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The Dangers of a Delayed Oil Change in San Diego CA

Your oil is probably what works the hardest in your engine. There are so many moving parts inside modern engines, and engine oil needs to be changed frequently to keep all of them in optimal condition. 

The old adage is that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles or about every three months. However, these days, many vehicle manufacturers have started to extend oil change intervals. A modern vehicle can go as far as 5,000 miles or more before needing an oil change. 

What’s the Right Oil Change Interval for My Car? 

This recommendation is under the right circumstances. There are two different maintenance schedules included in your owner’s manual: one suited for “normal” driving conditions and another for “severe service.” 

What’s included in severe service? Routine things such as stop-and-go traffic, short trips, towing, hauling, or even just driving in extreme temperatures. That is why our auto mechanics in San Diego will often recommend the severe service schedule. 

DThe Dangers of a Delayed Oil Change in San Diego CA

Four of the biggest vehicle manufacturers have recently introduced extended warranty coverage for engine damage due to oil sludge because of these extended oil change intervals. These companies found that real-world driving conditions require more frequent oil changes than what is being recommended. 

Frequent Oil Changes Can Prevent Sludge

Oil sludge is responsible for a lot of engine damage. This is when oil has become thick and lost its viscosity, which can block engine passages and prevent oil from lubricating crucial engine components. This will cause parts to wear more rapidly and even fail sooner than they should. 

Sludge is the result of multiple factors. Time is one factor. Engine oil will become contaminated by the exhaust, causing it to turn to sludge. That is why it is recommended to change your oil about every three months at an auto repair shop in San Diego. Sludge can also be caused by water and condensation build-up. Just a few minutes of driving on the highway can cause oil to heat up to the point that water evaporates. The issue is that water does not have time to evaporate during short trips to the store. 

If you think your car is overdue for an oil change, bring it over to Automobile Repair Shop San Diego to have it checked out by one of our licensed auto technicians. 

Oil Change in San Diego

Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated repair shop that has provided quality auto repair in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.