What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

We get it—car maintenance isn’t exactly the most thrilling task on your to-do list. Between work, family, and trying to find time for a bit of fun, the last thing you want to think about is another chore, like changing your car’s oil. But here’s the thing: neglecting this simple task could lead to some pretty serious consequences for your vehicle, your wallet, and even your safety. That’s why today, Drury Tires is breaking down everything you need to know to make this process as smooth as possible. 

 

Why Change Your Engine Oil?

Before we explain how to change your oil, we have to emphasise just how important this task is. oil changes are essential because they keep the engine’s intricate parts running smoothly, preventing friction that can cause overheating and damage. When oil isn’t changed regularly, it becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and sludge, losing its ability to lubricate effectively. This not only makes your engine work harder, but it also reduces fuel efficiency, accelerates wear and tear, and increases the risk of a breakdown. In short, skipping oil changes might save you time now, but it can lead to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan for your vehicle. 

 

What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?

There’s a decent amount of people who hear the above warning and assume ‘she’ll be right.’ However, we want to emphasise just how important an oil change is. Here’s what you can expect after neglecting this chore for too long: 

 

Component Wear and Tear:

Your engine is a complex machine with numerous moving parts like valves, pistons, and camshafts that rely on oil for lubrication. When oil isn’t changed regularly, it loses its lubricating properties and becomes less effective at reducing friction. This increased friction leads to the premature wear of these components. Over time, this wear and tear can result in costly repairs or even necessitate a complete engine rebuild which is very, very expensive.

 

Overheating Risks:

While your coolant system does a lot to keep your engine cool, it’s not enough on its own. Engine oil plays a critical role in absorbing and dissipating heat from areas that the coolant can’t reach. As oil ages, it thickens due to exposure to high temperatures, losing its ability to manage heat effectively. This can cause your engine to overheat, leading to blown gaskets, warped components, and in severe cases, complete engine failure.

 

Dirt and Sludge Buildup:

One of the often overlooked functions of engine oil is its ability to clean the engine by carrying away dirt and debris. However, as oil degrades, it loses this cleansing capability. Dirt begins to accumulate, leading to clogged oil channels and the formation of sludge. This sludge can prevent oil from reaching vital parts of the engine, like the crankshafts and bearings, leading to oil starvation. The result? Once again, severe engine damage that might require a full engine replacement.

 

Increased Fuel Consumption:

As engine oil becomes old and thickens into sludge, the engine has to work much harder to perform its usual functions. This increased workload means the engine burns more fuel to generate the same amount of power. You’ll notice this when your fuel efficiency drops and you find yourself filling up the tank more often than before. In the long run, neglecting oil changes could lead to a significant increase in fuel costs.

 

How to Change Your Oil?

Changing your oil might seem a little intimidating but it’s actually something you can do yourself with a bit of preparation and attention to detail. Here’s how you can get it done efficiently:

 

1. Locate and Loosen the Sump Plug: 

The first step is to locate the sump plug, which is typically found at the bottom of your engine. We recommend checking your car’s manual to guide you to its exact location. Before starting, run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil—this helps it flow out more easily. Just ensure the sump is warm to the touch, not hot, to avoid burns when releasing the oil.

 

2. Lift the Pan and Remove the Sump Plug:

Position your oil pan beneath the sump plug, and as you loosen the plug, lift the pan closer to catch the oil immediately as it begins to drain. This reduces the risk of messy spills. Once the sump plug is fully removed, let the oil drain completely into the pan.

 

3. Drain the Oil:

Allow the oil to drain fully, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. While waiting, inspect the sump plug and its washer. If either shows signs of wear, consider replacing them to prevent future leaks. A new washer with every oil change is a good habit to maintain.

 

4. Replace and Tighten the Sump Plug:

After the oil has fully drained, wipe the area around the sump plug opening to remove any residual oil. Reinsert the sump plug and tighten it by hand first, ensuring it’s not cross-threaded. Then, use a wrench to secure it firmly, but don’t over-tighten it.

 

5. Remove the Old Oil Filter:

Place the drain pan under the oil filter’s location to catch any spills. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter, and keep it upright as you remove it to minimize spills. Check that the old filter’s gasket isn’t stuck on the engine’s mounting surface.

 

6. Prepare & Install the New Oil Filter:

Before installing the new filter, remove its plastic cover and apply a small amount of new oil to the seal. This ensures a proper seal and makes future removal easier. Check for any obstructions, clean the area, and then screw on the new filter by hand. You typically won’t need a wrench for this—hand-tight is usually sufficient.

 

7. Add New Oil and Replace the Oil Cap:

Remove the oil cap on top of the engine and, using a clean funnel, pour in the new oil as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Be careful not to overfill. After filling, securely replace the oil cap.

 

8. Check for Leaks & Oil Levels 

Before you finish, it’s important to check your work. Start the engine and watch for any warning lights on the dashboard. If everything looks good, let the engine run for a few seconds, then turn it off and inspect under the car for leaks. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to see the oil level. Top up if necessary to reach the correct level.

 

Want to Leave It With The Professionals? 

While it might be tempting to push off that oil change until life feels less hectic, remember that a small investment of time and money now can save you from massive headaches down the road. Don’t have the gear or time to do it yourself? That’s what we’re here for. Contact the team at Drury Tires, where we’ll take care of your oil change quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to what matters most—without the worry of what’s happening under your car’s hood.