What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Oil?

Things can get hectic, which makes it difficult for many Beckley drivers to keep up with regularly scheduled Mercedes-Benz maintenance. At the Mercedes-Benz of Charleston service center, we take pride in offering the highest quality of service as we work to ensure it performs at its best, and answer questions like what happens if you don’t get your oil replaced?

Motor oil breaks down over time, which makes it less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts. This causes an increase in friction that can lease to an increase in temperature. When the engine gets too hot, major damage can occur like excess wear and tear, as well as warped components. Get more details about the importance of routine oil service.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

It lubricates the engine, and has the following important roles in your vehicle:

• The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away

How Often Should I Replace My Vehicle’s Oil?

Previously, many recommended replacing your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles, but thanks to new technology, you can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil replacement services. However, you’ll want to keep in mind your driving habits, which can cause an oil replacement to be done sooner. For instance, if you drive long distances each day, an oil replacement may be done more frequently.

How Do I Replace the Oil Myself?

Before starting, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see the type of oil that’s required. With everything ready to go, follow these steps below:

1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely. This could take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
3. Remove the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter, so keep the basin underneath to catch it.
4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal to ensure that your filter is watertight and is an essential step.
5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand.
6. Now that your old oil is completely drained and a new filter is in place, go ahead and remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil that’s stated in your owner’s manual. Finally, replace the oil cap.
7. Before calling it a job well done, check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Trust Mercedes-Benz of Charleston for Oil Replacement Service and More!

The service team at Mercedes-Benz of Charleston knows your vehicle inside and out, and they’ll work hard to make sure that it continues performing at its best for years to come. Whether you need routine service or want to service tips like how to fix a dent or how to rotate tires, we have you covered! Give us a call today with any questions or schedule your next service appointment right at home!