Every driver should keep up with their oil changes, as it’s one of the most routine and essential auto maintenance tasks. This is because oil cleans the engine, picking up dirt and other debris from the moving parts to keep them well lubricated. Here’s what can happen if you put off changing this fluid.

The Consequences of a Missed Oil Change

1. Oil Sludge

The fluid gets dirtier each cycle as it’s moved through the engine too many times without being replaced. Eventually, there will be more grime than oil in the mixture, and it’ll solidify into a thick, dark sludge. This will render the fluid useless, resulting in poor engine lubrication.

2. Hindered Performance

If sludge clogs the oil filter, your vehicle will have to work harder to force it through the filter and keep it cycling through the engine. Sludge can’t lubricate the quickly moving parts properly. As a result, the parts will have to fight through the sludge to perform. This makes it harder for the engine to work, so it’ll consume more gas while producing less power.

3. Engine Failure

As the sludge coats the moving parts and solidifies further, it won’t be able to draw the heat from the engine—it creates friction rather than lubrication. As a result, the metal parts will grind against each other, and the engine will overheat. Additionally, the oil’s grime particles will settle on the parts and begin corroding them. This warps the parts and causes the engine to seize. When this occurs, the only option is to completely replace the engine.

If it’s time for an oil change, contact the team at Dee’s Auto Care Specialists. They have convenient locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN. Their ASE-certified crew will take care of your oil change and other auto maintenance tasks to ensure your engine continues running smoothly. To get more information about their services, visit them online or call (608) 782-2530.