What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Drivers in Rye and Stamford lead busy lives, and it’s easy to let things slide – including car maintenance. So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? It’s not pretty. Motor oil breaks down and is contaminated with debris over time, which means it can no longer lubricate your engine components properly.

The result is overheating, warping, and other costly damages. Learn more about what happens when you don’t change your oil with Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, and schedule your next oil change with us in Greenwich!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

We’ve touched on what happens if you don’t get an oil change, but why is motor oil so important in the first place? 

• Motor oil helps engine components move smoothly, reducing friction and wear and tear.
• Motor oil with dispersants cleans sludge from the engine, while detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine.
• Motor oil can also neutralize acids in the fuel, which reduces heat and improve piston ring seals.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

In the past, technicians recommended an oil change every 3,000 miles. Now cars are more durable and motor oil is more sophisticated, so most New Canaan drivers can go between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. Those who put vehicles through their paces with racing, towing, and off-roading might need more frequent maintenance – so don’t hesitate to reach out to our service center for advice!

Problems That Arise from Not Changing Oil

What happens when you don’t change your oil ever? Here’s the worst-case scenario:

• Weakened Performance: Oil leaves carbon deposits behind as it breaks down, which can clog your engine components. The result is a weaker performance that doesn’t live up to its potential.
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: When oil breaks down, it can also slip under seals and rings to enter the combustion chamber of your engine. This leads to burning up excess fuel, tanking your efficiency, and causing smoke.
• Engine Overheating: Fresh oil helps to regulate the temperature of your engine, but old oil lacks the proper viscosity and additives necessary to get the job done. If you wait long enough, this will cause total engine failure.

Visit Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich for Oil Change Service and More

So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? You don’t want to find out! So when it’s time for your next maintenance service, visit our team at Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. We’re here for all your maintenance and service needs, and we have plenty of rotating specials to help you say even more. Contact us today or schedule your appointment online!