What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Oil?

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with your vehicle’s regular scheduled maintenance. At the Mercedes-Benz of West Chester service center, we often hear from customers who want to know what happens if you don’t get your oil replaced. Over time, the motor oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating the engine’s moving parts. This causes an increase in friction and leads to an increase in temperature. When the engine gets too hot, things can get damaged, like excess wear and tear and warped components. Learn more about the importance of regular oil replacements with the service experts at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Motor oil is a lubricant for your engine and plays the following important roles in your vehicle:

• It reduces wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
• Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil also help clean varnish from the engine.
• When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away.

How Often Should I Replace My Vehicle’s Synthetic Motor Oil?

Previously, it was recommended to have your Mercedes-Benz synthetic motor oil replaced every 3,000 miles, but now, Cincinnati drivers can go 7,5000 to 10,000 miles between oil replacement services. Just keep in mind, every driver has different habits, and each vehicle is different. If you do a lot of long-distance driving each day, you may need to have your Mercedes-Benz synthetic motor oil replaced more frequently. 

How Do I Replace the Oil Myself?

Now that you know “what happens if you don’t get your oil replaced,” learn how to replace the oil yourself in West Chester. First, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what type of synthetic motor oil your vehicle requires. Then, follow these steps below:

1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely – this may take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter and make sure that you keep the basin underneath to catch it. 
4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal – this ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step. 
5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand. 
6. With your old oil completely drained and a new filter in place, remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new Mercedes-Benz synthetic motor oil, which you’ll find in your owner’s manual. Then, replace the oil cap.
7. Before finishing up, check to make sure that your oil level is correct by pulling out the dipstick. If it’s still low, add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Get Mercedes-Benz Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement Tips With Mercedes-Benz of West Chester!

Now that you know what happens if you don’t get your Mercedes-Benz motor oil replaced, you’ll know how to better care for your vehicle. Changing the motor at home near Monroe may seem daunting, so if you would prefer, schedule a service appointment at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester! Our factory-trained and certified technicians will handle the Mercedes-Benz synthetic motor oil replacement for you. Contact our service team if you have any additional questions about what happens if you don’t replace your oil.