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The Consequences of Ignoring Your Oil Change Reminder
We’ve all experienced it – life gets busy, and changing the oil in our cars becomes a task that we keep pushing back. But what happens when we ignore that reminder sticker on our windshield? Is it really that bad to delay an oil change? Let’s dig into the details.
The Vital Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Oil is like the lifeblood of your vehicle. Its primary function is to lubricate and protect the intricate moving parts within your car’s engine. Regularly changing your oil is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure that your vehicle remains reliable and performs at its peak.
The Costly Consequences of Neglecting Oil Changes
Unfortunately, there are significant risks associated with delaying or skipping oil changes. Let’s explore a few of the ways this neglect can result in both financial and time-consuming consequences.
A Voided Vehicle Warranty
One of the advantages of purchasing a new car is the peace of mind that comes with the manufacturer’s warranty. However, failing to adhere to the recommended servicing schedule could void that warranty. At 5 WS, we understand the importance of using manufacturer-approved oil during service appointments. Rest assured, our oil technicians at Firestone Complete Auto Care will ensure that your car receives the maintenance it needs while preserving your warranty. We also keep meticulous records of your maintenance history, should you ever require documentation at a dealership.
Impaired Engine Performance
Beyond lubrication, oil plays a vital role in keeping your engine clean. It contains detergents, dispersants, and other additives that help transport dirt and debris into the fuel filter. During an oil change, the filter is replaced, preventing these contaminants from recirculating through the engine.
However, if an oil change is neglected, the once smooth and clean oil gradually turns into dirty sludge. Your engine’s moving parts then have to work hard to navigate through this muck, resulting in decreased performance. You may notice that your car has less power and torque. Additionally, as your engine works harder, it consumes more fuel, leading to frequent trips to the gas station and increased expenses.
Catastrophic Engine Failure
If you continue to ignore oil changes, it can eventually lead to complete engine failure, putting your car at risk. As oil deteriorates and turns into sludge, it loses its ability to draw heat away from the engine. This heat can cause gaskets to blow or even cause the engine to seize up.
Experiencing a blown head gasket will leave you stranded on the side of the road, with costly repairs ahead. Depending on the age and value of your car, fixing a blown head gasket may not be a reasonable investment. You may find yourself dealing with the hassle of salespeople and finance departments at a dealership.
Furthermore, if the heat doesn’t result in a blown gasket, it can warp engine parts. Without the lubricating properties of oil, metal will grind against metal, causing the engine to seize. Unfortunately, a seized engine usually requires replacement, and the cost of such a repair can be astronomical. In some cases, it may be more practical to consider purchasing a new car altogether.
The Solution to Avoiding Expensive Mistakes
All the problems mentioned above – voided warranties, poor performance, decreased fuel economy, and seized engines – are far more burdensome on your time and money than simply scheduling regular oil changes with 5 WS. Our expert technicians use the premium Pennzoil Platinum line of motor oils, ensuring your vehicle benefits from cleaner pistons, improved fuel efficiency and horsepower, exceptional wear protection, and outstanding performance in extreme temperatures.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. Don’t wait until costly repairs become necessary. Take advantage of our latest oil change coupons and visit us today. We’ll make sure to have fresh coffee ready for you while we take care of your car.
