The importance of regularly changing the oil in your car

Why regularly maintaining your car is important

Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to maintain your car's smooth operation and to avoid costly repairs. While you can skip some household chores without significant consequences, neglecting essential car maintenance tasks can compromise the longevity of your vehicle. One of the critical tasks you must not overlook is getting your oil changed promptly. 

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to your car

Failure to do so can result in substantial engine damage and expensive repairs.

Most cars require an oil change every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or at least every 6 months, although some models can go longer between services. While it's easy to forget about regular maintenance, remember that fresh oil is vital to your car's health. Here are three reasons why timely oil changes are crucial:

Fresh oil regulates engine temperature: Engine oil reduces and absorbs heat caused by friction, regulating engine operating temperature. However, as oil ages, it loses its ability to perform this function, exposing the engine to the risk of overheating. Although the cooling system can regulate temperature, the oil's assistance helps prevent costly engine damage.

What's involved in an oil change?

The oil change process removes debris: As oil circulates through the engine, it collects impurities like dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Over time, the oil becomes thick, creating a harsh operating environment that causes the engine's moving parts to work harder. This results in a loss of power and fuel efficiency. During an oil change, the old oil is drained, taking contaminants with it. Fresh oil is added to promote effective operation.

Oil changes ensure proper engine lubrication: Engine oil's primary role is lubricating the motor's moving parts, preventing them from grinding together and causing various engine problems. Without fresh oil, these essential parts will wear down and ultimately lead to engine seizure, requiring expensive repairs. Regular oil changes can avoid these issues.  For more information on servicing your car visit our car servicing page

Can you change your cars oil yourself?

While it is technically possible to change your car's oil yourself, it is not advisable for most people due to the complexity of modern cars. Modern cars are equipped with complex systems and require specialized tools and knowledge to work on. If you do not have the necessary skills and experience, attempting to change your car's oil yourself can lead to mistakes and potentially cause damage to your vehicle.

Additionally, many newer cars have oil change warning lights and electronic monitoring systems that can be affected if the oil is not changed correctly. A small mistake during the oil change process can result in significant problems down the road. Therefore, it is recommended that you take your car to a professional mechanic or oil change service to ensure that the oil is changed correctly and all other necessary checks are performed. This will help ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

Conclusion

timely oil changes are essential to maintain your vehicle's health and longevity. They ensure proper engine lubrication, remove debris, and regulate engine temperature, preventing significant engine damage and costly repairs. So don't skip this crucial maintenance task and keep your car running smoothly for years to come. At Berkshire Car Care, we use premium engine oil and perform oil changes correctly and on time. To make an appointment, use our online contact form or give us a call.