What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

What happens if you don’t get your oil changed? If you are low on oil, your engine could overheat, and parts of the engine block like the pistons will start to become damaged without proper lubrication. If your motor oil is contaminated with dirt and debris for a long time, it could slowly cause damage that could add up to cost thousands of dollars. Learn more about the importance of regular oil changes with the experts at the Jaguar Newport Beach service center near Irvine, then get more service tips from your local authorized Jaguar retailer today!

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Your vehicle’s engine oil acts is a lubricant for the moving parts of the engine block, which can move at extremely high speeds. Additional purposes of your car’s oil:

• Oil absorbs heat from the engine components to avoid overheating.
• Without fresh oil, your vehicle’s pistons can weld themselves to the cylinders.
• Without regular oil changes, dirt and debris can build up and inhibit the engine.
• Fresh oil keeps your vehicle running smoothly and can even help maintain good fuel economy on Costa Mesa roads.

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

It used to be said that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, but these days, most drivers can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. However, it’s smart to replace your engine oil on the earlier side. Factors that could affect service intervals include:

• Road construction, gravel, sand, or dirt roads can cause oil to get dirty faster.
• Driving habits can affect the speed at which oil is evaporated
• Extreme heat or cold can affect the lifespan of the motor oil

Learn more about the Jaguar service schedule at Jaguar Newport Beach, but be sure to check your owner’s manual for model-specific recommendations.

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

1. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you purchase the correct type of oil.
2. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
3. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine.
4. Place a basin or bucket underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely, which could take 15 minutes.
5. Once all the oil has drained, replace the plug.
6. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Extra oil may drain out when you remove the filter, so keep the basin underneath to catch it.
7. Take the new filter, and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal to ensure the filter is watertight.
8. Set the new filter in place and tighten it by hand.
9. Remove the oil cap and pour in the recommended amount of new oil according to your owner’s manual.
10. Replace the oil cap.
11. Check the oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again.

Rely on Jaguar Newport Beach for Oil Change Service and More

Changing your oil at home can be daunting, so if you’d like to leave it to a Jaguar-certified technician, simply schedule an appointment at our service center near Huntington Beach. You can also rely on Jaguar Newport Beach for more automotive advice like how many miles do tires last, how to check your brake fluid, and what the difference is between premium and regular gas to get to know your vehicle better.