Why is an engine oil change so important for car maintenance?

When you’re busy, it’s easy to put off basic maintenance tasks such as changing the oil in your car. And many people only attend to servicing and other vehicle maintenance once their car is either already broken down - or running so badly that it’s only a matter of time before it does!

Changing the oil in your car is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.

Why is old engine oil a problem?

The main purpose of engine oil is to lubricate your engine and keep it running smoothly.

You should always keep your engine oil topped up so that it doesn’t run out. But what if you already have engine oil that’s been sitting in your car for a while?

Like most things, engine oil doesn’t last forever. It contains certain additives that break down over time, making it less effective as a lubricant.

If left unchanged for long enough, old engine oil can turn into a sort of sludge. When it’s sprayed into your engine, this thick and viscous fluid can actually cause clogs. This can cause serious damage to your engine, leading to an unexpected breakdown and expensive repairs.

So changing your engine oil is incredibly important for vehicle maintenance!

Top 5 benefits of changing your engine oil regularly

1) Clean engine oil protects against corrosion

Natural elements such as moisture, dirt and dust can easily enter an engine and cause corrosion. But your engine oil gives a protective coating that keeps the engine free of these elements for longer.

Dirty engine oil that hasn’t been replaced recently can add to the problem. And it’ll cause significant damage in the long run if it’s not addressed.

2) Clean engine oil cools components

Your engine generates a lot of heat from combustion and friction while it’s running. So it’s important that it can to release this heat effectively.

Keeping your engine oil fresh and filled up lets you reduce the risk of engine overheating. That means you can avoid a lot of expensive damage that could put your car out of commission for good.

3) Clean engine oil saves you money

In the short term, making sure your engine oil is regularly cleaned and topped up gives you better fuel efficiency. And the less fuel you use, less you you have to spend at the pump.

In the longer term, keeping on top of your vehicle maintenance can add years to your vehicle’s working lifespan. It also ensure that depreciation remains at a minimum so you get a better price for a second-hand sale.

4) Clean engine oil lowers your emissions

Reducing your vehicle’s carbon emissions isn’t just about protecting the environment.

As part of your MOT, your vehicle will undergo an emissions test. This involves measuring how many hydrocarbons are released from your exhaust while your car is running.

Old, dirty engine oil causes a build-up of hydrocarbons. This causes more particles to be released, resulting in a higher emissions score.

Vehicle emissions above a certain level can cause your car to fail its MOT, meaning you can’t legally take it on the road. This can be a serious problem if you rely on your vehicle for work or other important things in your life.

Regularly changing your engine oil, especially before an MOT, helps you reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment and keep your vehicle road legal.

5) Clean engine oil saves you stress

Is there anything more stressful than being abandoned on the side of a road with an engine that’s let you down?

Breakdowns are inconvenient and costly, and they can cause major hassle. Replacing your engine oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your car is always reliable and safe.

How often should I change my engine oil?

Your vehicle’s engine is its most important component. And it requires maintenance and care if you are to get the very best out of it.

As a general rule of thumb, the oil and oil filter should be changed every few months (or every 3-6,000 miles, depending on what comes sooner).

Book vehicle servicing with Ablefit in Bristol

Ablefit is on hand to perform cost-effective and professional engine oil and filter changes. Along with other servicing requirements, and we also provide tyre fitting, brakes, exhausts and batteries, and alignments, balancing and suspension too.

Get in touch today to book your car in for a little bit of TLC!