The #1 Maintenance Mistake That's Ruining Your Car

Owning a car comes with the responsibility of proper maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. While there are several maintenance mistakes you can make, there is one in particular that stands out as the #1 culprit behind car damage. In this blog, we will uncover this common mistake and provide you with valuable insights on how to avoid it. By steering clear of this mistake, you can protect your car, save money on repairs, and extend its lifespan significantly.

The Mistake: Neglecting Regular Oil Changes

The #1 maintenance mistake that can wreak havoc on your car is neglecting to change the engine oilregularly. Engine oil plays a crucial role in lubricating the engine's internal components, reducing friction, and preventing excessive wear and tear. Over time, the oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and other harmful particles, losing its effectiveness and ability to protect the engine.

How to Avoid the Mistake

To avoid the #1 maintenance mistake, it's essential to adhere to your car manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Typically, this ranges from every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, depending on your driving habits and the type of oil used. However, newer vehicles equipped with synthetic oil may have extended intervals of up to 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Additionally, pay attention to warning signs that indicate your oil needs changing, such as the "Check Oil" light on your dashboard, a low oil level, or a dark and dirty appearance of the oil on the dipstick. If you experience any of these signs, don't delay in scheduling an oil change.

Signs You're Due for an Oil Change:

Check Engine Light
If your check engine light illuminates on the dashboard, it could be an indication that your oil needs changing. Ignoring this warning could lead to severe engine damage.

Dark, Dirty Oil
Check your oil dipstick regularly. If the oil appears dark, dirty, or gritty, it's a sign that it has reached its maximum service life and should be changed promptly.

Engine Noise
If you notice unusual engine noises, such as knocking or grinding, it could be due to insufficient lubrication caused by old or degraded oil.

Decreased Performance
As the oil loses its effectiveness, you may experience decreased engine performance, including reduced acceleration and power.

Increased Fuel Consumption
Neglected oil changes can contribute to increased fuel consumption as the engine works harder to compensate for the lack of proper lubrication.