The Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Checking and changing your motor oil regularly is crucial to having a well running car. Engine oil is the lifeblood of the car and performs some essential functions for the engine. When a car’s oil becomes dirty or the volume is too low, the engine cannot perform properly and may fail. It is therefore crucial to regularly inspect the level of your oil and its quality, and to have oil changes regularly performed. A simple check or change now could save your vehicle from significant damage later on.
The Purpose of Motor Oil
Most people have heard the usual speech about oil changes and understand that is important to check and change oil regularly. But what does oil actually do for the car? Clean, fresh engine oil is responsible for controlling a number of factors related to engine performance, including:
- Reducing engine friction
- Lubricating engine parts so that they run smoothly
- Preventing the engine from overheating
- Preventing harmful gunk buildup in the engine
- Preventing harmful buildup of flaking metal and other engine wear
Oil Change Recommendations
To keep your oil running properly, it is best to check the condition of your oil regularly. Many people stick to the rule of checking their oil every couple of weeks to monitor both the oil level and oil quality. Fresh oil is viscous and golden brown in color, while old oil is thicker and darker. If your oil begins to look dirty, you need to have your oil changed. If the level is low but the oil still looks clean, you can simply add more oil to the engine until it is at an acceptable level as indicated on the dip stick.
When a car runs on low or dirty oil, the engine can become irreparably damaged. Not only can engine damage be extremely costly to fix, but it can also put you at risk of having an accident. If your engine light comes on while driving, pull over immediately and turn off your engine as soon as safely possible.
Contact Us
To learn more about car safety and maintenance, and what to do if you are in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact the Wausau car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today at 800-242-2874.
