What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

If your experience is like most Baton Rouge drivers, the importance of regular oil changes has been drilled into your mind probably since you were a teenager. But do you know what happens if you don’t change your oil? It could mean the end of your car’s mechanical life. The service center team at Acura of Baton Rouge wants to help keep your car running in top shape. So, let’s take a look at what happens if you don’t get your oil changed.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed When You’re Supposed To?

Your car’s engine can incur serious damage if its oil is not changed. Check your owner’s manual for how often you should schedule this kind of maintenance on your vehicle. Here’s what happens if you don’t get your oil changed regularly:

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil

• Sluggish Performance – New oil lubricates the engine parts and decreases friction and general wear and tear. Old oil slowly turns into sludge, making it harder for the engine parts to move. This causes a very obvious difference in performance. But this is the least serious example of what happens if you don’t change your oil.
• Lower Gas Mileage – Old, sludgy oil causes your car’s engine to work harder, meaning it has to use more gas. That means more trips to East Baton Rouge gas stations.
• Blown Head Gasket – New oil draws heat from the engine. Old, sludgy oil does not. Not changing the oil in your car can cause it to overheat, which, in turn, can cause a head gasket to blow. Replacing a blown head gasket is so expensive that it is often not worth the cost. That means you could lose your car.
• Seized Engine – Without new oil, the metallic parts in the engine will rub against each other. If this happens while your car is overheating, the parts can seize. A seized engine cannot be repaired. That leaves you with the option of either paying to get the entire engine replaced or junking your car. But this is what happens if you don’t get your oil changed regularly.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil and Your Car is Under Warranty?

A specific maintenance schedule should be specified in the paperwork of your warranty. Not abiding by that schedule can void the warranty. You wouldn’t want that.

Let the Pros at Acura of Baton Rouge Handle Your Oil Changes

Just because oil changes are necessary doesn’t mean they have to be expensive. So, take advantage of our service coupons. And why not check out our other tips and tricks while you’re here? We’re conveniently located near both Ascension and Livingston. So, drop by or contact us today.