What Happens If You Don't Get Your Oil Changed?

The interior of your engine includes a large number of moving and reciprocating metal parts that will get damaged if they move without appropriate lubrication. Your engine’s oil keeps those parts lubricated, and thus moving smoothly for long periods of time without issue. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed, then? Over time, your engine’s internal workings will get less and less lubrication as the oil breaks down, and then the engine will fail, requiring a complete rebuild.

Luckily such engine failure is easily and inexpensively avoided with service trips to Bud Clary Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram near %%target_city_1% for regular oil changes. Getting your oil changed at least twice a year or every 5,000-10,000 miles will keep your engine running for a very long time to come. To find out more about oil changes, contact us, and make sure to contact service for all your service and parts needs in the Kent area.

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Here are some more specific functions motor oil has for your vehicle:

• The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away

How Often Should My Vehicle’s Oil be Changed?

For classic vehicles or those driven very hard, it is often recommended to have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but many modern vehicles driven normally will be just fine having oil changes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

How Do I Do an Oil Change Myself?

Check your owner’s manual so you know which type of oil to use, then follow these steps:

1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely – this may take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter and make sure you keep the basin underneath to catch it.
4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal – this ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step.
5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand. Don’t overtighten it.
6. Now that your old oil is completely drained and a new filter is in place, you can remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Finally, replace the oil cap.
7. Before you call it a job well done, you should check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Turn to Bud Clary Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for All Your Automotive Service Needs

If you need service and parts tips for your vehicle in the Federal Way area, you can rely on us. Schedule service with us today!