The most significant reasons to replace a vehicle’s oil on a regular basis, according to total car care specialists, are: Engines have a lot of moving parts, and those parts need to be properly lubricated to avoid harm.

This crucial function is provided by the oil in the engine. That oil degrades with time, being contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris from the engine and the environment. When this happens, oil is unable to perform its function correctly.

According to recent research conducted by the Car Care Council as part of the Be Car Care Aware campaign, 22% of vehicles had low or unclean engine oil. Changing a vehicle’s oil and filter on a regular basis will help the engine perform at its optimum and save drivers money in the long run.

When you compare the average cost of a year’s worth of oil changes (₱6000) to the expense of failing to maintain a vehicle’s engine (₱200,000)*, the advantage to both wallets and vehicle well-being is evident. Meineke’s total car care specialists share the top reasons why oil and filter changes are so critical to a vehicle’s health.

The oil, on the other hand, will become dirty over time as dirt, dust, and debris accumulate within it. Dirty engine oil is dangerous because it fails to do its function effectively, increasing the chance of costly repairs down the line. It is critical to have your oil changed on a regular basis in order to maintain your car engine running smoothly and at maximum capacity.

 

Defends Against Corrosion

Corrosion from the elements is a serious threat to your engine. Moisture, grime, dust, and other corrosive air particles are all prevented by engine oil’s natural protective layer.

Your engine oil, on the other hand, can break down over time and get contaminated with carbon compounds, moisture, and potentially any unburned fuel within the engine. As a result, replacing your oil on a regular basis with clean oil is critical to keeping your engine corrosion-free.

 

Defends against wear and tear

Your car engine, as previously said, is made up of thousands of distinct parts that are constantly moving and rubbing against each other at rapid speeds. Without a deliberate lubricant such as engine oil, this can cause a lot of friction and quickly wear out the engine.

Engine oil, on the other hand, can degrade and lose its viscosity over time, reducing its effectiveness to minimize friction.

Additionally, the more you drive, the more oil is burned away. Driving with the wrong amount of oil in your vehicle can be risky and cause major engine problems. As a result, if you don’t get your oil changed on a regular basis, you’re likely to have greater wear and tear.

 

Engine Components Are Cooled

Within your engine, both friction and the combustion process generate a lot of heat, which can harm its components if the extra heat isn’t dissipated somewhere else. By reducing friction and transporting heat away from the sensitive components of your engine, engine oil can assist prevent overheating.

The risk of the engine overheating is considerably reduced by ensuring that the oil is clean and sufficient.

 

Debris is kept out of the engine.

Metal shavings can be collected as a result of repeated rubbing and friction between the various components. They can become caught in engine parts and cause damage if there is no engine oil.

Engine oil aids in the removal of these particles from the car’s critical components. Furthermore, the oil and oil filter eliminate any debris or dust that may enter the engine, keeping the engine clean and performing at its best.

However, once a big concentration of them begins to build in the oil, they can cause excessive wear and tear as well as a reduction in the oil’s ability to keep the engine clean. This is why oil and filter replacements should be done on a regular basis.

 

Increases mileage and extends the life of the engine

A thick sludge of oil and grime in the engine makes it work harder to produce power, resulting in more gasoline being burned. Proper lubrication relieves unnecessary pressure on your engine, extending its life and lowering fuel use.

Routine oil changes result in greater savings because you have to spend less money on petrol.

Furthermore, to be legal on the road in many of the Philippine jurisdictions, most automobiles must pass an annual emission test. Regular oil changes help your car pass these tests since they help it achieve better fuel economy and hence lower emissions. Furthermore, decreased emissions are beneficial to the environment.

 

Reduce the number of expensive repairs

Because the engine is under less stress, the parts experience less wear and tear, and the entire system is better protected from the elements, there is a lower danger of costly repairs down the road. One of the most common reasons we observed during our engine damage examination was that the owner failed to complete an oil change on time, based on our years of experience in the auto service sector.

An oil change is a relatively inexpensive procedure that may be completed in as little as 15 minutes. This is a much better option than risking significant engine damage, which would need a lot of time and money from the technician. If your engine is blown, even a secondhand one can set you back between ₱200,000 and ₱300,000.

 

Increases resale value

When you ultimately decide to sell your automobile, you will most likely profit from a better resale value if you have kept up with frequent oil and filter changes. A history of regular oil changes demonstrates that you have taken good care of your car’s engine and avoided premature wear and tear.

 

Final Thoughts

One of the most crucial and costly components of your vehicle is the engine. A timely oil change is one of the most critical things you can do to safeguard your engine’s health and extend its life. You should check the quality of your engine oil at least once a week.

Replace it and the oil filter every few months or when the mileage reaches 3000-6000 miles, whichever comes first.