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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, changing the oil is among the most basic yet important things you need to do. It might seem like just another item on your vehicle maintenance checklist, but neglecting this routine maintenance task can lead to serious problems. Today's article is a look at what happens when you don't change your oil and how it can eventually lead to sludge build-up, which you definitely want to avoid.

Your car's engine is made up of many moving parts, and the oil provides lubrication so these parts can move smoothly without overheating. Over time, engine oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness from exposure to heat. This is why manufacturers recommend changing your oil at regular intervals.

When the oil isn't changed, it starts to lose its properties and becomes less efficient at lubricating the engine. This reduced lubrication causes more friction between parts, which leads to increased wear and tear.

But increased friction is just the beginning. The real danger comes when the old oil turns into sludge. Sludge is a thick, tar-like substance that can cause severe damage to your engine. This happens when the oil isn't changed for a very long time, far beyond the recommended interval. And yes, there are cases of it happening! That's why Hanagan's Inc. would like to remind you to look at your calendar right now if you're due for an oil change or past due for an oil change, and figure out when you'll have time to take your vehicle in for this service. Now do yourself a favor and block that time so you can take care of it. 

Did you do it? Great! Now we can continue.

The formation of sludge is a gradual process. As oil ages, it picks up dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants from the engine. These contaminants contribute to the transformation of oil from its liquid state to a semi-solid form. This semi-solid sludge is terrible news for your engine. It blocks oil passages, preventing the oil from reaching parts of the engine that need lubrication. This results in parts of the engine overheating, causing severe and sometimes irreparable damage.

In extreme cases, this can lead to the complete failure of the engine. When sludge blocks the oil passages entirely, it starves the engine of the necessary lubrication. Without lubrication, the engine's parts weld themselves together from the heat generated by friction. This condition is often catastrophic and can mean the end of the road for your car's engine, leading to expensive repairs or the need for a complete engine replacement.

In less extreme cases, forgetting to change the oil in a timely manner will result in less fuel efficiency and more wear-and-tear on the engine parts. Lesser-quality oil won't protect the engine components as well, leading to the aforementioned, increased wear and tear. You might notice your engine running louder than usual or experience reduced performance. Fuel efficiency can also take a hit, as mentioned, because the engine has to work harder to overcome the friction caused by subpar lubrication. These issues, while not catastrophic, can shorten the lifespan of your engine.

The consequences of not changing your oil underscore the importance of vehicle maintenance. To avoid the risk of sludge formation and the severe problems that come with it, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. It might seem like a small task, but it plays a significant role in keeping your vehicle's engine running properly while extending its lifespan.

Need an oil change in Gaithersburg, Maryland? Visit Hanagan's Inc. We provide oil changes and many other automotive and tire services to keep your vehicle running as intended, if not better!