What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Changing your oil is one of the simplest ways to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance, but while the task can seem pretty simple and mundane, not changing our oil regularly can have serious consequences on your engine. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed? Not changing your oil can cause the oil to wear down and become less effective, causing overheating, torn and warped components, and other serious damage. Learn why you should change your oil and how to do so with the service experts at Hendrick Dodge Cary, so you can continue to drive efficiently on the Apex roads. 

What Is the Function of Motor Oil?

What happens if you don’t change your oil? The main thing that happens if you don’t get your oil changed is that the oil wears down and becomes less effective at lubricating your vehicle’s mechanical components. Some crucial functions of your engine’s motor oil include: 

• Reduces friction of moving parts, which causes wear and tear
• Cleans sludge and other debris from the engine
• Aids in neutralizing acids
• Improves piston ring seals
• Cools the engine by moving heat away from unnecessary parts

How to Change Your Vehicle’s Oil

If you don’t like what happens if you don’t change your oil, then the best thing you can do is regularly have your oil changed. Before changing your oil, check your owner’s manual to see what kind of oil your vehicle requires. Then, perform the following: 

1. Using jack stands or steel ramps, jack up your car. 
2. Locate your vehicle’s oil drain plug, which should be on the bottom of your oil pan underneath the engine. 
3. Place an oil basin underneath the plug, then take off the plug and let the oil drain out into the basin. 
4. When the oil has drained out, replace the plug. 
5. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. 
6. Replace the oil filter with a new filter, and rub some oil around the rubber seal to make sure that it’s tight. 
7. Be sure to tighten the new filter by hand. 
8. Remove the oil cap, and pour the specific amount of new oil into your engine. Consult your owner’s manual for a specific amount of oil 
9. Once your oil is replaced, replace the oil cap. 
10. Check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick and seeing where the oil level is at. This way, you can be sure that the oil level is at an appropriate amount. 

If you don’t have any of the parts needed to perform an oil change, then visit our parts store at Hendrick Dodge Cary. If you would rather have our trained technicians handle your vehicle’s oil change, then schedule service at our dealership near Carrboro. 

Recommended Oil Change Frequency

How often should you change your oil? It’s recommended that you change your oil every 7,500-10,000 miles, but this number will vary depending on what kind of vehicle you drive. Consult your owner’s manual for a more exact number or reach out to our service center at Hendrick Dodge Cary in Chapel Hill. Factors like driving habits, oil type, and environment can have an impact on how often you should change your oil. 

Get Your Oil Changed at Hendrick Dodge Cary

If you don’t want to find out the hard way what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, then contact us at Hendrick Dodge Cary to set up a quick and affordable oil change in Cary. See how much our service specials can save you on your next visit to our service center.