What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

With a hectic schedule, it can be hard to prioritize routine stops on your Honda maintenance schedule. Here at Silko Honda, we understand the challenge of finding time to take on car care projects, so we work hard to offer quick and affordable service. One task our customers often ask about is oil changes. But what happens if you don’t change your oil? Since engine oil lubricates the moving parts under the hood of your vehicle, it serves a critical role in avoiding overheating. 

Without healthy oil, you’ll see an increase in friction and heat from the engine block that can lead to unnecessary damage. Rather than finding out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed firsthand, rely on our Raynham team for your car care needs. Follow our guide below for more service tips!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

As mentioned above, motor oil serves as a lubricant for your car’s engine. Your oil takes on the following tasks during your commute from Brockton to Taunton:

• Reduces wear and tear caused by friction
• Cleans sludge from the engine with dispersants
• Removes varnish from the engine with detergents
• Neutralizes acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine

Take it from us, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t change your oil while you’re driving through Fall River!

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

We’ve touched on what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, but how often should you have the job done? In the past, you were likely told to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. With modern car care technology, most vehicles can travel between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. With that said, it’s a good idea to check your oil roughly once a month to gauge its volume and health. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

If you’re looking to take on a DIY project, learning how to change your oil is a relatively easy task. Start by checking your owner’s manual to see what type of oil you need. Once you have the proper grade of oil, follow these steps to change your oil:

1. Elevate your vehicle with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan and place your oil basin directly beneath it. Unscrew the plug and allow the oil to drain for roughly 15 minutes. 
3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. At this point, you can expect a bit of extra oil to drain out, so keep your basin nearby.
4. Take your new filter and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal. This essential step ensures that your filter will be watertight.
5. Tighten your new filter by hand.
6. Remove your oil cap and add the specified amount of fresh oil. If you’re unsure how much oil to add, your owner’s manual will let you know.
7. Before you go about cleaning up, check your oil level with a dipstick. If you’re still a bit low, slowly add another ounce of oil until the volume is sufficient!

Turn to Silko Honda for Oil Change Service & More

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you can avoid adding undue stress and strain on your engine. From oil changes to major repairs, Silko Honda is here to handle all of your car care needs. Visit us in Raynham when you need automotive service done right!