The engine oil used in a car has various functions. Engine oil is commonly perceived to be for the sole purpose of lubricating. However, the engine oil contributes significantly towards cooling the engine as well. Water circulation alone cannot control the immense heat produced by the engine. About 60 to 70% of the engine heat is absorbed by the oil.
The engine oil also lubricates the internal components of the engine to prolong their life. Engine oil has to be changed every four to five thousand miles. If not, it could damage your engine, resulting in expensive repairs. Let’s look at the possible damages that your engine could sustain if you don’t change or check the engine oil regularly:
Overheating Of Engine
Oil absorbs 60 to 70% of the engine’s heat. If the engine oil is below the minimum required level, the engine is bound to overheat. Severe overheating of the engine can result in a blown gasket which will cause the oil and coolant to mix. If this happens, you will have to have the engine overhauled.
Lubrication Ability of Oil
As the oil runs through the engine, its viscosity decreases. It thins down and doesn’t reduce friction efficiently. Regular oil change will ensure that the engine runs smoothly and all parts have sufficient lubrication. If the oil is not changed, it won’t eliminate the friction. This will cause internal engine components to wear down quickly. Fixing this will require an expensive engine overhaul.
Engine Cleaning
When the engine runs, it produces dirt and shavings over time. Modern synthetic oils have additives like detergents that clean the engine. The oil cleans the engine and contains contaminants within. This is why oil should be changed, so that fresh oil can do the job. This is because the ability of the old oil to clean the engine is compromised. If you don’t change the oil, dirt will accumulate in the engine and cause engine failure over time.
To avoid the abovementioned issues, you should have the engine oil changed every 5000 miles or sooner, depending on your vehicle’s use.