What Happens if You Skip an Oil Change? Tips from Local Mechanic Near Me

Skipping an oil change might not seem like a big deal, but it costs your car engine a lot. Many drivers in Adelaide do not consider skipping an oil change harmful to their car engine. Interestingly, they think that what could go wrong with putting it off for a few hundred or even a few thousand kilometres. Well, skipping an oil change is one of the major reasons why most Adelaide drivers Google ‘local auto mechanic near me’.

According to our expert mechanics in Adelaide, an oil change is still one of the simplest, most affordable ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly. On the other hand, we also have experience of dealing with vehicles that cost hefty repair bills or even a total engine change just because of ignoring the oil change for too long. In this blog, we will guide you on exactly what happens when you skip an oil change, what you risk, and how our best motor mechanics in Adelaide suggest staying ahead of it.

Importance of Oil Change for Your Vehicle

Your car’s engine is not just a large working part; rather, it consists of several moving metal parts. These metal parts move together to bring your vehicle into running, and while doing so, they create friction. Friction creates heat in the engine, but engine oil does not let that happen so easily. Engine oil lubricates these parts, reduces heat, and ensures everything runs smoothly.

According to our best motor mechanic in Adelaide, dirty oil becomes a reason for heating up your engine more quickly than ever. Plus, it makes the engine work harder than it should, which enhances the risk of damaging important engine parts. Accumulating sludge and debris is also one of the major issues dirty engine oils create. Think of it like brushing your teeth. Skipping one day might not cause a cavity. But do it long enough, and the damage builds up.

2. What Happens if You Skip an Oil Change?

Skipping or ignoring an oil change can be harmful to your vehicle’s engine in multiple ways. In worst-case scenarios, it can also lead you to expensive emergency crash repairs. Our professionals tell oil loses its viscosity over time and can not lubricate engine parts properly. In such cases, you will start hearing grinding noises or even feel your engine running rough. Well, these are not just warning noises rather, we regard them as engine problems that have already begun.

Old oil also collects dirt, metal particles, and grime. These particles later turn into sludge and clog the engine badly. As a result, the engine stops working properly and soon you are googling ‘best mechanic near me’. But still, the most dangerous problem is overheating. When there is no lubrication, there will be more heat, which will later cost you in terms of damaged engine parts. In these cases, we have also seen cars guzzling more petrol as they struggle to perform properly. The worst-case scenario is having to replace your engine, which can cost thousands of dollars, if it seizes because the oil is outdated or nonexistent.

2.1. How Dirty Oil Affects Engine Parts Over Time

Over time, unclean oil becomes thick, sludgy, and abrasive, as we have already stated. It starts grinding down critical components like the pistons, bearings, and camshaft. Although it develops gradually, this wear and tear doesn’t happen all at once. According to numerous Adelaide mechanics, vehicles with postponed oil changes frequently exhibit symptoms of early engine ageing, such as odd noises and overheating. As one of the best motor mechanics in Adelaide, we insist on getting regular oil changes as it is a small price to pay to avoid such slow, invisible damage. 

3. Expert Advice from Local Mechanics Near Me

Our professional mechanics are familiar with what happens when people delay their oil changes. Well, we get a lot of customers who think oil changes are optional. But by the time they come in, their engine is knocking, the oil is black sludge, and the damage is already done. And what do they get in the end? Expensive repairs. That’s why we recommend following your vehicle’s schedule strictly. For most cars, it’s every 5,000 to 10,000 km, depending on the oil type.

3.1. How to Know You’re Due for an Oil Change

Since changing your engine oil regularly is important, you should be familiar with when is the right time to change it. Our expert mechanics are the first priority of those who search ‘auto mechanic near me’ in Adelaide, and we are always ready to guide you through it.

• Our top suggestion is to keep an eye on the engine or oil warning light. If it is one, you should know it is the right time to get your vehicle an oil change.
• Stay alert to strange knocking or ticking sounds. Contact us immediately if you hear such sounds coming from your car’s engine. 
• For more certainty, consider checking with the dipstick and be concerned if the oil is dark and gritty.
• The oil-burning smell is another indicator that we suggest looking for. Keep your senses strong.
• Never ignore if your car feels sluggish or jerky. It is also a sign that your car needs an engine oil change.

Even if there are no signs, check your odometer. If you’ve crossed 10,000 km without an oil change, it’s time. Don’t get late and save both time and money.

3.2. Never Wait on Emergency Crash Repairs

If your car breaks down because of oil-related issues or crashes, just know that we also offer emergency crash repairs. For small accidents or breakdowns, our professional mechanics in Adelaide provide same-day assistance. You do not have to wait for days to get your vehicle back. It’s simply one more incentive to be familiar with your local auto mechanic before problems arise. It gives you benefits on both ends: quality repairs and affordable pricing.

3.3. Your Driving Habits Also Matter

Driving habits contribute a lot to maintaining or degrading your vehicle’s engine oil. Short trips, frequent idling, and stop-and-go traffic all contribute to faster oil degradation. Your car’s oil gets dirty more quickly than you may realise if you mostly use it for short commutes or school runs.

That’s why we always suggest adjusting your engine oil change frequency according to your driving style rather than just based on manufacturer timelines. Plus, if you are living in Adelaide Hills, you need to be more alert about the engine oil of your vehicle. We know that an engine goes to its limit when driving in hilly terrain. In such areas, we don’t recommend driving with old engine oil. It can lead your vehicle to a total engine breakdown.

Why Local Mechanic in Adelaide is Your Best Option

There are plenty of places to get an oil change from, but getting it done by a professional can make a huge difference. And the best mechanics near me in Adelaide offer more than just convenience. At SA Auto Care, we offer personalised services that allow us to remember your car history. So that when you visit us next time, we will already know most of your car’s details. We also offer quick turnarounds, which means less wait time than big chains.

Our emergency crash repair services are a word of mouth in Adelaide. Above all, we offer fair prices and are known for our transparent pricing in Adelaide. Choosing the best motor mechanic in Adelaide, like us, can help you avoid engine problems and stress, whether you live in the Adelaide Hills or the suburbs.

 Skipping Oil Changes Can Void Your Warranty

It may sound strange, but it is true. This is also one of the top reasons why we emphasise changing your vehicle’s engine oil regularly. Because we know that skipping it or ignoring it can void your vehicle’s warranty. It happens because manufacturers usually demand documented proof of routine maintenance to honour warranty claims. Even the greatest motor mechanic in Adelaide might not be able to assist you in obtaining coverage if you ever experience engine problems and have neglected to change your oil. It’s a simple task that protects your wallet in the long run, especially when unexpected repairs hit hard.

Concluding Thoughts

Your car is not just a mode of transportation, it is an investment for you. Your safety is tied to your vehicle running well. Engine-related issues of your vehicle can have a significant impact on your investment and safety as well. Skipping oil changes is the major reason behind engine issues. You might be lucky a few times, but eventually, the damage shows up. Stay ahead with regular maintenance, keep a log, and search for a reliable ‘auto mechanic near me’ in Adelaide to help.

 Need a reliable mechanic near you? Book your car checkup with us today.