Do I Really Need To Get An Oil Change?

It’s a question many car owners have asked themselves at one point or another: Do I really need to get an oil change right now? With busy schedules and the costs of car maintenance, it can sometimes feel tempting to skip that oil change, especially if your car seems to be running fine.

However, skipping this essential service can lead to bigger problems down the road. Let’s dive into why regular oil changes are important and why you should keep up with this vital maintenance task.

Why Is Oil So Important?

Think of engine oil as the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It lubricates all the moving parts, reduces friction, helps cool the engine, and even prevents the buildup of harmful deposits. Without proper lubrication, your engine parts could grind against each other, causing excessive wear and tear. 

Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness, which is why changing it regularly is crucial for keeping your engine running smoothly.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

At Boggs Automotive and Boggs Pit Stop, we highly recommend changing your oil every 3,000 miles. This recommendation is based on two key points: the life of oil filters, and engines burn oil over time.  

Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or ask one of our experts at Boggs Automotive to help you determine the best schedule for your car.

What Happens If You Skip an Oil Change?

If you put off getting an oil change, the oil in your engine will start to break down, burn off, and become less effective at lubricating the engine parts. This can lead to engine wear, overheating, and even major engine failure in the worst-case scenario. 

Low or dirty oil can also cause the engine to run less efficiently, meaning your car may not get as good of gas mileage or perform as well.

In the short term, skipping oil changes can also cause your car to emit more exhaust, which can harm the environment. Not to mention, leaving your oil unchecked can sometimes lead to the buildup of sludge, which can clog your engine and cause expensive repairs down the line.

Signs That You Need an Oil Change Immediately

If you’re not sure whether it’s time for an oil change, there are a few signs to look out for:

• Engine Noise: If your engine is making more noise than usual, it could be a sign that the oil isn’t properly lubricating the engine parts.
• Warning Lights: Most modern cars will alert you with a warning light on your dashboard when it’s time to change the oil.
• Oil Smell: If you smell burning oil or see smoke, that’s a sure sign something is wrong and you should get your car checked immediately.
• Dark or Dirty Oil: When you check the oil level and notice it’s dark brown or black, it’s a sign that the oil is contaminated and needs to be replaced.

Is It Worth the Cost?

Regular oil changes are an affordable way to extend the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs down the road. While it might seem like a small expense now, neglecting oil changes can lead to much bigger repair bills later on. 

The cost of changing your oil regularly is far less than the potential cost of replacing an engine due to lack of maintenance.

At Boggs we have annual Pit Crew Packages that make regularly changing your vehicle’s oil more affordable.

Boggs Makes It Easy To Keep Your Car On The Road

While it might be tempting to skip an oil change, doing so can put your car’s engine at risk and lead to expensive repairs down the road. Regular oil changes are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your car running smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems. 

Whether it’s time for your routine oil change or you’re not sure when it’s due, Boggs Automotive is here to help. Schedule an appointment today, and let us keep your car in top condition!

Want to make an oil change even more convenient? Schedule a Boggs Driver appointment and we’ll come pick up your vehicle, perform your oil change, and then return it to you. It doesn’t get any easier than that!