What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

All of us here at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram know that life in Olathe can get hectic. We understand that at times, life happens, and getting motivated to get your car’s oil changed is the last thing you’re thinking about. But given how oil changes work, it’s important. Perhaps it will help to remember that while occasionally missing your oil change interval and going over may be no big deal, regular oil changes are an essential part of a car’s maintenance schedule. The Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram service center has more details below, so read on or contact us for more information!

What Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil — sometimes also called motor oil, or simply oil — acts as a lubricant for your engine. More specifically, oil helps your Overland Park vehicle in the following ways:

• The main job of oil is to decrease wear and tear on moving parts in your engine due to friction associated with the combustion process.
• Motor oil with dispersants helps clean sludge from your engine.
• Detergents found in motor oil can help clean varnish from the engine.
• Fuels form acids in the engine over time. Regularly changing your car’s oil can break these up, improving piston ring seals, and cooling the engine by moving heat away.

In sum, you don’t want to wait to find out what happens if you don’t get your oil changed over time. At first your car will probably run inefficiently. Over time, sludge will build up. Oil will, then, no longer be able to pull heat away from your engine. Then, your car could overheat, and the engine could seize, becoming all but useless.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

It used to be said that you should have an oil change every 3,000 miles, but these days, most drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. However, every driver has different habits and every vehicle is different. If you drive long distances every day, for instance, you may need an oil change more frequently.

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

Wondering how to change your oil on your own? Here are the steps to performing a DIY oil change in Gardner or Springhill:

1. Jack your car up using jack stands or ramps.
2. Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan. It’s probably underneath your engine.
3. Next, put an oil basin directly underneath the drain plug.
4. Unscrew the drain plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely – this could take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
5. Find your vehicle’s oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit more oil to drain out (so make sure you keep the basin underneath to catch it).
6. Grab your new oil filter. Rub some oil around the rubber seal – this will ensure that your filter is watertight. DO NOT skip this step.
7. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand. DO NOT over tighten.
8. Your old oil will have been fully drained by now. With a new filter 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. Next, replace the oil cap.
9. Check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick or checking the digital guage, if applicable. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’ve finished the job!

Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is Here for All Your Service Needs!

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed over time, you’re in a much better position to take Lenexa by storm in your well-oiled machine! Whether you drive a Dodge, Jeep, RAM, or Chrysler, getting regular oil changes is an important part of maintenance. Ready to schedule your next oil change? Use our online service scheduler now! Be sure to check out our service specials while you’re at it. Car maintenance is more than just oil changes, so it’s important to understand the general car maintenance schedule. Learn more with the experts at our dealership today.