Keeping up with regular oil changes is one of the simplest — yet most essential — maintenance tasks for any vehicle. Despite this, many drivers delay or skip oil changes, not realizing how much damage that choice can cause. Below, we break down why oil changes matter, what happens inside your engine when oil is old, and the costly problems that can result from neglect.

Why Oil Changes Matter

Motor oil is your engine’s lifeblood. It keeps everything running smoothly by:

Lubricating Moving Parts

Inside your engine, metal components move at incredibly high speeds. Oil creates a protective film that reduces friction and prevents those parts from grinding against each other.

Regulating Temperature

Engines generate extreme heat. Oil absorbs and disperses that heat, helping keep temperatures in a safe range.

Reducing Wear & Tear

Fresh oil contains additives that prevent corrosion, reduce deposits, and prolong engine life.

Keeping Your Engine Clean

Over time, dirt, metal shavings, and carbon build up. Oil traps these contaminants and sends them to the filter — but only clean oil can do this effectively.

What Happens If You Skip Oil Changes?

Skipping an oil change might not destroy your engine overnight, but the damage accumulates fast. Here’s what can happen:

Oil Breaks Down & Stops Protecting the Engine

Old oil becomes thick, dirty, and less effective. It loses its ability to lubricate, making your engine work harder.

Sludge Builds Up

Without regular changes, contaminants thicken into sludge. This sludge can clog oil passages and starve the engine of lubrication.

Overheating Becomes More Common

Dirty oil can’t cool the engine efficiently, leading to overheating — one of the fastest ways to ruin an engine.

Parts Wear Prematurely

Metal components like pistons, bearings, and camshafts experience increased friction, accelerating wear.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

An engine struggling to run smoothly burns more fuel, costing you more at the pump.

Complete Engine Failure

If oil becomes too low or too dirty, the engine can seize entirely — often resulting in a repair bill that exceeds the value of the car.

Contact Our Auto Repair Service Team in the Buffalo, NY Region

Taking care of your oil today protects your car tomorrow. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, now’s the perfect time to schedule one! Thankfully, the team at Bucholtz Transmission is standing by to provide all sorts of auto repair services across the Buffalo, NY community. All you have to do is contact one of our knowledgeable representatives to get started. We'll ensure your vehicle remains in tip-top condition for years to come!