What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

As your weekly calendar fills up, it can be difficult to find time to keep up with simple tasks like routine automotive maintenance. While we understand the urge to put car care on the back burner, our service pros strongly recommend caring for your vehicle in a timely manner. That includes simple tasks like tire rotations and oil changes. But what happens if you don’t change your oil? As your oil breaks down over time, it becomes less effective at lubricating the moving parts of your engine, reducing heat, and preventing friction. If your engine gets too hot, you could end up with warped or damaged components. Read on below to learn more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed with Sid Dillon Nissan!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil serves as a lubricant for the moving parts of your engine. More precisely, your oil is tasked with the following during your commute from Omaha to Beatrice:

• Reduce wear and tear caused by friction
• Remove sludge when oil contains dispersants
• Clean varnish from the engine when oil contains detergents
• Neutralize acids, improve piston ring seals, keep the engine cool 

Take our word for it, you don’t want to discover what happens if you don’t change your oil while driving through Kearny!

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

If you’re not too keen on learning what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, how often should you have your oil replaced? In the past, you may have been told to get fresh oil every 3,000 miles. Today, this is no longer prudent advice. Thanks to the advancements in car design and service technology, most vehicles can travel between 7,500 miles and 10,000 miles before an oil change is needed. Be sure to check your owner’s manual or consult with our team if you’re unsure when to book your next oil change!

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

Looking to handle your next oil change in your own garage? First, determine what grade of oil your vehicle requires, then follow these steps: 

1. Elevate your vehicle using jack stands or steel ramps. 
2. Look under your engine to find your oil drain plug found on the bottom of your oil pan. Place your oil basin beneath it and unscrew the plug. Allow the old oil to drain for 15 minutes. Once you’re certain the oil has drained completely, replace the plug.
3. Locate your oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. At this step, some extra oil is likely to leak, so keep your basin handy to catch it. 
4. Rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal of the new filter. This step ensures that the filter is watertight.
5. Put the new filter in place and tighten it by hand. 
6. Remove your oil cap and pour the specified amount of oil into the basin. You can find out how much oil your vehicle needs by referring to your owner’s manual. Replace the oil cap.
7. Before cleaning up, be sure to check your oil level with your dipstick. If you’re below the proper volume, slowly add a few more ounces of oil and check again. Repeat this process until you’ve reached a sufficient level of oil!

Rely On Sid Dillon Nissan for Oil Change Services and More!

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you’re ready to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. While you’re always welcome to take on a DIY oil change project, you can schedule service with us if you’d rather let the professionals handle your car care needs. What’s more, we offer exciting service specials to help you save when you visit us in Lincoln. In the meantime, feel free to contact our service team with any automotive questions!

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