An oil change is one of those vehicle maintenance tasks that can be easy to ignore—especially on a vehicle you use for your organization, rather than personal use. Unfortunately, many people only notice a problem with oil when it has already caused other problems in the vehicle. Here’s some basic information about the importance of proper oil maintenance.

What is the function of oil?

Motor oil’s main job is to lubricate your vehicle’s engine and release the heat caused by friction and combustion. Oil also keeps the engine clean, trapping tiny deposits as it flows through the oil filter.

When you keep your oil healthy, you can give your engine a longer lifespan, use less fuel and decrease the amount of carbon dioxide you release into the environment.

Why change your oil?

Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt, dust and debris from the engine and from the air outside the vehicle. When it’s too dirty, it cannot perform its job well, and your vehicle may not run as well.

The best way to determine how often you should change your oil is by checking your vehicle’s manual. Some manufacturers suggest changing it every 3,000-5,000 miles, but most modern vehicles can go as long as 7,500 miles between oil changes.

You can decide to change the oil yourself, take it to a specialty oil change shop or make an appointment at your dealer or auto mechanic.

What happens when you have an oil leak?

You may first notice you have an oil leak when your vehicle leaves a puddle of brown liquid where it is parked. However, some vehicles have a cover underneath the engine, which makes it harder to spot an oil leak. You may need to pop the hood and see if your engine is covered in oil. Leaking oil that comes in contact with the vehicle’s exhaust or other hot components will create a noticeable smell of burning oil, so a harsh smell while operating the vehicle can be another indication that something isn’t quite right.

There are many reasons why your oil may be low, but the three most common are:

1. Improperly installed components – The oil pan and gaskets may be fitted too tightly or loosely.
2. Worn out gaskets and oil pans – Oil is held in the pan at the bottom of the engine. Engine components are joined with gaskets, which keep oil and other fluids from leaking out of the engine. Damage or excessive wear to the pan or gaskets can result in an oil leak.
3. Defective valve seals and rings – This will cause your engine to excessively burn oil, eventually leading to an insufficient amount of oil to adequately lubricate the engine. You’ll notice blue smoke from the exhaust and low oil levels.

An oil leak can cause significant damage to your vehicle, so it’s best to take it to a mechanic for regular inspections and keep up with your oil changes to avoid unexpected costs.

For more tips on transportation safety, visit Church Mutual’s website.