An engine has hundreds of parts working together to make your vehicle move from one place to the next. It’s the heart of the vehicle, and like a heart, it requires blood to make everything work efficiently. Motor oil is the blood of your engine, making it run smoothly like it should. It won’t take long for your car to stop for good if your engine runs out of oil. To avoid costly auto maintenance and potential motor replacement in Minnesota, it’s important to know everything there is to know about oil and keep up on your oil changes.
What Does Motor Oil Do?
Oil is a lubricant that reduces the friction between all the moving parts of the engine. Have you ever rubbed your hands together when you’re cold? The rubbing creates heat due to friction. The same thing happens when the parts in your engine rub together. They produce a lot of friction, which in turn creates very high temperatures.
How Does the Oil Protect the Engine?
When temperatures rise in the engine, the heat needs somewhere to go. Otherwise, it could build up and cause permanent damage to the parts. The oil spreads the heat evenly throughout the engine, helping it dissipate more easily and prevent localized damage. The oil also serves another purpose: to clean out dust and debris. As the oil moves through the engine, it collects dirt and deposits it in the oil filter. Because it has a limited life and becomes contaminated with gunk, it’s good to change your oil at least every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Do You Really Need an Oil Change?
Older and newer cars differ in how they manage oil in the engine. Synthetic oil has an extended life, whereas traditional oil breaks down quicker. You should always read your vehicle’s manual to get a better idea of when you should get an oil change. Because it’s an essential part of the motor, you never want to risk having old oil running through the system. It could turn to sludge or thin out and generate more heat during operation.
Contact Kennedy Transmission to learn more about our auto maintenance services in Minnesota and schedule an oil change. Our technicians will work quickly and efficiently, improving the life of your vehicle and getting you back on the road in no time.
