Customer Asks: What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Ignoring Oil Changes Can Destroy Your Engine (and Your Wallet)

Regular oil changes are one of the most important — and affordable — ways to keep your engine running smoothly. But what happens if you don’t change your oil? Whether you’re putting it off for a few extra weeks or skipping it altogether, neglecting oil maintenance can lead to serious (and expensive) engine damage.

In this post, our ASE-certified technicians at Mike’s Auto Service in Newington, CT explain what happens if you don’t get an oil change, the warning signs to look for, and why sticking to your oil change schedule can save you thousands in repairs.

1. Engine Oil Breaks Down Over Time

Your engine oil doesn’t last forever. It’s designed to lubricate moving parts, reduce friction, and prevent metal components from grinding together. Over time, however, oil breaks down and loses its protective properties.

So, what happens if you don’t change oil regularly? It becomes thick, dirty, and sludgy — unable to flow properly through your engine. This buildup can cause severe wear on vital parts, leading to poor performance and potential engine failure.

2. Dirt and Sludge Clog the Engine

When you skip an oil change, contaminants like dirt, carbon, and metal particles accumulate in your oil. Eventually, they form sludge that clogs oil passages and blocks lubrication.

What happens when you don’t change your oil is that your engine has to work harder — increasing heat, friction, and stress on critical components such as pistons and bearings. In extreme cases, the buildup can seize the engine completely, requiring a full replacement.

3. Overheating Becomes a Serious Risk

Oil helps carry away heat from your engine. Without clean, fresh oil, heat builds up quickly. What happens if you don’t get a regular oil change is that your engine begins to overheat — leading to warped parts, blown gaskets, and catastrophic damage that no simple repair can fix.

4. Your Fuel Efficiency Drops

Old, dirty oil increases friction inside your engine, forcing it to work harder and burn more fuel. If you’ve noticed that your gas mileage has decreased, it could be because your oil is long overdue for a change.

So, what happens if I don’t change my oil? You’ll end up spending more at the pump and risk larger repair bills down the road.

5. You Could Void Your Warranty

If your vehicle is still under warranty, neglecting oil changes can void it. Manufacturers specify maintenance intervals for a reason — and if you skip them, any resulting engine damage may not be covered.

6. It Can Lead to Total Engine Failure

Eventually, what happens if you don’t get an oil change is simple: your engine can fail completely. Without lubrication, metal parts grind together until they seize up. Replacing an engine costs thousands of dollars — far more than the cost of routine oil changes.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

Most vehicles need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, though some newer models can go longer with synthetic oil. Always check your owner’s manual for your manufacturer’s recommendation, or stop by Mike’s Auto Service for professional guidance.

• Full synthetic and conventional oil changes
• Oil filter replacement
• Multi-point inspections with every service
• Digital vehicle health reports

Don’t Wait — Schedule Your Oil Change in Newington, CT

Wondering what happens if you don’t change your oil? The short answer: nothing good. Prevent costly repairs and keep your engine running like new with regular maintenance at Mike’s Auto Service.

📍 Conveniently located in Newington, CT, we proudly serve drivers throughout the greater Hartford area.

Schedule your next oil change today — fast, easy, and affordable!