November 5, 2024
What If I Don’t Change My Oil?
we see a lot of drivers that forget to change their oil at regular intervals, or simply do not know when those intervals occur. Any good mechanic will tell you one of the easiest ways to properly maintain your car is to change it regular. They’ll also contact you to remind you before it’s time to have it changed so that you’re not causing unnecessary damage to your engine.
In an ideal world, we’d all have our oil changed like clockwork, but unfortunately, life can get in the way. When it does, it’s all-too-easy to ignore what we can’t see–like what’s going on under the hood of our casr. Although changing your oil is easy and fast–especially for a trained mechanic–failing to do so can cause serious, irreversible harm to your vehicle.
What is engine oil for?
Oil is designed to perform multiple vital functions: cooling the engine, cleaning, sealing, and lubricating. It’s vital to your car’s health, performance, and longevity. To help drivers better understand the importance of regular oil changes, we spoke to a Master Mechanic about what could happen if you don’t change it.
A ‘Dirty’ Engine
If you leave your oil circulating through your engine for too long, dirt and debris will start to build up, which can cause your oil filter to clog. Dirty oil is thick and has abrasive metals in it that can cause expedited wear and tear to your engine. Not something you want.
It’s Getting Hot in Here
The most common symptom we see when drivers forget to change it is an overheating engine. If left unattended, your engine components could overheat to the point that they begin to warp and seize.
Engine Failure
When a driver puts it change off for (far) too long, this could leave them with a completely failed engine. Over time, the wear and tear caused by dirty oil could lead to a damaged engine block, which isn’t something you ever want to hear your mechanic say. As the heart of your vehicle, replacing the engine usually costs too much to justify, and most drivers choose to sell their car at that point.
How long will a car run if you never change the oil?
A car can run without an oil change for a limited time, but neglecting this crucial maintenance will eventually lead to severe engine damage and failure. The exact duration depends on several factors, but here’s what typically happens:
1. How Long the Engine Will Last Without an Oil Change:
- Modern engines: If you skip oil changes, a car might run for 5,000 to 10,000 miles before showing signs of damage. Some vehicles might last longer, but this greatly increases wear and tear.
- Older engines: Older cars or those with high mileage may fail more quickly if oil is not changed because they rely more heavily on clean, effective lubrication.
2. What Happens If You Never Change the Oil:
- Oil Degradation:
- Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating engine components.
- Additives in the oil deplete, reducing its ability to clean and protect the engine.
- Contaminant Buildup:
- Dirt, metal particles, and combustion byproducts accumulate in the oil, forming sludge that clogs passages and reduces oil flow.
- Increased Friction and Heat:
- Without proper lubrication, engine parts rub against each other, generating excessive heat and causing wear.
- Engine Overheating:
- Degraded oil cannot effectively remove heat, leading to overheating, which can warp or crack engine components.
- Catastrophic Failure:
- Eventually, the engine will seize or break down entirely due to the lack of lubrication, resulting in costly repairs or the need for a full engine replacement.
3. Signs of Neglect:
- Check engine light comes on.
- Increased engine noise (knocking or ticking sounds).
- Burning oil smell.
- Reduced fuel efficiency.
- Overheating.
Why Regular Oil Changes Are Crucial:
Changing the oil as recommended by your car’s manufacturer (usually every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or every 6-12 months) ensures:
- Proper lubrication and reduced wear.
- Efficient engine cooling.
- Cleaner engine internals, preventing sludge formation.
- Improved fuel efficiency and performance.
Conclusion:
Skipping oil changes might save time and money in the short term, but it can lead to irreversible damage that costs thousands in repairs. To maximize your car’s lifespan, stick to a regular oil change schedule and monitor the oil level and condition.