Why Regular Oil Changes Matter More Than You Think

Did you know that skipping oil changes can reduce engine life by up to 50%?

Most car owners are unaware of this, and that is exactly why oil changes are one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks. Despite being one of the simplest and most affordable services, most of the drivers keep delaying it, as they are not fully aware of the criticality of the engine change for the overall health of the car. 

Similar to how the human body requires care to stay in shape, a car requires proper maintenance and engine oil changes to function properly and efficiently. 

Even so, this simple process often remains underestimated! And that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to create this guide on how critical engine oil is for a car, why regular oil changes matter more than you think, signs for oil changes, and the best practices to follow.  

Engine: The Heart of Your Car

A car’s engine comprises countless moving parts working in harmony. These components work under extreme heat, friction, and consistent motion to generate the power required to move your car. And the only thing that protects all the components from wear and breakdown is clean engine oil. Engine oil also helps in other ways, including

• Cooling the engine by absorbing and dissipating heat produced in the process.
• Engine oil maintains the cleanliness of the engine by collecting all the dirt and contaminants stuck inside it.
• Engine oil creates a strong seal between piston rings and cylinder walls for maximum compression.
• Clean engine oil prevents corrosion and rust by limiting the engine components from being exposed to oxygen or moisture. 

But the thing is that oil breaks down over time and loses its ability to optimally perform these critical functions. Unless engine oil is regularly replaced, it can cause severe engine damage that could be easily prevented. 

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

A well-maintained engine can help improve the overall performance of the car. Let us take a detailed look at the top benefits of regular oil changes: 

Improve Fuel Economy: 

New and clean engine oil reduces friction and allows your engine to work harder and produce better results. When your engine works optimally, it uses fuel at maximum efficiency. The cost of regular oil changes is a minor investment compared to the potential savings you can obtain on your petrol or diesel money. 

Reduce Engine Deterioration: 

Engine oil eases the movements of components inside the engine by acting as a lubricant. But as oil can break down over time, it loses its ability to reduce friction. Using a car with worn-out engine oil can cause significant damage to the engine parts and affect the overall performance and life of your engine. Clean and fresh oil will lubricate all the parts of the engine properly and prevent wear and tear of engine components. 

Buildup of Sludge inside Engine: 

Clean engine oil will collect dirt and debris as it goes around the engine to keep it clean and efficient. However, as the oil weakens and breaks down over time, it can form sludge. This sludge can eventually clog your engine and slow it down, affecting the overall performance of your car. Regular oil changes can eliminate this buildup and keep the engine functioning properly without the resistance from contaminants. 

Better Acceleration: 

When you add clean engine oil, it works as a protective layer between fast-moving components, reducing friction and preventing sludge buildup. When your engine is properly lubricated, all its parts and components can move without resistance, enabling it to respond faster when you press the accelerator pedal. This means quicker acceleration and smoother performance. 

Signs That Your Car Needs an Oil Change

The latest cars in the market come with an updated oil life monitoring system that updates you when the engine oil needs to be replaced. But we have compiled a list of signs that can indicate whether your car may be overdue for an oil change:

Engine Warning Light on Dashboard: 

When your engine oil is degraded or low in amount, the sensors inside your car can trigger the engine warning light that is visible on the dashboard. This mandates immediate action and changing the car’s engine oil as fast as possible.

Difference in Engine Sounds: 

Degraded engine oils cause increased friction between the countless components of an engine. This leads to unusual grinding or ticking noises from the engine. Such strange noises should prompt you to check whether the engine oil needs to be changed. 

Dark and Gritty color of Oil:

Clean engine oil is translucent and amber in color. However, as engine oil deteriorates, it absorbs dirt and sludge, naturally darkening over time. Such contaminated oil cannot help in lubrication or cooling engine components. 

Excessive Smoke from Car Exhaust: 

If you observe excessive smoke from your car exhaust, it may be due to the oil burning inside the engine. This is usually caused by oil leaks, worn-out engine seals, or deteriorated oil that needs immediate replacement. 

Increased Engine Vibrations: 

Old engine oil or low-quality engine oil cannot effectively work as a cushion between engine components. This can further affect the engine’s overall performance, leading to intense vibrations, even when the car is idling in traffic. 

Things To Check During an Oil Change

Understanding when and how often to change your engine oil is very important to maintaining the health of your car. We have listed some simple guidelines that can help you with proper engine oil changes: 

Manufacturer Guidelines: 

Every car has different recommended periods for oil changes. This is ideally advised by the car manufacturer and is linked to mileage or time. 

Driving Conditions: 

Oil changes are highly dependent on when and how you drive. Extreme weather conditions, dusty roads, and heavy traffic can impact oil health, requiring more frequent engine oil changes. 

Choosing the Right Oil: 

It is important to understand that different engines require different types of engine oils. A reliable car service center can help you choose the best engine oil for your car, depending on the model as well as your driving habits. 

Oil Filter: 

Changing the oil filter is as important as changing engine oil, as the filter can trap dirt, debris, and contaminants before they reach the engine. A clogged oil filter can send in unfiltered oil, increasing the risk of long-term damage to your engine.

Indus Motors - Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Engine Oil Change Services

Understanding why regular oil changes matter more than you think is the first step in keeping your car healthy. With Indus Motors, you don’t have to worry about missing another engine oil change, as our expert technicians and mechanics guarantee timely and thorough engine care. 

Our showrooms and service centers spread across Kerala allow you to walk in and clear all your issues with guidance from our experts. Contact us today to schedule an oil change with Indus Motors.

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