What Happens if I Don't Change My Oil?
Your Ford vehicle is a valuable investment — you want to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. One of the best ways to do this is with regular oil changes. Bringing your vehicle to Chalmers Ford so our expert team can change the oil will help ensure your Ford will perform optimally for years to come.
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes for My Ford
Engine oil is your vehicle's lifeblood. It helps lubricate the engine, keep it cool, and extend its life span. You need to have the oil changed regularly to help prevent costly damage to your engine. How do you know when it's time for your Ford's oil change? We'll answer pertinent questions about regular oil changes, the types of engine oil, and when is the best time to have it changed for optimal performance.
What Happens if I Don't Change My Oil?
If you don't have your oil changed, you risk serious damage to your engine. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated with dirt, sludge, and even metal particles, which can clog the oil filter and prevent the engine oil from flowing through and lubricating the engine. When the oil gets dirty, it loses its lubrication ability, causing friction between moving parts. This friction produces excessive heat, which inevitably leads to engine damage. In addition, dirty oil reduces fuel efficiency, your vehicle's performance, and the engine's life expectancy, as well as causing damage to other auto components.
Regular vehicle maintenance, including oil changes, is key to keeping the vehicle's warranty valid. If your engine becomes damaged due to a lack of oil changes, you could be responsible for paying for repairs out of pocket due to the warranty not covering negligent maintenance.
Oil Change Intervals: By Miles or Date?
Mileage is the most important factor for determining when to get an oil change. Older vehicles may need an oil change every 3,000 miles, but most modern cars, trucks, and SUVs can go 5,000 miles between oil changes. Depending on the make of the vehicle, its age, the type of oil used, and your driving habits, some cars can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles before an oil change.
It's recommended to have the oil changed every six to 12 months. However, reading your owner's manual is the best way to know what oil change interval the automaker recommends. Even if you don't drive the recommended oil change miles, the oil can still lose its viscosity and lubricating abilities if it just sits uncirculated through the engine.
Some vehicles have automatic oil change reminder alerts, and you can check your owner's manual for reference to this feature. You can also set up an automatic oil change service with your local dealership to get reminders for oil changes and maintenance, giving you peace of mind.
What Are the Different Types of Engine Oil?
In the past, most vehicles used conventional motor oil that needed changing every 3,000 miles or three months. Today, however, more advanced oils, such as synthetic or synthetic blends, offer better performance and may allow for longer intervals between oil changes.
Conventional Oil
This type of motor oil is made from crude mineral oil that goes through a refinement process. Conventional oil is the cheapest to make, and most vehicles run just fine using this type of oil unless your owner's manual specifies otherwise.
Synthetic Blend Oil
This modern engine oil is a blend of laboratory-manufactured oil and crude oil. Many owners of high-performance or classic cars use synthetic blend oil for its superb lubricating ability. In addition, this type of oil lasts longer than conventional oil. Manufacturers recommend changing synthetic blend oil every 5,000 miles or five months.
Fully Synthetic Oil
Fully synthetic motor oil contains no mineral oil and is often used in industrial settings or specific high-performance vehicles. It has better heat resistance and lasts longer than other motor oils, but it's also the most expensive type of engine oil.
What Kind of Oil Weights Are There?
Not only are there different types of motor oil, but there are also different weight or viscosity grades. Normal viscosity classifications are 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. Winter viscosity grades have a “W” after the number, such as 0W, 5W, 10W, 20W, and 25W. Most modern motor oils are multigrade, such as 5W-30, which means they perform effectively in both cold and warm weather.
What Kind of Engine Oil Do I Need?
Consult your owner's manual or your certified Ford service technicians to learn which type of oil your vehicle needs. Additional considerations include the age of your vehicle, the climate you live in, and your driving habits.
It's important to consult with a highly trained service technician who understands how each type of oil and viscosity level will affect the performance and efficiency of the engine.
Get Your Oil Changed at Chalmers Ford
Regularly changing your oil will help keep your Ford's engine running smoothly and performing optimally. Contact our service department at Chalmers Ford in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, to schedule an oil change service today. In addition, keep your Ford in tip-top shape with regular maintenance, battery and tire inspections, and brake service and repairs. Make a service appointment today.
Image by Tim Mossholder | Licensed with Unsplash License
