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Why Oil Changes Are More Important Than You Think

posted on 2/3/2017 11:56:01 AM
Oil Changes in Warwick, RIIf you drive a lot and put a lot of miles on your car, it seems like every time you turn around it’s time for an oil change again. Oil changes start to seem like a nuisance when you’ve got to get them done every couple of months. Are they really that important? 
 
The answer to that question is an unequivocal, unconditional yes. 
 
The idea is to coat moving parts with a thin film of slippery oil to reduce friction, disperse heat and limit the internal parts’ exposure to oxidation. The combustion that goes on inside your engine’s cylinders generates a lot of carbon and other by-products, which eventually make their way into your motor oil. Over time, oil breaks down at the molecular level, losing its lubricating properties; in addition, it starts to pick up the carbon and contaminants from the combustion process. The pleated paper element in the oil filter will catch much of those contaminants, but over time the filter becomes saturated and can no longer absorb any more particles. That’s when oil starts to turn to sludge, leaving deposits of gunk on critical engine assemblies and inhibiting performance. 
 
Before the mid-1950s, engines didn’t feature oil filters (or even oil pumps, in many cases), and detergent motor oils hadn’t been invented yet. Engines had to be “de-coked” at regular intervals, which meant running a thin motor oil/kerosene mix in the crankcase for a few minutes, which would hopefully act as a solvent and break up deposits on the bearings and other moving parts. Considering the manufacturing and machining technology of the time, a car might be due for an engine overhaul at only 80,000 miles or so! 
 
We’ve come a long way since then; modern formulations of mineral-based oil can go 3,000-5,000 miles between oil changes (with no need for “de-coking”!). Synthetic motor oil, while more expensive, is more effective at lubrication and can go 10,000 miles or more (check manufacturer’s recommendations). 
So what’s the alternative to regular oil changes? What happens if you neglect them? 
 
Well, the particles and contaminants that make used motor oil so dark and smelly will build up on moving parts and will increase friction, heat and wear, and you’ll need an engine rebuild. You can keep up on oil changes and go for 200,000 miles or more on the engine, or you can have an expensive overhaul done before you reach 80,000 miles. Not much of a choice, is it?
 
When did you last have your oil changed? If you can’t remember, it might be time for another one. Make an appointment with us at New England Tire Car Care Centers and we’ll perform an oil change with your choice of synthetic or conventional oil and make sure that you’re good to go for a few thousand more miles! For New England's first choice in tires, auto repair, and oil changes, schedule an appointment with NEW ENGLAND TIRE Car Care Centers for all your vehicle maintenance. 
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NEW ENGLAND TIRE Car Care Centers has five convenient locations in Attleboro, Mansfield, Seekonk, and Northborough, MA. and Warwick, RI. We provide the auto repair services you need, such as auto air conditioning repair, brake repair, car batteries, auto cooling system repair, oil changes, suspension repair, wheel alignments and much more. We also offer tire services including tire balancing, tire rotations and flat tire repair, in addition to top tire brands such as Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly and Pirelli. Our locations have over 40 years of experience in the auto repair industry with service and products you can afford and trust. Our ASE certified technicians are waiting to serve you. Schedule an appointment online or visit any of our locations for the best auto repair, tire and wheel services you won’t find anywhere else but at NEW ENGLAND TIRE Car Care Centers.