What Does Engine Oil Do for My Car?

A lot of people don’t pay much attention to the oil in their vehicles. But engine oil is one of the most vital components when it comes to how your engine performs and how long it will last. Ensuring your engine has the correct amount of clean, high-quality oil is essential for maintaining performance, preventing breakdowns, and extending the life of your vehicle.

At Westside Auto Service, we understand the importance of regular maintenance and keeping your car in top condition. Not only do we offer top-tier oil changes and filter replacements, but we also provide a comprehensive range of services to ensure your car runs smoothly. But before we dive into why you should bring your car to us for service, let’s explore why engine oil and regular oil changes are crucial for the longevity of your vehicle.

What Does My Engine Oil Actually Do?

Engine oil is like the lifeblood of your car, performing a variety of functions that keep your engine running smoothly. Many drivers don't realize how much work the oil is doing under the hood. Here's a breakdown of the critical roles it plays:

1. Lubrication: Your engine is made up of numerous metal parts that move and interact with each other at high speeds. Without oil, these parts would grind against each other, causing extreme friction, which would lead to overheating, wear, and even engine failure. Engine oil creates a protective layer between these components, allowing them to move smoothly.
2. Cooling: Besides lubrication, engine oil helps dissipate heat away from critical engine components. As the oil circulates, it absorbs the heat generated during combustion and transfers it away from the engine, preventing overheating.
3. Rust and Corrosion Prevention: Over time, metal parts in your engine can be exposed to moisture and other corrosive elements. Engine oil contains additives that help protect against rust and corrosion, keeping your engine in good condition for the long haul.
4. Cleaning: As engine oil circulates through your engine, it also works as a cleaning agent. It picks up dirt, debris, and tiny metal particles that could cause wear and tear. This keeps your engine cleaner and more efficient. The oil then carries these particles to the oil filter, where they are trapped and removed from circulation.
5. Sealant: Oil also works as a sealant for the engine’s piston rings. It helps maintain the correct pressure within the engine cylinders, ensuring the combustion process is efficient.

The Importance of the Oil Filter

Your engine oil is critical to maintaining your vehicle’s performance, but it’s only as good as the oil filter. The oil filter is designed to remove contaminants from the oil before it circulates through the engine. Over time, the oil filter becomes clogged with dirt, debris, and particles, reducing its effectiveness.

Why Do I Need to Change My Oil Filter?

Changing your oil filter is just as important as changing the oil itself. Here's why:

1. Maintains Oil Flow: A clogged oil filter can restrict the flow of oil to your engine, leading to increased friction and wear on the engine parts. This can cause your engine to overheat and even seize up in extreme cases.
2. Prevents Contaminants from Entering the Engine: The oil filter catches debris, metal shavings, and other particles that can cause damage to engine components. Over time, the filter gets filled with these particles, and if not changed regularly, dirty oil will bypass the filter and circulate through the engine, potentially causing damage.
3. Promotes Engine Efficiency: A clean oil filter ensures that only fresh oil circulates through the engine, which helps it run more efficiently. It reduces the risk of sludge build-up and maintains optimal engine performance.

At Westside Auto Service, we recommend changing your oil filter with every oil change. This ensures your engine receives the cleanest oil possible, maximizing its efficiency and longevity.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

The frequency of oil changes depends on your vehicle and driving conditions. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometres, but it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual for the exact interval for your vehicle. However, it’s always a good idea to check your engine oil levels between services to ensure it’s at full capacity and providing optimal lubrication and heat absorption.

Here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Check Your Oil Levels: You should check your engine oil levels at least once a month to ensure there’s enough oil in the engine and that it’s not dirty or discoloured.
• Driving Conditions: If you regularly drive in stop-and-go traffic, in extreme heat or cold, or tow heavy loads, your engine oil may degrade faster, and you may need more frequent oil changes.
• Short Trips: If you mainly drive short distances, your engine may not get hot enough to burn off moisture and other contaminants that accumulate in the oil, leading to sludge build-up. In this case, more frequent oil changes are recommended.

At Westside Auto Service, we offer a free oil check with every service, ensuring that your oil is always at optimal levels.

Why Regular Oil Changes Matter

Regular oil changes and filter replacements are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. Failing to change your oil can lead to a variety of engine problems, including:

1. Increased Wear and Tear: Old oil becomes contaminated with dirt, metal particles, and sludge, which can cause increased friction between engine parts. This can lead to premature wear and tear on critical components, reducing the overall lifespan of your engine.
2. Reduced Engine Performance: Dirty oil can cause your engine to run less efficiently, reducing fuel economy and power. Over time, this can lead to more significant issues that may require costly repairs.
3. Overheating: Oil that’s past its prime loses its ability to absorb and transfer heat, leading to engine overheating. This can cause major damage to engine components and result in expensive repairs.

By changing your oil and oil filter regularly, you can prevent these issues and keep your engine in peak condition.

Visit Westside Auto Service for Your Oil Change and Full Car Service

If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s oil and filter maintenance needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Westside Auto Service. Our expert mechanics will inspect your car, check the oil levels, and advise you on the best course of action to ensure your engine stays in top shape.

At Westside Auto Service, we don’t just stop at oil changes. We provide a comprehensive range of car service and repair options, including brake repairs, suspension checks, tyre rotations, and full diagnostic services. Whether you need routine maintenance or more extensive repairs, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Our team of experienced mechanics is committed to providing high-quality service and ensuring your vehicle is safe and reliable on the road. Don’t wait for a breakdown – book your next car service with us today and keep your car performing at its best!
To book your next oil change or full car service, contact Westside Auto Service at [email protected] or give us a call at [insert phone number]. Let us take care of your car so you can drive with confidence!