Does dirty oil ruin your engine? In short: yes. Your car's oil and oil filter help keep your engine lubricated, clean, and cool. Unfortunately, if they aren't replaced every 5,000 miles, contaminants can build up and the oil can lose its effectiveness, leading to potentially serious engine issues.
At Mercedes-Benz of Midland, we know drivers in Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo, TX want to keep their cars running for a long time. Below we've provided an in-depth look at what dirty oil can do to your engine.
What Oil Does for Your Engine
When your engine is running, there are thousands of moving parts involved. Oil circulates through your engine and acts as a lubricant for these parts, helping reduce friction and heat.
Oil also helps to cool your engine. With the combustion occurring inside your engine, it can produce a high amount of heat. Oil helps to transfer this heat away from the engine to keep it running at a safe temperature.
Your car's oil also works together with the oil filter to keep your engine clean. Contaminants and debris that may enter your engine during use are carried away by oil and then caught by the filter. This helps keep your oil running cleanly around the engine.
What Dirty Oil Can Do to Your Engine
If the oil and oil filter aren't changed regularly, the oil can become dirty from the buildup of particles it constantly picks up. If dirty oil is in constant contact with the engine, it can cause scratches to the various moving parts. This can result in malfunctions and decreased performance.
Dirty oil can also lose its lubrication and cooling properties. Without proper lubrication, friction between parts in your engine can increase and possibly warp the parts. Without proper cooling, the engine can overheat and can cause issues like a blown head gasket.
If not replaced, dirty oil eventually turns into a thick dark sludge. Sludge can gum up your engine to the point where parts may struggle to move freely. This can result in weak acceleration, poor efficiency, or even engine seizure.
How To Tell Your Oil Is Dirty
The easiest way to tell if your car's oil is dirty is by its color. New, clean oil tends to be a shade of amber, which turns darker with use over time. Dark or black oil, especially if it's thick or sludgy, is a sign your oil is old and needs to be replaced.
When your oil is brown or gray and has milky or foamy consistency, it could signal a coolant leak or condensation from excessive idling. However, if your oil takes on a red color, it could be a sign of a transmission fluid leak.
There's a number of issues that can be indicated by your oil. To check your oil follow these simple steps:
1. Park your car on level ground.
2. Wait for the engine to cool, and pop your hood.
3. Locate the oil dipstick, which usually has a brightly colored pull tab.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert it, and remove it once again to check the color and level of your oil.
Checking your oil regularly is an easy way to catch any potential issues early. If something seems off, the best course is to bring it to a trained technician.
Get Your Oil Checked at Our Service Center
Synthetic oil replacements should be done every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. When you're due, our service team is here to help. Synthetic oil replacements are typically quick procedures, and our certified technicians will have you back on the road in no time.
While you wait, our service center offers a comfortable customer lounge with free coffee and Wi-Fi. Plus, if you can't stick around, we also offer a shuttle service and loaner cars.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change Today!
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. As such, it's important to keep an eye on its health and when your next oil change should be. Are you due for a synthetic oil replacement in Midland, Odessa, or San Angelo, TX? Then get in touch with our team at Mercedes-Benz of Midland today!
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