One of the most common maintenance mistakes car owners make is not changing their oil frequently enough. There are a number of reasons why regular oil changes are important, but in terms of reliability, the most important thing is to ensure that the oil can clean residue and debris from the engine. When the oil is fresh, it’ll be most effective at keeping the engine’s internals clean, but if it’s not changed, it will reach a point where it’s too dirty to do its job.
When it’s consistently left for long periods of time, this can cause buildups of residue in the engine, which can affect the engine’s performance. In milder cases, this can result in reduced fuel economy and increased emissions, but in severe cases, it can potentially cause damage to the engine’s components. Regular servicing is a great way to ensure your car’s oil is replaced within the manufacturer’s recommended time period, but it’s also worth periodically checking older cars for any signs of leaking oil and, if needed, topping the oil up accordingly.
