Its time for an oil change again. Do you ever stop and wonder why you need have this maintenance task performed on a specific schedule? What would happen if you chose not to have the oil in your engine swapped out for fresh new product every 5,000 miles?
The automaker recommends you change this fluid when you reach various mileage levels during your drive, but why do they want you to do this? There are many benefits to having clean oil and changing it regularly; let’s take a look and show you why you need to keep up with regular oil changes.
1. You Need to Protect Your Warranty
Part of the price of your vehicle is built into the warranty coverage offered. The manufacturer offers you the reassurance that your vehicle will work right for at least the mileage of the warranty. If something goes wrong, they will fix it without charging you. To protect your warranty, you, as the owner o the vehicle, are expected to adhere to the maintenance schedule that is outlined in your owner’s manual. One missed appointment could void the entire warranty.
2. You’ll Pass the Emissions Test Every Time
When you adhere to the maintenance schedule, which includes when you need to get an oil change, you’ll keep your vehicle operating smoothly and know you can pass the emissions test. This fluid is required to keep your engine running right, which helps you avoid showing up for the emissions test with a check engine light on, which is a surefire way to make sure you don’t pass. You’ll also know the exhaust fumes meet standard because your car is burning as cleanly as it possibly can.
3. Increases Your Resale Value
Part of the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is regularly changing some of the fluids. This includes the oil, which is swapped out more than any other fluid in your vehicle. With proper maintenance records, you can get more for your vehicle when you’re ready to trade it in for a new model or sell it to another driver. Many consumers request the maintenance records and will turn away from you if you don’t have them for the vehicle you’re trying to sell.
4. Oil Protects the Engine
Gasoline is a solvent which cleans the metal in the piston chamber, but also causes the metal components to swell and grind. Oil does just the opposite. This is the lubricant needed to keep the metal parts of your engine working perfectly. If the oil has broken down, it can’t do its job and protect your engine. This is one of the biggest reasons you need to have a regular oil change schedule. Fresh oil can help keep your engine running right for a long time.
5. Your Engine Will Last Longer
One of the most important factors in using oil in your engine is to make your vehicle last longer. Today, we have oil made of various materials, including synthetic oil that can last much longer than traditional products. Your oil eventually breaks down from wear and tear, creating a gunk that makes it hard for your pistons to move freely in the chamber. If you want your engine to last longer, you need to make sure the oil is refreshed as needed.
6. Vehicle Efficiency
When you don’t achieve the fuel mileage stated for your vehicle, one of the reasons could be old oil. The oil you use not only keeps things lubricated and clean in your engine, but it helps improve performance. When you have an oil change, the filter is also changed. The oil filter works to remove debris and particles from the oil as it flows through the filter. If your filter is old and the oil needs to be changed, your car won’t be as efficient as it should be.
7. Oil Helps to Cool the Engine Components
Without oil in your engine, the metal components would swell and lock up, leaving you without a working vehicle. Oil helps to keep things cooler under the hood. Even though we feel lots of heat coming off of a running engine, this heat is under control because of the lubricating and cooling power of the oil. This product allows minimal friction inside the engine to help you achieve a cool and functioning engine that can last a long time.
8. Regular Oil Changes Help You Pollute Less
Remember that emissions test mentioned above? Well, that test measures the number of pollutants put into the atmosphere. If you don’t have a regular oil change for your vehicle, you will be polluting more and become less eco-friendly. If you want to pollute less, make sure you change the oil when scheduled. This will ensure the product in your engine is cleaning out harmful items you want to avoid sending into the air.
9. Improve the Overall Fuel Mileage of Your Vehicle
Efficiency translates into fuel mileage when travelling. If your oil is dirty, gunky, or old, you won’t get the mileage you desire. With the current price of gas, you need to try and squeeze out all the miles you can from a tank of fuel. The best way to do this is to make sure your car has the right oil and that its changed regularly. This will help increase the mileage you receive when you take your vehicle out on the road.
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