Imagine driving along the highway when you suddenly hear a strange knocking sound coming from your engine. You decide to ignore it and continue driving until you notice the oil pressure warning light flickering on your dashboard. Unaware of the consequences, you shrug it off and decide it can wait until your next oil change.
Unfortunately, that decision could lead to expensive repairs—and have disastrous consequences for your engine!
The Importance of Proper Oil Levels
Internal combustion engines contain a multitude of metal components that are constantly moving at high speeds. Each movement creates friction, which in turn generates heat. Although engines already operate at extremely high temperatures, any additional heat puts them at risk of damage. Motor oil keeps these parts lubricated so there’s less friction and heat present to cause premature wear and damage.
When your engine oil level becomes critically low, it sets off a chain reaction of events that can be extremely harmful to your engine. Without the proper lubrication, the valves can become damaged, the seals can dry out and allow the remaining oil to leak out, and the internal components can overheat and become deformed.
These issues gradually eat away at your engine’s performance, power, and fuel efficiency. Modern engines with aluminum heads are especially vulnerable to damage from overheating. If the heads become warped, it can lead to compression loss and eventually complete engine failure.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Low Oil
Engine damage is expensive to repair—especially when you compare it to the cost of prevention. Oil changes are a minimal expense when it comes to your engine’s health. To prevent catastrophic engine damage, it’s important to schedule regular oil changes and keep an eye out for signs your engine might be suffering from low oil levels. These include:
- Knocking sounds coming from the engine
- An illuminated oil pressure warning light
- Burning odors
- Overheating
- Spots of oil underneath your vehicle
If you notice any of the above signs, don’t ignore them. Schedule an inspection on your vehicle as soon as possible.
Regular Oil Changes Are Key to Engine Health
Although modern engine technology and motor oils allow for longer oil change intervals, regular oil changes are crucial for properly maintaining your engine and preventing repairs. Most manufacturers’ oil change recommendations range from 5,000 to 7,000 miles, but you should also take your driving habits into account.
Frequently driving in “severe conditions” can cause the additives in the oil to deplete faster and make the oil less effective. For this reason, it’s recommended to have oil changes performed more frequently. Many drivers aren’t aware their owner’s manual lists two different service schedules and that their driving falls under severe conditions. Although there may be some variation among automakers, severe conditions typically include:
- Most trips are less than four miles
- Regularly driving at lower speeds
- Frequent idling for long periods, such as stop-and-go in heavy traffic
- Sustained highway driving in hot weather
- Frequent towing or carrying heavy objects on a roof rack
- Driving in dusty conditions, like dirt or gravel roads
- Regularly driving on steep hills or mountains
Keep Your Engine Running Its Best at Express Auto/RV Care Center
At Express Auto/RV Care Center, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle’s engine in top condition. As your premier Better Business Bureau Accredited auto repair shop in the Yuma Foothills, we take great pride in offering comprehensive services to ensure your car performs at its best. With our third-generation family-owned and operated business since 1998, you can trust our experienced team to deliver top-quality care for your vehicle.
Our ASE-certified technicians are well-versed in understanding the specific needs of different makes and models of vehicles. We can help you determine the ideal oil change schedule for your car based on its age, mileage, and driving habits—as well as help you resolve issues that can lead to engine damage, like oil leaks. We stand behind the quality of our work and offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a satisfaction guarantee on all our repairs.
See for yourself why we’ve been named the best auto repair shop in Yuma for 20 years—schedule an appointment today!
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