What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Two common, serious problems with your vehicle can be caused by going too long without an oil change. Low oil levels might result in your engine overheating, or in serious damage to parts of your engine block. Without the necessary lubrication motor oil provides, these problems can become worse over time. Additionally, old motor oil has a tendency to collect dirt and debris, which can slowly cause damage as well. Learn more about what could happen if you don’t change your oil with the Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda service center experts, then get more service tips to keep your vehicle running at its best around Portland!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Let’s look deeper into the function of motor oil and the systems it protects to understand what happens if you don’t change your oil:

• Motor oil acts as a lubricant for the extremely high speeds that occur in the moving parts of the engine
• A well-lubricated engine helps your vehicle run smoothly on Sherwood roads and can even help maintain good fuel economy
• Motor oil absorbs the high heat from engine components as it lubricates them, keeping them from overheating
• If unchecked and regularly scheduled oil changes are not maintained, a number of engine functions can suffer

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

At its most basic, maintaining proper oil levels helps with short-term and long-term efficiency on your West Linn travels. Regular oil changes are just as important to keep your drives smooth and safe. While traditionally, oil changes were recommended for every 3,000 miles, improved systems mean many drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. Schedule a service with your local experts to factor in the specifics of your vehicle, driving habits and environment. Factors that can affect service intervals include:

• Road construction, gravel, sand, or dirt roads can cause oil to get dirty faster
• Driving habits can affect the speed at which oil is evaporated
• Local Wilsonville residents know extreme weather, cold or hot, can affect the lifespan of oil

The Steps to Changing Oil Yourself

1. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you purchase the correct type of oil.
2. Elevate your car with jack stands or steel ramps.
3. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine.
4. Place a basin or bucket underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely, which could take 15 minutes.
5. Once all the oil has drained, replace the plug.
6. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Extra oil may drain out when you remove the filter, so keep the basin underneath to catch it.
7. Take the new filter, and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal to ensure the filter is watertight.
8. Set the new filter in place and tighten it by hand.
9. Remove the oil cap and pour in the recommended amount of new oil according to your owner’s manual.
10. Replace the oil cap.
11. Check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again.

Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda, Your Oil Change Service Specialists

Although some may prefer to change their oil at home, for most of us, it’s pretty daunting. If you’d like to leave it to a certified technician, simply stop by Parker Johnstone's Wilsonville Honda or contact us with any questions, to learn about how to get rid of a smoke smell, about car battery life, what to do if your car is overheating, learn about Toyota oil changes, Forward Collision Warning, and more. We have automotive advice for all situations, and our Wilsonville team is dedicated to keeping your Honda on the road and performing its best.