Have you ever completely ignored getting an oil change until the warning light pops up on the dashboard of your car? Even then, you may think “I’ll do it later.” But how often are you really going to do it later, especially with the various obstacles life throws each day. If you want to ensure the long-term health and maintenance of your car, you’d be best off doing an oil change as soon as you’re either back home or at the nearest gas station. Let’s take a look at the five most important reasons to never miss this simple, yet crucial service for your car.
1. Enhanced Engine Performance
Maintaining the performance of your engine is simply not possible without fresh oil changes. Most car experts recommend changing your oil every 12 months, but this timeline can change depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle. Over time and with constant use on the road, a car’s oil gage becomes clogged with particles and grime, neither of which is ideal. Because of this, the engine can become compromised when it is only being fed crude oil. If you notice your car engine making funny sounds when you turn the ignition on, this can be a surefire sign that your car needs an oil replacement.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency
A hidden benefit of regular oil changes is that your car can actually end up getting better fuel economy, and thus having to put gas in the tank less frequently. Because the engine runs more smoothly and effectively with less friction in the system, it then uses less gasoline and operates at a more efficient pace. Consider this analogy: the difference between running in old, worn-out shoes and well-fitting ones just bought at Under Armour.
3. Extended Engine Life
Since buying an automobile should be seen as a long-term investment, of course you want to preserve its life for as long as possible. Keeping up with oil changes ensures that debris and sludge don’t get caught up in the engine, which would likely otherwise slow down its performance. If you’re really thinking long-term, then taking these proactive measures will also result in less expensive repairs years away.
4. Environmental Benefits
Saving the Earth and keeping it livable for future generations is a frequent conversation nowadays. A major part of this talktrack is the impact of cars on the environment. If you’re a green-friendly person like myself, you’ll pay extra attention to the amount of emissions your car burns. This naturally occurs when your vehicle is running on clean oil. In fact, there are many locations where you may recycle oil, lowering pollution and taking a step to help the world around you. The next time you look for an “oil change near me,” you’re not only being environmentally conscious, but also likely putting years of usage back onto your car as well.
5. Safety and Reliability
Nothing is more annoying than finding yourself stranded on the side of the road due to an issue that your mechanic might have fixed – in fact, it happened to me just recently due to not paying close enough attention to the car’s oil situation before getting on the highway. Maintaining your car’s functionality and preventing unexpected breakdowns is made significantly easier – not to mention less stressful – with routine oil changes. It will most definitely ease your mind to know your car is dependable and safe when on a long journey.