Do You Really Need Regular Oil Changes?

Your vehicle is an investment, and regular preventative maintenance will help increase its lifespan and the many happy years you spend driving. What is one of the most important maintenance tasks every driver should have done? Oil changes.

You likely often receive reminders from your mechanic that your Ford Focus in Costa Mesa should be receiving regular oil changes. But what does this even mean? While many drivers pay attention to the exterior of their vehicle and notice shifts in how it’s handling, they might not be putting thought into what’s taking place under the hood. However, having oil changes performed at regular intervals is important to keep your car running smoothly. Here’s why.

Avoid Engine Damage

Your engine houses several moving metal pieces that all work together in order to keep your car running and allowing it to perform various functions. Oil helps keep these metal parts lubricated, allowing them to glide over each other. When your oil is old, too thick or too thin, these parts are more likely to scrape against each other, leading to pricey damage down the road.

Prevent Overheating

With temperatures that reach well over 195 degrees Fahrenheit, your engine is one of the hottest spots in your vehicle. Oil is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature and preventing it from overheating. When you go too much time between oil changes, this excessive heat can also cause vital parts to become warped or deteriorate, leading to pricey damage as well as breakdowns.

Improve Gas Mileage

Are you tired of how often you need to pull over to fill up your gas tank? Getting an oil change is a great way to improve your gas mileage! When your oil becomes too old or dirty, it loses its ability to keep your engine’s parts lubricated. This forces your vehicle to work harder in order to perform its same basic functions. Having an oil change means your car needs to burn less fuel in order to stay in motion, reducing stress on the engine and keeping your car running smoothly.

Reduce Buildup

As motor oil ages, it becomes gritty and dirty thanks to contaminants and debris. This prevents your engine’s vital fluids from reaching its various components, while allowing sludge and grime to build up. This reduces your vehicle’s performance by hindering your engine’s parts from running smoothly. Over time, this can result in premature engine wear (meaning pricey damage) and eventual failure.

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