It is important to keep your vehicle in the best condition possible. To help accomplish this, you should bring your vehicle in for regular maintenance inspections. Between visits, make sure the vehicle stays in the best condition possible by inspecting a few things. One task to remember to do is have regular oil changes. The oil for your vehicle gets worn out during the lifecycle. By having regularly scheduled oil changes, you can help keep the engine clean and avoid the potentially engine-damaging effects contaminated oil can inflict. If you want to maximize engine performance, and most importantly, engine life, don’t skimp on your engine’s most vital lubricant.

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The Breakdown of Oil in your Vehicle

Motor oil becomes less effective over time. This can do harm and damage to your engine if you do not have the proper oil changes done to it. Constant exposure to heat, moisture, and air leads to oil degradation. Oil thickening, sludge, deposit formation, and corrosive wear. All these elements can take a toll on your engine. It can cause further wear and tear and damage to the engine. When the oil additives are completely exhausted, oil can no longer handle the dirt and metals that are freely floating around, causing the oxidation that creates sludge. Most importantly, old oil can no longer protect your engine against corrosion and wear when it breaks down. Changing your oil on schedule will remove contaminated oil and replenish your engine with fresh oil. Proper lubrication provides the best protection.

How Oil works with your Vehicle

Oil is pumped through small engine passageways lubricating all moving parts while acting as a cooling agent to reduce engine heat. The moving parts help to keep the oil running through your vehicle. Valve train, main and rod bearings, piston rings, and cylinder walls all need lubrication in order to prevent metal on metal friction in the engine. The oil pan is where the oil sits, waiting to be moved by the oil pump. Once the pump gets the oil moving, the oil travels through tiny oil passageways, lubricating all the functioning parts and then finally dropping back down to the oil pan. The oil pump is a crucial part for engine lubrication. The oil pump is responsible for creating the pressure that pushes your oil throughout your engine parts. Without it, your oil would just sit in the pan. The oil filter captures any harmful debris, metal or dirt that has entered your oil system. The better condition your oil filter is in, the better protected your engine will be.

Ignoring an Oil Change

Maintaining the correct oil change schedule is important for your vehicle. This can help it to operate efficiently when you drive. Skipping oil changes, exceeding mileage, or going long periods of time before your next oil change can accelerate the wear on the vital parts that keep your vehicle running smoothly. This can eventually lead to premature engine breakdown, as well as a costly repair bill.