How Regular Oil Changes Preserve Your Vehicle

If there is one piece of automotive advice that is given more than any other, it is this one – you need to have your oil changed regularly. Assuming you own a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, that engine uses oil, and the oil needs to be replaced on a regular, consistent basis.

Despite the popularity of this tip, there are still plenty of vehicle owners who push back on the importance of this maintenance task. Whether they just let it slide for a while or completely ignore the need to go in for an oil change, some car and truck owners aren’t convinced that oil changes are all that important. With this post, we’d like to explain a bit about why it is important to keep up with your oil change schedule and just how frequently you should be coming in to have it changed.

When the time comes to have your oil changed in the Sandpoint area, Taylor & Sons Chevrolet should be your first call. We make oil changes easy and affordable, and our service department is also
ready to take care of any other maintenance needs you may have. Take a moment today to give us a call and schedule an appointment.

Why Engines Need Oil

Let’s back up for a moment and look at the bigger picture – why do engines need oil in the first place? Engines are complex machines with numerous moving parts that operate at high speeds and temperatures. Engine oil serves as a lubricant, reducing friction between these components, which prevents excessive wear and tear. Without fresh oil, and enough of it, the friction in the engine would quickly lead to serious damage.

Additionally, oil acts as a coolant, absorbing heat generated by the engine and transferring it away. The oil also helps in sealing gaps between the piston rings and cylinder walls, ensuring optimal compression and preventing loss of power. As if all of that wasn’t enough, it also helps to keep the engine clean by trapping dirt, debris, and combustion byproducts, preventing them from accumulating and causing damage.

The Value of Regular Oil Changes

Now that we have a clearer picture of what the oil is doing in your engine and why it is so important, we can get back to the topic at hand. Why are regular oil changes so important? The advice to keep up with oil changes is handed out regularly, over and over again, and for good reason. It’s accurate advice, and it is rooted in the science of how engines and oil work together to move vehicles down the road.

Over time, engine oil becomes contaminated with impurities, loses its lubricating properties, and breaks down due to heat and friction. This deterioration affects its ability to protect the engine effectively.

Here are some key reasons why old oil needs to be changed regularly –
• Reduced Lubrication. As oil ages, it becomes less effective at lubricating engine components. This can result in increased friction and wear, leading to premature engine failure and costly repairs.
• Accumulated Deposits. Oil circulating through the engine accumulates dirt, sludge, and other contaminants. These deposits can clog oil passages, restricting the flow and compromising the engine’s performance.
• Increased Heat. As oil breaks down, its ability to absorb and dissipate heat decreases. This can cause the engine to overheat, leading to potential damage to vital engine components.
• Poor Fuel Efficiency. Dirty and degraded oil can increase friction and drag on engine parts, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes help maintain optimal engine performance and maximize fuel economy.

These points make it clear – you have a lot to lose if you decide to skip out on oil changes. Between diminished performance in the short term and potentially a shorter life span for your vehicle in the long run, making the time to have regular oil changes performed seems like an easy choice.

Oil Changes Aren’t the Only Maintenance Needed

Yes, it’s easy to argue that oil changes are the single most important aspect of caring for your vehicle over the long run. But that doesn’t mean that oil changes alone are going to get the job done.

There are other elements at play here, including the following –
• Fluid Checks and Changes. Regularly inspect and replace other vital fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. These fluids play critical roles in the vehicle’s various systems and need to be in good condition to function properly.
• Air Filter Replacement. The air filter prevents dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, it becomes clogged and restricts airflow, reducing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Regularly replacing the air filter ensures optimal engine operation.
• Tire Maintenance. Proper tire maintenance is essential for safety and longevity. Regularly check tire pressure, rotate tires, and inspect for tread wear. This not only enhances vehicle handling and performance but also improves fuel efficiency.
• Battery Care. Keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion. Inspect the battery regularly and replace it when necessary. Extreme temperatures and age can impact battery performance, so ensuring a well-maintained battery is essential for vehicle reliability.
• Regular Inspections. Schedule regular inspections with a trusted mechanic to identify potential issues before they become major problems. These inspections should cover various vehicle components, including belts, hoses, suspension, and brakes.

Staying ahead of the maintenance demands of your vehicle is an important part of owning a car or truck. Once you get into the habit of addressing ongoing maintenance consistently, you’ll find that it doesn’t actually take up that much time, and it can be rather affordable.

Consistency is Key

Are regular oil changes important? In a word, yes. Keeping up with your oil change schedule is one of the best things you can do for your vehicle, and Taylor & Sons Chevrolet will make it easy to do so. Trust our team to handle your oil changes and other maintenance and repair tasks and you’ll always be treated fairly. We appreciate your time and hope to have an opportunity to serve you soon!

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