What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Your brand new or pre-owned Subaru is one of your most important possessions—that’s why you should keep it routinely maintained via our Buda service center. Have you been driving without an oil change for some time now? One of the most frequently asked questions we receive from customers throughout the San Marcos area is, “Can needing an oil change cause my car not to start?” 

Unfortunately, motor oil breaks down over time and becomes less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. Driving without an oil change can cause friction, wear and tear, and warping among your engine’s components. Find out everything you need to know about why you should schedule regular oil changes with the team at City Limits Subaru near Kyle below.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a lubricant for your engine. Needing an oil change can cause your car not to start, however, the role that oil plays in your Austin commuter is far-reaching. Some of the benefits of quality oil in your engine include:

• The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

It used to be said that you should have an oil change every 3,000 miles, but these days, most drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. However, every driver has different habits and every vehicle is different. If you drive long distances every day, for instance, you may need an oil change more frequently.

Problems That Arise from Not Changing Your Oil

Take our word for it! You don’t want to find out first-hand what happens if you neglect oil changes for too long. Here’s a breakdown of some of the problems that can arise — most of which are time-consuming and expensive to rectify: 

• Weakened Performance: As it deteriorates, oil leaves behind carbon deposits, which can clog the positive crankcase ventilation and exhaust gas recirculation valves. This leads to sluggish engine performance. 
• Loss of Fuel Efficiency: This occurs when the oil wears down so thin that it slides past seals and rings and gets burned up in the combustion chamber. This increases fuel usage and causes smoke to seep out from the exhaust. 
• Engine Overheating: The oil loses viscosity and fails to regulate the temperature of the engine. This can lead to overheating, and eventually, total engine failure. 

Stop Driving Without an Oil Change—Get Serviced at City Limits Subaru

Now that you know that needing an oil change can cause your car not to start, it’s important that you schedule a service appointment at City Limits Subaru if you’re in need of fluid maintenance. We have a plethora of service offers for you to take advantage of if you’re interested in saving money on your upcoming visit. You’re also more than welcome to reach out to us online if you have any questions about our current prices.