What Happens When You Skip an Oil Change

Keeping your vehicle in great shape is important if you want it performing at its best around the streets of Cerritos, Long Beach, and West Covina, CA. There are several services that your vehicle needs over the course of the miles, but one of the most important services is the oil change. When it’s time for your oil change, you’ll want to schedule it at your earliest convenience and avoid skipping it.

There can be some consequences when you skip an oil change. At Norm Reeves Genesis of Cerritos, we’re here to help drivers learn more about why they should keep up with their oil changes. Schedule a service appointment today.

Importance of Oil Changes

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

Oil is a crucial fluid for your vehicle and it serves a few important functions. The main function of oil is to keep the moving metal parts in your engine well-lubricated so they can move fluidly and not create friction when they rub together, so the risk of overheating is reduced.

It also helps cool the parts to reduce the heat that’s generated. Lastly, oil keeps the parts clean by absorbing the grease and debris to further ensure that the parts are able to move without any issue.

How to Tell You Need an Oil Change

There are several ways that you’ll know that it’s time for an oil change. The easiest way is to simply keep track of your mileage and your last oil change. Most dealership service centers will place a sticker inside your windshield that will let you know when you’re due for your next oil change. However, there are other ways to tell that it’s time for an oil change:

  • Check Engine/Oil Change Light
  • Loud Engine Performance/Knocking
  • Sluggish Performance
  • Decreased Efficiency
  • Heavy Smoke from the Exhaust

Delayed Oil Change

What Happens if You Hold Off on an Oil Change?

It’s never good to put off automotive service, especially if it’s vital for your vehicle. The oil change is no different. If you put off your oil change, your oil will begin to decrease its effectiveness at keeping the moving metal parts cool, clean, and well-lubricated. After a while, oil becomes thicker and darker, due to the absorption of the grease and debris, as well as its prolonged exposure to engine heat.

You may begin noticing that your vehicle isn’t performing as smoothly and efficiently. You’ll also run the risk of having your engine overheat because the oil isn’t sufficient enough to reduce the friction. After enough time without an oil change, your engine could seize up, which could result in costly repairs or even a full replacement.

Given the effects, it’s always good to just keep up with your oil changes.

Schedule an Oil Change Today

Now that you know what happens when you skip an oil change, and the benefits that come with keeping up with them, you’ll want to schedule service the next time you need your oil changed. If the time is now, you can schedule your service with us at Norm Reeves Genesis of Cerritos!

We’re here to help you keep your vehicle performing at its best and most efficient around the streets of Cerritos, Long Beach, and West Covina, California!

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

  • By submitting your information, you agree to the sharing of your information between Genesis Motor America and its authorized retailers.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Norm Reeves Genesis of Cerritos 33.860356, -118.098949.