Auto Service Tips: How Oil Change Can Save and Prolong Your Vehicle’s Life

Just as your body needs blood and water to function properly, your car needs various kinds of fluid to operate as well. One fluid that is particularly essential to your car’s health is the motor oil. It lubricates the engine to reduce wear and friction as well as filter out contaminants, which could potentially harm the engine parts.

Unlike gasoline, which is burned and replaced very often, oil can be resupplied into the engine over and over. However, oil isn’t made to last forever. Over time, it will accumulate debris and some of its contents will evaporate until all that is left is a thick, dark fluid that might cause severe damage on the engine. Here are some of the most prominent reasons why changing oil on a regular basis is crucial.

Prevents Over-Heating

Friction is the number one enemy of a car engine. This force created by rubbing two objects is known to produce heat. Unfortunately, a car engine works by forcing different parts to move and slide against each other, so you can imagine how much friction and heat it generates. By soaking these engine parts with oil while running, some of the heat generated by the moving engine parts are transferred to the oil, allowing the whole engine to cool down rapidly.

Keep Particles and Sludge at Bay

Your car engine is designed to be so compact that it has no room even for tiny debris. These debris, whether they come from an external source or from the worn parts themselves, can damage the engine as motor oil carries them around. This is why it is very important to have the oil replaced when it has already accumulated excessive amounts of debris. One good sign that the oil is due for changing is when the engine starts to make strange noises.

Saves Energy and Increases Efficiency

Dirty oil can slow down the engine because it no longer lubricates parts effectively. Regrettably, the amount of fuel the engine burns per given time remains the same. Meaning, the engine needs to work harder to accelerate when it has insufficient or contaminated oil in it. By changing your car’s motor oil regularly, you can enjoy speed and save fuel at the same time.

Prolongs the Life of Your Car

Don’t wait until every component of your engine gets all worn down before you send your car to a GM certified auto service provider in Portland for an oil change. Although some of your friends may suggest that you perform the oil change yourself, it is always better to have it done by a professional technician to avoid mistakes that might end up needing costly repair. Regular oil change can keep each part of the engine in top shape, consequently prolonging the life of your car.

To make sure that you will be using the right motor oil on your engine, consult with a professional mechanic first. Usually, they’ll provide more information about oil change than the name of the best brand alone. If you’re lucky, they can even have a look at your engine and give some more professional advice, which most people could not get for free.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet: As a GM certified automotive service center, Mcloughlin Chevy is Oregon’s go-to resource for the best automotive car services, new or used vehicles, auto parts, and comprehensive information about the latest Chevy car models. Whether you want to purchase a new or pre-owned unit or simply want to experience our world-class auto repair and maintenance approach, you are welcome to stop by and check us out.

"Honesty, Integrity is our No.1 Priority, When it comes to GM vehicles, you can count on us!"

- Monty Eby -

(Service Director – McLoughlin Chevrolet)

Sources:

What Does Motor Oil Do?, familyhandyman.com

What is friction?, khanacademy.or