Everyone knows that oil changes and routine maintenance in Conway, AR are the keys to keeping your car running smoothly, right? Then why is it that so many people, including foreign car owners, neglect to routinely change their oil? At Riverdale Automotive, we’ve realized over the years that plenty of people don’t know as much about oil changing, and don’t do it regularly enough, as you might think they would. Here’s an overview of how oil changes work, the benefit of doing them regularly, and the risks of putting them off.
How oil changes work
There are many variables at play when determining how often you should change your vehicle’s oil, including the car’s age and make, the climate in which you live and drive, and the type of driving you do on a regular basis. However, a general rule of thumb for most automobiles is that they need their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, with newer cars needing less frequent changes. You can find out how often your car needs its oil changed by referring to the owner’s manual, researching online or talking to a trusted mechanic.
Changing your oil on a regular schedule provides several benefits for your car’s engine. You’ll experience better engine performance, which means a smoother, less noisy ride. Regular oil changes also keep dirt and debris from collecting in your vehicle and causing serious damage to your engine. You’ll even be extending the life of your engine, meaning you can drive farther and longer without needing any serious mechanical work.
Routine oil changes also have a significant positive impact on the environment, as well as on your wallet. Cars with fresh oil changes tend to create fewer harmful emissions because their engines are cleaner. A cleaner, well-oiled engine also gives you more miles to the gallon. All in all, the benefits of changing your oil considerably outweigh the minimal amount of time and energy you put into either changing your oil yourself or having a trusted mechanic do so.
Now that you see the benefits of oil changes, let’s take a look at the chances you’re taking by not getting your oil changed.
The risks of not having regular oil changes
Imagine how you feel when you’re dehydrated or haven’t eaten all day. You’re sluggish, grumpy and might even feel like passing out. That’s exactly how your car feels when it’s gone too long without an oil change.
There’s really one main risk associated with neglecting to change your vehicle’s oil. Dirt will build up in the oil, making the oil more abrasive to your engine and less effective in contributing to a smooth ride. Your engine will be noisy, unpredictable and likely to eventually give out. It’s that simple: not bringing your car in for regular oil changes means you’ll eventually be bringing it in for much more serious issues.
We hope our customers and friends know they can always count on Riverdale Automotive for excellent oil changes and routine maintenance in Conway, AR. We look forward to seeing you in our shop!