What Happens If You Skip an Oil Change?
The oil system is one of the most important systems in your vehicle. It’s not the only system that makes the vehicle run, but the engine would seize up without it.
The oil system provides lubrication for the entire engine, composed of components with very close tolerances. Engine oil lubricates the engine and helps with cooling the internal engine components.
Little Wolf Automotive Express Lube in Plover, WI does not require you to make an appointment for an oil change. We make it quick and convenient to change your vehicle’s oil.
So, stop by for an oil change and other maintenance to keep your vehicle in top running condition.
When to Change Oil
A vehicle’s oil gets dirty after some time. Most new vehicles use full synthetic oil or a synthetic blend. Conventional oil breaks down quicker.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends oil change intervals based on your driving style. In general, you should change the vehicle’s oil:
| Types of Oil | Normal Driving | Severe Driving |
Conventional Oil | Three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first | N/A |
Synthetic Blend | 5,000 to 7,500 miles | 3,500 to 4,000 miles |
Full Synthetic | 7,500 to 10,000 miles | 5,000 miles |
(Severe driving means driving in high heat most of the time. For example, mountain driving, lots of towing, and other conditions that make the engine work harder.)
As you put more miles on the vehicle, the oil gets dirtier. When you check the oil, you’ll notice that it becomes darker. If you do not change the oil frequently, the new oil will turn black almost immediately—usually within a few hundred miles or sooner.
Dirty oil also loses its lubricating features and could cause the engine to seize up.
Consequences of Skipping Oil Changes in Plover, WI
The consequences of skipping oil changes (especially if you skip frequently) include:
- Voiding the vehicle’s warranty
- Broken or warped engine components
- An inefficient engine
- Reduced engine life
- Poor mileage (especially in vehicles with cylinder deactivation)
- Reduced resale value
- The engine seizes up
Overdue Oil Change Symptoms in Plover, WI
If you neglect to change the vehicle’s oil in Plover, WI, you might start noticing certain symptoms. When you see these overdue symptoms, the damage is already done. They include:
- Poor fuel economy (especially in engines with cylinder deactivation)
- Burning oil (manifested as black or dark gray smoke coming out of the tailpipe)
- Low oil pressure reading on the oil pressure gauge
- The oil light on the dash comes on
- Ticking sound in the engine
- Knocking sound coming from the engine
- The engine not turning over
Visit Little Wolf Automotive Express Lube in Plover, WI
When it’s time for an oil change, stop by Little Wolf Automotive Express Lube in Plover, WI. We’ll get you in and out quickly as we try to make vehicle maintenance as easy as possible.
Fill out this form, call us at 715-883-5111, or visit us at 2550 Plover Road, Plover, WI, 54467.
