Importance of an Oil Change

Getting frequent oil changes will significantly extend the life of your engine. When the oil that runs through your engine is clean, it will be easier for the engine to start and run, even when the weather is harsh. An oil change combines the power of preventing the engine internals from grinding with proper lubrication as well as removes dirt, water, debris, and sometimes engine sludge.

Something that is sometimes overlooked is how the cleanliness of your engine's oil affects your fuel economy. When your oil is clean, it keeps your engine clean. And a clean engine runs more efficiently than a dirty one, which will increase your gas mileage. For long drives on the highway, you'll notice maximum fuel economy when the oil is changed at the recommended intervals. If you do more city driving, you'll also notice greater fuel economy as a clean engine helps your car idle more efficiently.

Sludge is a black gelatin-like substance that builds up inside your engine after long periods without oil changes. Sludge is made up of old, hardened engine oil, dirt, road debris, and metal shavings from engine parts rubbing together. When oil sits for a long time, it begins to harden and loses its lubricating properties. If you're not doing as much driving as usual, it's recommended to run your engine for a few minutes to circulate the oil in your car to prevent it from hardening. Getting regular oil changes keeps the oil clean and prevents sludge buildup.

Perhaps the most important job of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts inside your engine. Parts like the pistons, valves, crankshafts, and more all move thousands of times per minute. This creates a lot of friction, and friction causes heat. While the heat from your engine is obviously expected, it needs to be kept in check. The normal operating temperature of your engine can reach upwards of 200 degrees. When engine oil breaks down, it doesn't provide the level of lubrication needed to prevent the moving parts from grinding together. While some heat is expected from a car's engine, excessive heat can be fatal to your engine.

We hope that this page has answered any questions you may have about why oil changes are important. A car is oftentimes the second largest investment of someone's life. At Cunningham Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we understand this, which is why we want to help you give your car the proper care it deserves. When you bring your car to the Cunningham CDJR service center, you can rest assured knowing that only certified technicians with years of experience and training are working on your vehicle. If it's time for your next oil change, you can either call our service center directly to make an appointment. You can also use our online scheduler to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!