Oil Change is Vital because it Eliminates Dirt and Contaminants from the Engine

Posted: Jul 04, 2012
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

The quality of motor oil has more of an impact on the longevity of an engine than any other element – apart from driver abuse. The primary purpose of oil is to lubricate the engine’s internal components, but today, motor oils are also asked to perform some other crucial tasks.

Modern oils are made with a complex blend of additives. Dispersants and detergents, for example, help to keep the engine clean by holding debris and dirt in suspension to prevent the formation of sludge. These particles are drained out during an oil change.

Moisture and harmful acids created during combustion are neutralized by other additives to help prevent corrosion and rust. Antioxidants help prevent “varnishing” on internal parts, while also helping to prevent the oil from thickening at high temperatures. Today’s oils also contain anti-wear additives that provide improved lubrication in extreme conditions.

As an engine does its work, the oil is constantly bombarded by moisture, dirt, heat and acids. Modern exhaust-gas recirculation systems add additional diluting factors. Oil now has to deal with many of the properties of burning fuel that were previously expelled from the exhaust pipe.

If you add oil to your engine frequently, don’t be lulled into thinking that adding a quart a week will have the same effect as an oil change. All the contaminants and dirt will still remain in the engine. The interval for a recommended oil change varies among manufacturers, but it is usually every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.