Every car component needs to be checked regularly, but nothing is more important than changing the oil. Skipping for oil change is damaging the engine which can lead to engine overhaul.

Changing the oil is not a difficult task, it can even be done as a DIY project. Regularly changing the oil is an important maintenance to make the engine remain optimal. Neglecting to change the oil will have a negative impact on the car.

When changing the oil, dirty and cloudy oil will be removed from the engine and it replaced with new oil. In some cases, the oil filter must be replaced as well.

Impact of Skipping for Oil Change

There are negative consequences if you change your oil late, especially for the engine. Besides damaging the engine, it may cause fuel inefficiency, engine vibrating, lowering prices, and others.

1. Engine Damage

Skipping for oil change can cause serious damage to the engine. Oil is a lubricant that prevents friction between components inside the engine. Friction will trigger wear and increase the engine temperature, and the oil acts as a coolant.

Over time, the oil loses its viscosity and its function as a coolant. Neglecting to change the oil makes the components in the engine are likely to be damaged. If the engine is damaged, the only solution is to replace the entire engine, and that is the same as changing a new car.

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2. Lowering the Selling Value

No matter if the car's engine is badly damaged or simply worn out, there are more price reductions when you trade the car. Even if the engine returns to normal after repair, it won’t help much. There is a negative stigma if the car engine has been broken and replaced.

3. Void the Warranty

The impact of skipping for oil change is not only damages the engine, it even voids the warranty. When buying a car with a dealer or manufacturer warranty, don't expect to claim the warranty if you skipping for oil change.

The majority of the warranty will only cover damage that is 'natural', not due to negligence of the owner. Since an oil change is a must, not doing it regularly will void the warranty.

4. Decreasing the Performance

Once the oil starts to get dirty, this will have a negative impact on engine performance. Although the decrease in performance is not immediately felt, the consequences can affect the vehicle in general.

Engine speed is affected by the viscosity of the oil. With dirty oil, the engine speed becomes a little bit slower so the speed of the vehicle will not be as good as before.

5. Vibration and Sound

As the oil deteriorates, the components in the engine do not get the ideal protection from friction. As a result, the engine makes a loud noise along with vibrations that are sometimes felt in the cabin. It’s common for older cars, although some modern cars may experience a similar condition.

6. Fuel Inefficiency

When the engine speed becomes slower, it takes more fuel consumption to produce the same power. As a result, the car becomes more fuel-intensive. Fuel consumption will increase, so more budget is needed for fuel than it should be.

Read More: 6 Types of Eco-friendly Fuel for Sustainability

7. Crushing the Gasket

One of the most affected components due to skipping for oil change are gaskets. If the gasket breaks, the car will stop and the engine cannot be started again. Repairing a broken gasket is never cheap. In most cases, a full engine block is required instead of replacing the gasket.

8. Bending the Components

One of the functions of oil is to cool the engine. Because the heat cannot be removed due to loss of lubrication, the components will start to collide, overlap, and press against each other. As a result, the engine components become bent. The solution is never easy: replacing a whole engine block!

Solution If you Skipping for Oil Change

It is recommended to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 km. But how often to change the oil will depend on the engine type, year, model, and other specific factors.

The majority of cars today are equipped with an oil pressure indicator to inform you when to change the oil. But the higher the frequency you drive the car, the faster the oil must be changed. Indicators will give a clue when the oil should be changed.

There is nothing positive if you skipping for oil change, and the solution is not much. First and foremost, immediately go to the workshop to get an analysis if there are components that are affected.

If the engine is not severe, it is possible to change the oil with a new one. If the components are worn out, replacement may be needed. Damaged engines due to a late oil change can be spotted by dark smoke from the exhaust.

Replacing one or two components may not be enough to normalize the engine. The worst scenario is having to replace the engine block, the same as buying a new car.

In short, changing the oil is the easiest service car but should not be skipped because the consequences are disastrous. Whether using synthetic oil or mineral oil, both are equally ideal for protecting the engine.