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Why Do I Need to Change the Oil In My Car?

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Car Maintenance

For those of us who are not car enthusiasts that understand everything happening under the hood, certain car maintenance tasks can be a bit puzzling. For instance, why do we have to change the oil in our cars?

Well, changing your oil is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. In fact, if you don’t change your oil regularly, it can cause safety concerns.


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The purpose of oil inside the engine is simple: it reduces the friction of the moving parts inside the engine, reducing heat. It also works to keep the engine clean and prevent corrosion. After a while, the oil inside the engine breaks down and becomes less effective. When your oil is too old, the friction inside the engine increases and your car can overheat, leading to major engine problems.

If you don’t properly maintain your oil, your engine won’t last as long as it should. You’re more likely to end up on the side of the road waiting for a tow, and beginning your search for a new car.

How often your car needs to have its oil changed depends on the vehicle. While most cars require an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles, your owner’s manual should be able to give you a better estimate. Some newer vehicles even have digital reminders; a small notification will pop up on your dashboard, alerting you that your vehicle needs an oil change.

Oil changes are quick, inexpensive, and easy vehicle maintenance, but many people put them off. Instead of waiting for your engine to overheat, and ending up with a higher repair cost, make sure you’re keeping up with your regular oil changes.


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Sources: Meineke, Wonderopolis, Jalopnik