Oil pouring from a can

What Happens to Your Vehicle When You Don’t Change its Oil for a Long Time?

The Critical Importance of Regular Oil Changes for Your Vehicle’s Health

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook routine maintenance tasks for your vehicle. However, neglecting something as seemingly minor as an oil change can have significant consequences for your car’s performance and longevity. Let’s delve into what happens when you don’t change your vehicle’s oil for an extended period in this blog by Alfa Romeo of Plano, TX.


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1. Increased Friction and Wear: Oil serves as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving parts in your engine. Over time, old oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and engine by-products, losing its lubricating properties. Without proper lubrication, components in the engine can rub against each other, leading to increased wear and tear.

2. Overheating: As oil breaks down, its ability to dissipate heat diminishes. This can result in higher engine temperatures, which can cause parts to warp or even seize up entirely. An overheated engine is not only costly to repair but can also pose a safety hazard if it fails while you’re driving.

Technician pouring oil
Technician standing in front of a vehicle

3. Decreased Fuel Efficiency: When engine parts are not properly lubricated, they have to work harder to overcome friction. This extra effort translates to increased fuel consumption, ultimately costing you more at the pump. Regular oil changes can help maintain optimal engine efficiency and save you money on fuel expenses.

4. Buildup of Sludge and Deposits: Over time, old oil can form sludge and deposits within the engine. These contaminants can clog narrow passageways and restrict the flow of oil to critical components, further exacerbating wear and reducing performance. Cleaning out these deposits often requires expensive engine flushes or repairs.

5. Shortened Engine Lifespan: Ultimately, neglecting oil changes can significantly shorten the lifespan of your vehicle’s engine. The cumulative effects of increased friction, overheating, and contamination can lead to premature engine failure, requiring costly repairs or even a full engine replacement.


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Schedule Service in Plano, TX

Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the health and performance of your vehicle. Schedule service with us at Alfa Romeo of Plano, TX, today!