What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

In Tallahassee, life can get busy and it’s hard to squeeze in necessary vehicle maintenance. However, at Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet we’re here to help you schedule service and learn what happens if you don’t change your oil. When your motor oil breaks down over time, it becomes less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts like it should. Learn what happens if you don’t get your oil changed and how often to change your oil with our expert service department!

What Is the Purpose of Motor Oil? 

Motor oil acts as a lubricant for your engine. Quincy drivers should know the following about motor oil: 

• Motor oil is meant to reduce the breakdown of moving components due to friction. 
• Motor oil combined with dispersants is meant to clean dirt from the engine. 
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine, too. 
• When motor oil is changed routinely, it helps to neutralize acids that can form. 

You definitely do not want to get firsthand experience with what happens if you don’t change your oil — in short, a very expensive and very dangerous result. 

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

Now that we let you know what happens if you don’t change your oil, we suggest learning how to change the oil yourself to help with your busy Havana calendar:

1. On level ground, raise your car with steel ramps or jack stands.
2. Find your oil drain plug underneath the oil pan, place an oil basin under the plug then unscrew the plug to drain the oil. Replace the plug once the oil has been drained. 
3. Find your old oil filter, then remove it with your oil filter wrench. Extra oil might drain out as you remove the filter, so be sure to leave the oil basin in place as a catcher.
4. Rub a little bit of engine oil around the rubber seal of your new filter. This will help the filter stay watertight. 
5. Put the new filter in place and tighten strongly by hand, not with the wrench. 
6. Remove your oil cap. Pour in the correct amount of new oil your vehicle requires. Double check your owner’s manual for the exact amount, then replace the oil cap once you’ve added the oil. 
7. Check your oil level using the dipstick. If it’s too low, be sure to add another ounce then check again.

Visit Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet for Oil Service! 

Now that you’re aware of what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, contact us at Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet near Crawfordville to schedule an appointment for your new or used model. Want to learn more service tips before visiting us? Check out our quick guide on what antifreeze is used for!