Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance services you can do for your vehicle. At Metric Motors, we recommend changing your oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles—whichever comes first—when using full synthetic oil. But why is this so important, and what happens if you put off your next oil change? Let’s break it down.
What Does Engine Oil Do?
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It performs several essential functions, including:
- Lubrication: Oil coats the moving parts of your engine to reduce friction and wear. Without proper lubrication, engine components would grind against each other, leading to severe damage.
- Cooling: As oil circulates, it helps regulate engine temperature by dissipating heat. Without clean oil, your engine can overheat, leading to breakdowns or even catastrophic failure.
- Cleaning: Oil picks up dirt, debris, and microscopic metal shavings from your engine and carries them to the oil filter. Over time, old oil gets saturated with contaminants and turns into sludge.
- Corrosion Prevention: High-quality synthetic oils contain additives that help protect metal components from rust and corrosion.
What Happens If You Go Past Your Due Date?
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to delay an oil change. However, waiting too long can have serious consequences:
1. Oil Breakdown and Sludge Formation
Over time, oil loses its ability to lubricate properly. It thickens into sludge, which clogs vital passages and restricts the flow of oil, leading to poor engine performance.
2. Increased Engine Wear
Dirty, degraded oil doesn’t protect your engine as it should. This leads to excessive wear on parts like pistons, camshafts, and bearings—leading to costly repairs or even engine failure.
3. Overheating Risks
When oil gets old, it loses its cooling properties. This can cause your engine to run hotter than it should, increasing the risk of overheating and severe damage.
4. Lower Fuel Efficiency
Old, dirty oil increases friction inside the engine, forcing it to work harder. This reduces fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll be spending more at the gas pump.
5. Risk of Complete Engine Failure
The worst-case scenario? Running on old oil or letting your engine run dry can cause total engine failure. This could lead to a complete engine rebuild or replacement, which is far more expensive than a simple oil change.
Stay on Schedule with Metric Motors
Oil changes are a simple, affordable way to keep your vehicle running smoothly and extend its lifespan. At Metric Motors, we make it easy to stay on top of your oil changes with expert service and high-quality synthetic oils.
📅 When’s the last time you changed your oil? If you’re due (or overdue), schedule an appointment with us today!
👉 Book your oil change now [Insert Booking Link]
Taking care of your car today means fewer headaches (and expenses) down the road. Don’t let old oil cost you thousands—keep your engine protected with regular oil changes at Metric Motors!
