The Importance of Regular Oil Changes: What You Need to Know
Changing the oil in your car is Vehicle Maintenance 101, right up there with learning how to use a dipstick. But it’s also one of those tasks that tends to get put off until “another day.”
You know you need to do it, but do you know why routine oil changes are so important? In this blog post, we’ll cover the importance of scheduling regular oil changes and answer some oil-related questions, like:
- How often should you change your oil?
- What type of oil should you use?
- What happens if you don’t change your oil?
What Is a Car Lubrication System?
The lubrication system in your car is designed to create a slippery barrier that allows all your car’s parts to move smoothly without creating unnecessary or dangerous friction. Without oil — the lifeblood of your engine — your car would not function for very long.
Your car’s lubrication system consists of several different components, all working together to keep your engine running.
Oil pan. When not in use, oil is stored in a reservoir called the sump or oil pan. It’s located at the bottom of the engine, where it holds oil that is ready to be used and collects and cools oil that has run its way through your engine.
Oil pump. If oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, the pump is your car’s heart. It draws the oil from the sump up through the engine, hitting each of the points along the way that need lubrication to function properly.
Oil galleries. These are the metallic veins that pumped oil is pushed through to reach the pistons, crankshaft bearings and camshaft.
Oil filter. To keep the circulatory system analogy going, the filter is like your body’s kidneys. It filters out any impurities or contaminants that have made its way into the oil as it works through the engine.
Benefits of Routine Oil Changes
Given its critical role in keeping your engine running smoothly, changing out your oil isn’t an optional task. Routine oil changes ensure:
- Improved engine performance
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Reduced engine wear and tear
- Prevention of sludge buildup
Without regular oil changes, your car will first become inefficient and eventually seize up and stop working altogether.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
You’ve probably heard that oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. This is true for some older cars, but if you drive a newer car, that number may be closer to 7,500 miles — or even up to 10,000 miles.
You can check the number on your sticker to see when it’s time for your next oil change, but most newer cars have oil-monitoring systems that keep track of it for you. Some are simply mileage-based, but newer monitoring systems can sense when the oil begins to degrade.
Broadly speaking, there are two schedules to follow when it comes to oil changes. Your owner’s manual may refer to them as “normal” and “severe.” These labels refer to the oil change schedule required based on driving conditions.
- Normal. Ideal driving conditions, mostly longer trips on open highways. Change oil every 7,500 miles or every 12 months.
- Severe. Primarily short trips ( 5 miles or fewer) in extremely hot, cold or dusty conditions and sustained stop-and-go movement, or heavy loads for towing. Change about every 3,000 miles.
These labels are useful but could be misleading since about 80% of drivers fall within the severe driving condition category. According to the Autocare Association, more appropriate labels would be “ideal” and “average.” That’s because “Only about 20% of vehicles are regularly driven under ‘normal’ conditions. That means four out of five drivers are in the ‘severe’ driving category.”
Your specific oil change schedule depends on the age and type of car you drive, your driving habits, and the type of oil you choose. Start by consulting your owner’s manual and speaking with your local trusted auto mechanic to find the schedule that works best for your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Car
You have two basic choices for motor oil: conventional and synthetic.
Conventional oil is made from crude oil. It is refined and processed to improve its performance and longevity. Synthetic oil (as the name implies) is made from chemical compounds that mimic conventional oil but have fewer contaminants. The type you choose will depend on what the manufacturer recommends for your car. Check your manual or consult with your mechanic.
Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil
| Feature | Conventional Oil | Synthetic Oil |
| Source | Crude Oil | Chemical compounds |
| Refinement | Basic refining process | Advanced chemical engineering |
| Contaminants | Higher level of impurities | Fewer contaminants |
| Performance | Suitable for standard driving conditions | Better performance under extreme temperatures |
| Engine protection | Adequate but less effective protection | provides superior protection against engine wear |
| Viscosity stability | More prone to viscosity breakdown | More stable viscosity over a wide range of temperatures |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive upfront |
Your car’s manufacturer determines the exact type and weight of oil you use. Check your owner’s manual and consult with your Boyce technician. In some cases, synthetic and conventional oil are interchangeable, but if your manual recommends conventional oil, don’t make the mistake of using synthetic; you’ll only waste money because your car isn’t designed to use synthetic oil to its full effectiveness.
What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?
You should always follow manufacturer recommendations for oil changes and rely on your car’s oil alert system to let you know when it’s time for a change. If you use old oil for too long, the thick, sludge-like oil will make it harder for the engine to move the way it’s supposed to, and your car’s parts and systems will start to wear down.
The increased friction will quickly start to cause damage. Eventually, your engine will seize up and stop working altogether. There’s no fix for this, and you’ll be on the hook for a replacement.
If you notice any of these signs that your car needs an oil change, make an appointment at your nearest Boyce Auto right away:
- Oil change light or check engine light
- Dark or dirty oil
- Increased engine noise or knocking
- Exhaust smoke
Don’t Delay an Oil Change
An oil change is not a service you want to put off or forget about. Stick to your recommended oil change schedule to extend your vehicle’s life and keep the components running safely and efficiently. If you have questions or want to schedule your oil change, get in touch with us at the location nearest to you.
Up Next: What Is a Diagnostic Test on a Car?
