best quality automobile oil can help you go even more than 5,000 miles without an oil change. However, waiting too long for an oil change should be avoided to prevent trouble. Here are some more reasons why changing engine oil is a vital part of routine car maintenance.
1. Engine Performance & Lifespan
As discussed above, oil reduces friction and overheating which results in enhancing the efficiency of the engine. Fresh oil helps your car’s engine achieve peak performance. Engines contain numerous parts that move at high speeds. Changing the oil on a regular basis keeps these parts properly lubricated, reducing the amount of heat produced by the engine. Oil changes also remove dirt and debris from your engine, which causes it to run slower. Moreover, oil can help in extending the life of the engine. A regular engine oil change keeps the engine debris-free resulting in extending the life of your vehicle.
2. Improves Mileage
Oil changes on a regular basis are beneficial to both your engine and your wallet. You might not know that regular oil changes can improve gas mileage. This is because friction is responsible for slowing down your engine, increasing the frequency with which you visit the pump. Fresh oil keeps your engine lubricated, enabling your car to go further. Old sticky oil and grime force the engine to work harder to produce power. This not only burns more fuel but also wears down the engine. Proper lubrication reduces the strain on your engine and improves fuel consumption.
3. Prevent Costly Repairs
Oil reduces strain on the engine is under less strain, resulting in minimizing the wear and tear parts experience. It keeps components cool by reducing friction and keeping heat away from sensitive parts. By preventing overheating, as well as components, wear and tear, oil lowers the risk of costly repairs down the road. An oil change is a low-cost procedure that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. This quick and affordable maintenance routine is a far better option than risking serious engine damage that could cost a lot more.