What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Oil?

Even though life can get hectic, it’s still essential to keep up with your vehicle’s regularly scheduled maintenance. At the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South service enter, we often get asked what happens if you don’t get your oil replaced. Over time, motor oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. 

When this happens, it causes friction, which leads to an increase in temperature. When the engine gets too hot, serious damage can occur like excess ear and tear and even warped components. Learn more from the service experts at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a lubricant for the engine. It has essential roles in cars, such as:

• The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away

It’s best not to find out what happens if you don’t have your oil replaced.

How Often Should I Replace My Vehicle’s Oil?

Previously, it was recommended to replace your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles. But thanks to technology, you can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil replacement services. However, you’ll want to consider your driving habits. For instance, if you do a lot of long-distance driving each day, you’ll need more frequent oil replacements. 

How Do I Replace the Oil Myself?

Before replacing your vehicle’s oil, check your owner’s manual to see the type of oil that’s required. Once you have the oil handy follow these steps below:

1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely – this can take around 15 minutes. With all of the oil drained, you can replace the plug.
3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter and make sure you keep the basin underneath to catch it. 
4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal – this ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step. 
5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand. 
6. With the old oil completely drained and a new filter is in place, go ahead and remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual. Finally, replace the oil cap.
7. Before you call it a job well done, you should check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If it’s still low, you can add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Trust the Team at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South For Your Next Oil Replacement!

Whether you need routine oil replacement or major repairs, you can trust the team at the Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South service center to handle all of your servicing needs. Check out our service specials and schedule your service appointment right at home. Contact our service department if you have any questions.