Why do I need to change my car oil regularly?

Recently we have had a lot of new customers book-in saying they have missed their last service (sometimes a few services) on their car.  It is really important to have your car serviced regularly as per the manufacturers service interval.

Two things that are replaced EVERY TIME your car is serviced is the Oil and Oil Filter

Oil is the most important element when it comes to keeping our cars running well and efficiently.  So regularly checking oil levels and completing routine oil changes, prevents unnecessary wear and tear, and expensive repairs.

Oil is what keeps the engine running effectively and the engine is what makes and keeps the car running.

No oil = no engine = car no go.  

Oil’s primary role is to act as a lubricant between moving metallic parts. With very high levels of heat present in the cars engine and friction between moving parts creating even more heat, oil acts as lubricant keeping friction low, and preventing metal parts rubbing on each other.

With low or contaminated oil, the moving parts will be rubbing on each other, this rubbing causes high friction(heat) and the heat will cause the components to expand. This expansion will in turn cause the moving parts to ‘bind’ up or seize, as the modern engine is built with extremely tight tolerances. Generally, when a seizure occurs expensive bits break – an engine seizure is as bad as it sounds. Some customers have been known to have a seizure of their own when quoted for the repairs.

Bent pistons & conrod in an engine because the moving parts seized up from lack of oil (lubricant)

So now we know why it’s important to maintain oil levels but why do we have to change the oil altogether?

In addition to being a lubricant, oil also acts as a detergent designed to collect any particles that may be in the engine.

If not changed the oil will become full of particles and motor debris, causing it to become black sludge and not work effectively as a lubricant. As mentioned this will result in the engine overheating and you sitting at a bus stop checking your Facebook Newsfeed for the 54^th time that morning.

Checking your oil levels once a week and sticking to routine services really can save you a lot of time and money!

Two Commodore Rocker Cover’s – the left has been regularly serviced & had oil changes. The right hasn’t and the oil has sludg’ed up which will considerably reduce the life of the engine as it will be starved of oil.

Check out this video on how to check your oil levels!