It's no secret that skipping an oil change is no good for your car, but how much damage can skipped oil changes actually cause? Keep reading to find out.

Why You Shouldn't Skip Oil Changes

Skipping oil changes may seem like no big, but skipping several is definitely not a good idea. This is an easy way to cause damage not only to your engine, but also other parts of your vehicle. To avoid this premature wear and damage, be sure to keep up with your oil changes regularly. Below is more information about what skipping oil changes can do to your car.

Premature Engine Wear

Your vehicle's oil keeps your engine lubricated so that it is able to perform its job smoothly and with minimal issues. Since there are tons of tiny moving parts in your engine that keep it going, clean oil is needed in order to keep friction to a minimum and operating temperatures at a reasonable rate. If your oil is old and dirty, it won't be able to perform this vital job effectively. This means that the older oil can lead to premature engine wear. The longer you wait to get your oil changed, the more wear your engine will be exposed to.

Decrease in Fuel Economy

With fresh oil or at least clean oil, your engine is able to work more efficiently. Since there is less strain on your engine, your car will burn fuel more slowly. As your oil gets old and starts to break down, this can increase not only engine wear but also the strain on your engine to keep your car moving. As it is forced to work harder, your car will start to burn more quickly, leading to a decrease in your fuel economy.

Lower Resale Value

Most car owners don't plan on keeping the same car forever. Whether you're hoping to upgrade later on or get a whole different model, keep in mind that you may have to sell your current car. If you don't keep up with regular maintenance, including oil changes, this can negatively affect the resale value of your vehicle. By getting your oil changed on a regular schedule, you can be sure your engine will be in top shape when it comes time to sell your car. It's a good idea to keep the records of your car's maintenance so you can prove it's been well taken care of over the years. To keep your engine protected and at its best, be sure to use a synthetic oil when getting an oil change. To find the best synthetic oil for your vehicle, contact the oil experts at AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith. They can give you the personalized service you need to keep your car in top shape. Give them a call at (702) 561-3706 or browse their full range of AMSOIL Oil products in their online shop.

Catastrophic Failure

If catastrophic failure sounds super serious, that's because it is. This term refers to when a car seizes up, which can be very dangerous and expensive. This won't happen after skipping one or two oil changes,  but if skipping oil changes turns into a long-term habit, catastrophic failure is a possibility. Getting oil changes can be inconvenient and you probably want to spend your money on other things, but taking care of your car should be a priority. Keep in mind that skipping oil changes and paying for repairs later on can be more expensive and time-consuming than just getting oil changes.

Overheating Engine

While your cooling system works hard to keep operating temperatures at a reasonable level, your motor oil also contributes to keeping things cool under the hood. Your motor oil picks up some of the heat and helps distribute it more evenly as it flows through your engine. Regular oil changes mean your oil is able to perform this job more efficiently.

Contributing to Pollution

Finally, clean oil means less engine strain. When there is less strain on your engine, your car is able to work more efficiently and more cleanly. As long as your engine is working more efficiently and cleanly, it won't be such a big contributor to pollution.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Ann Arbor

If it's time for your next oil change, ask for a synthetic oil change in Ann Arbor. You can find the best synthetic oil for your vehicle by contacting AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. They can recommend products like AMSOIL Oil's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil for your vehicle.