Many New Yorkers don’t drive that often. Because of this, they may not get the oil changed in their car all that often simply because they haven’t driven a significant amount of miles.
However, oil changes aren’t just about the number of miles that you drive. There are some reasons why your car needs an oil change even if your mileage isn’t telling you to get one.
Your Car Will Run At A Cooler Temperature
The components under your car’s hood heat up when your car is on. However, there are all sorts of systems in place that keep your car’s engine at a temperature that’s safe. If your car ends up running hotter than normal, it can hurt the engine. This can cause your car to need an expensive repair that could have been completely avoided if your car had regular oil changes. While your car’s radiator is an integral part of keeping your car cool, the engine oil is as well. Clean oil helps redistribute the heat that’s in your car’s combustion chamber. This will allow your car to run at a lot cooler temperature than it would if your oil is fairly old.
There Can Be Gunk In It
One of the most beneficial parts about getting an oil change is that it will remove all of the gunk that has been collected in the oil. Many car owners don’t realize that their engine oil can be filled with contaminants and become alarmingly thick if it sits in the engine for too long. This can lead to a decrease in gas mileage, and they may notice that their car doesn’t seem to be as powerful as it used to be. An oil change will get rid of any of the gunk that has built up, and you may find that your car performs a lot better afterward.
The Oil Filter Will Get Replaced
The cold New York winters can really wreak havoc on your car’s oil filter. This is why it’s a good idea to go ahead and get your oil changed no matter how long your car has set. If this happens, your car can run really poorly, and you may think that there’s a serious issue with it despite the fact that the oil filter is what’s causing them. When you get the oil changed, they will automatically replace the oil filter. You may be surprised to find how dirty or deteriorated it looks even if you haven’t driven that many miles since the last time you had the oil changed.
Your Car Will Run A Lot Better
A lot of people don’t realize that their car’s engine oil can have a huge impact on how well their car runs. If the oil's old, your car may not idle smoothly. You may also notice that it acts sluggish when you are trying to take off. Fortunately, you can keep this from happening by getting the oil changed every three months no matter how many miles you’ve driven.
It Will Allow The Mechanic To Identify Any Issues
One of the nice things about having your car’s oil changed frequently is that it gives your mechanic the opportunity to inspect your car. They can identify all sorts of minor issues that can become big ones if they aren’t taken care of quickly. This can actually save you money as these issues can be addressed right away. Your mechanic may notice things like an oil or radiator fluid leak, belts that are starting to fray, or issues with your transmission. If you wait to take your car in for an oil change until your mileage is telling you to, you may miss some of the issues that your car is having.
Old Oil Won’t Lubricate The Engine
Your car’s oil is a significant part of keeping the engine lubricated. Without it, you can cause a significant amount of damage to the engine. Just because you have oil in your car, it doesn't mean that it’s doing an adequate job of keeping your engine lubricated. Old oil can break down, and it may not have the ability to lubricate the engine as it should. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know whether or not your car’s old engine oil is able to still do its job. This is why you need to have the engine oil change frequently even if you haven't driven that much since your last oil change.
Don’t put off having your car’s oil changed because your mileage isn’t telling you to. Even during the winter months when your car sits, you still should have the oil changed every several months. This will ensure that your car runs as well as it should, and you may also be able to avoid a costly repair that could have been avoided with a regular oil change.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.