The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

The smooth functioning of your car engine is critical to your vehicle’s performance and safety. 

Since your car’s engine is its main power source, you need to ensure it’s running efficiently. Regular oil changes are one of the critical maintenance tasks that help minimise friction in your engine and protect it from overheating.

Regular oil changes are more than just a routine maintenance task. While it may seem like a hassle, carrying out an engine oil change at regular intervals will help you maximise fuel economy.

In this article, we’re discussing the importance of regular oil changes for improved vehicle performance and longevity.   

The Role of Engine Oil

A smoothly running engine offers a safe and easy driving experience. 

Regular oil changes prevent your engine components from getting damaged by heating caused by friction. You need to keep these components well-lubricated to help reduce wear and tear. 

Engine oil also acts as a cleaning agent. An engine oil change helps the oil retain its thermal properties to complement the purpose of a coolant. Without regular oil changes, your car’s engine will likely have reduced efficiency, which could affect the performance of your vehicle.

In Town Automotive‘s award-winning garage offers a range of comprehensive vehicle services, including over 35 car health checks that include engine oil and filter changes. Call us at 01604 666 700 to book your appointment today. 

Here are some of the ways that engine oil is used in your car, and why regular oil changes are important for these functions:

1) Lubrication

Metal components like pistons, valves, and crankshafts need to be well-lubricated as they’re prone to wear and tear from friction and damage from overheating. An engine oil change at home or in a professional workshop can improve their performance and keep your engine functioning at its optimal best.

2) Cleaning and Protection

Regular oil changes protect your car engine from damage caused by contaminants like debris or dirt trapped in oil filters. Follow your car’s manual for engine oil change interval periods to prevent your engine from being damaged by harmful build-up.  

3) Cooling

Car engines generate considerable heat. While coolants prevent your car from overheating, engine oils help regulate thermal temperature in harder-to-reach parts like pistons and camshafts. With that in mind, you should also check your coolant levels during an engine oil change at home. 

4) Performance

Engine oil performs best when it’s free from contamination and dirt. Old oils accumulate microscopic particles and debris that can affect engine efficiency and lower fuel economy. Regular oil changes with high-quality oils can help you prevent contamination and reduce harmful emissions from your car.

The Consequences of Neglecting Oil Changes

By following the instructions in your car’s manual for engine oil change periods or intervals, you’ll keep your engine running optimally. Failing to carry out regular oil changes can affect your engine’s performance and lead to safety risks from overheating.

1) Sludge Build-Up

Engine oil circulates throughout the engine, ensuring there’s no sludge buildup on key engine components. Regular engine oil changes allow for smoother circulation and keep your engine clean. An engine oil change at home is a cost-effective option, as professional sludge cleaning services can be expensive. But if you’re unsure about the process involved, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional garage. 

2) Overheating

Engine oils have thermal properties that dissipate heat, and overheating can damage engine components. Without regular oil changes, old oil loses its efficacy in cooling and protecting your engine. A regular engine oil change can help regulate your engine temperature.

3) Reduced Efficiency

Degraded or contaminated oil loses its ability to flow freely as it thickens with time. This leads to poor fuel efficiency, high emissions, and reduced performance. A regular oil change improves efficiency and reduces wear and tear resulting from acceleration.

When to Change Your Oil

Standard engine oil change periods were created as a general thumb rule to follow for all cars, irrespective of their manufacturers. But with advances in engine technology and oil formulations, these have changed to accommodate newer engines and engine oils for enhanced performance.

While regular oil changes are recommended every 3000 miles, cars with newer engines now have a higher engine oil change period interval of approximately 7500-10000 miles. Keep in mind that these recommendations don’t account for each individual’s driving habits, which is why it’s generally best to have an engine oil change done at least once a year.

We offer DPF cleaning services to ensure maximum fuel efficiency for your diesel vehicle. Get in touch with us at 01604 666 700 to book an appointment today.  

The Benefits of Regular Oil Changes

Maintaining clear, high-quality engine oils can support the performance of your car by keeping the engine clean. This lowers carbon emissions and reduces your likelihood of having to spend money on repairs related to poor oil quality. So, regular oil changes help save costs at the pump.

Here are some of the top benefits of regular engine oil changes in your car:

1) Engine Longevity

Engine components are constantly moving and causing friction, which can lead to overheating. When you replace your engine oil with a fresh batch, it adds a protective layer to your engine parts and regulates thermal temperature to prevent overheating. 

With regular oil changes, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine and prevent sludge build-up, while also minimising corrosion and reducing the likelihood of early engine failure.  

2) Improved Vehicle Performance

Debris and dirt in old or contaminated oil can lead to poor engine performance. Engine oil changes carried out at regular intervals help extend your engine’s life. 

One of the best ways to maintain your car’s performance is to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s manual for the recommended engine oil change period. Or, you might need to change your engine oil based on your usage and driving habits, but we recommend changing oils once every 3-6 months. 

3) Better Fuel Economy

If your car is using more fuel than normal, this indicates that it needs an engine oil change. 

Without regular oil changes, dirty oil can cause increased friction between key engine components. This can affect your car’s mileage and reduce its fuel efficiency. Regular engine oil changes can greatly improve your car’s mileage and help you minimise your carbon emissions. 

Contact In Town Automotive for a Complete Vehicle Service Today 

Everyone wants a smooth driving experience with minimal maintenance, and carrying out regular oil changes is a key step towards achieving this. 

Regular oil changes greatly improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and help you save money in the long run.

At In Town Automotive, we use top-of-the-line diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans. Our technicians are well-equipped to tackle various car issues to support your vehicle’s health. 

To keep your car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more.

Consider visiting our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.