Have you ever wondered how long a car can last without an oil change? It is a question that many Dubai drivers ask, especially when their lives are super busy and regular maintenance slips down the priority list. However, delaying oil change often leads to reduced lubrication, sludge and dirt buildup, and even engine failure.
So, what is the right time to change oil in your vehicles? What symptoms point to the need for an Oil Change in your Car? Let’s understand this and more in detail below.
How Engine Oil Works In Your Car?
Before understanding the risk of delaying oil changes, let’s first find out what the engine oil does for your car:
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Lubrication:
Car engine oil creates a thin layer between the moving parts of your vehicle. This minimizes direct metal-to-metal contact, which can result in daily wear and tear.
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Cooling:
Your car’s engine oil also helps in directing heat away from the combustion cycle. This further helps in cooling the engine when it overheats.
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Cleaning:
Engine oil is crucial for cleaning your vehicle’s engine while it runs, acting like a detergent. Dust and debris are carried to the filter by the oil as it flows, where they are captured to prevent them from adhering to the surface.
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Protection:
To ensure smoother performance and longer engine life, engine oil protects your vehicle from corrosion and rust that can accumulate inside the engine.
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Performance:
A high-quality, clean engine oil not only lubricates parts and reduces friction but also enhances your vehicle’s overall performance.
The Hidden Dangers Of Delaying An Oil Change
Many drivers in Dubai may not think twice before delaying oil changes. However, missing this vital service can have serious problems. Here is what can happen if you delay an oil change in your vehicle for too long.
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Engine Functions Too Hard:
Your car’s engine oil ensures that engine parts are moving smoothly. However, when the oil gets old, it turns dirty and thick. This results in the engine getting strained, leading to quicker wear.
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Risk Of Overheating:
Clean and fresh oil helps in cooling your car’s engine. On the other hand, old and dirty oil loses this ability and can lead to engine overheating and even damage to key components.
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Dropped Fuel Efficiency:
If the engine oil is dirty, it will reduce the engine's efficiency, resulting in a decrease in the car's overall performance. This would mean your vehicle will burn more gas and will cost you more money in refueling.
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Risk Of Engine Failure:
If you do not change the oil, over time, this dirty oil will convert into a sludge. This sludge can block small passages in the engine, potentially leading to total engine failure and necessitating an expensive repair.
How Do I Know My Car Needs An Oil Change?
Listed below are some clear signals that your vehicle needs an immediate oil change:
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Engine Knocking Or Noise:
When your car’s engine oil is old or runs low, it will not lubricate the engine effectively. In such a case, metal parts will rub together and your engine may rumble, knock, or make loud noises.
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Dark Or Dirty Oil:
Fresh oil is usually translucent and amber; however, with age, it turns dark and thick as it starts to absorb more garbage. With a dipstick, you can easily determine the color and know whether it has turned old.
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Check Engine Or Oil Change Light:
Your oil change indicator may blink or light up when it’s time to switch to fresh oil. Or, you can also check the engine light; if it's on, it's time to inspect and change the engine oil.
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Burning Smell:
If you smell burning inside your vehicle, it could be due to engine oil burning. This indicates that oil is leaking and dripping onto hot engine parts, suggesting that the oil is either old or in short supply.
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More Exhaust Smoke:
Some exhaust is standard coming out of the cars. However, dark and blue smoke indicates that the engine oil is burning, and it is time to change it.
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Less Gas Mileage:
If your vehicle starts to consume more fuel, it is an indicator that the old oil has become contaminated and may be causing engine drag. Therefore, lower gas mileage is a good indicator that an oil change is needed.
How Often Should The Engine Oil Be Changed?
As a general thumb rule, most Al Quoz Auto Repair shops will recommend changing engine oil every 3000 miles. On the other hand, some automobile manufacturers suggest a longer interval, such as 5000 miles.
Similarly, if you use synthetic oil, some car manufacturers may recommend changing the oil at 10,000 miles. Simply put, how often you need a car oil change depends on your car’s make, year, model, and other specific details.
Benefits Of Changing Car Oil Regularly
Fresh and new oil will ensure the engine is healthy, prevent failure, boost resale value, reduce wear, and improve overall maintenance. Here are some more benefits:
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Detection Of Other Car Issues:
Regular Oil Changes will allow you to inspect your vehicle’s air filters, battery, brakes, and other essential components. This will help identify potential problems before they escalate into significant issues.
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Keeps You On Schedule:
Changing your vehicle’s engine oil regularly will help you stay on track and adhere to your car manufacturer’s recommended and Regular Car Maintenance schedule. This will ensure you make the required mechanical visits on time, reducing unexpected expenses.
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Avoids Catastrophes:
New oil also prevents the buildup of sludge that can lead to severe engine damage. Without efficient and proper lubrication, your car's engine could seize, potentially requiring a write-off or costly replacement.
Why Choose Auto Studio For an Oil Change?
At Auto Studio, we make engine oil changes effective and easy. Our expert mechanics use high-quality filters and oil, matched to your car’s needs, whether it’s high-mileage, synthetic, or conventional.
With every oil change, we also inspect your vehicle to ensure there are no bigger problems and catch them before they become expensive repairs. You will receive fast service, clear communication, and peace of mind with us.
Conclusion
The engine in your car would not run smoothly without oil, which is its lifeblood. Therefore, to ensure your vehicle runs efficiently and smoothly, it is essential to have the oil changed according to the recommended guidelines.
Without recommended oil changes, you may experience clogged systems, performance issues, and failed turbochargers, which can lead to more severe engine problems. Changing the oil may be the most straightforward yet crucial maintenance task you will never regret.
We at Auto Studio provide affordable Oil Change Offers in Dubai to ensure your vehicle’s performance and health. Contact or visit us for a professional diagnosis and expert solution.