What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Oil Changed?

At Pomona Kia, we understand that fitting Kia service into your busy schedule can be a challenge, but it is so important to keep up with the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer. This includes bringing your vehicle in for a routine Kia oil change. What happens if you don’t get your oil changed? Motor oil starts to break down over time, and when this happens, it will not be able to lubricate your engine’s moving parts as well as it should. This leads to more friction and an increase in temperature. If your engine starts to overheat, it could cause excess wear and tear and even warped components. Learn more about why you should not skip your next Kia oil change in the guide below.

The Purpose of Motor Oil

What does motor oil do, exactly? It serves as a lubricant for your engine and performs several other important functions:

• The main purpose of motor oil is to minimize friction that causes wear and tear on your engine’s moving parts.
• Motor oil with dispersants works to clean sludge from the engine.
• Detergents in motor oil are designed to eliminate varnish from the engine.
• Motor oil neutralizes acids that form from fuels, improves piston ring seals, and cools the engine by drawing away heat.

When Do I Need a Kia Oil Change?

How often is this Kia service needed? In the past, oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles. However, with newer models, this Kia service is not needed as frequently. Many modern vehicles can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil change services. Keep in mind that your driving habits in Chino and Covina can play a role in how often a Kia oil change is needed. For example, if you do a lot of heavy towing or off-roading in Ontario, you may need this Kia service more often.

Perform a Kia Oil Change at Home

Some drivers prefer to perform a Kia oil change at home. Before you begin, take a look at your owner’s manual to see what type of oil your vehicle requires. When you have what you need, simply follow the steps below:

1. Use jack stands or steel ramps to elevate your vehicle.
2. Find the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Put an oil basin underneath the plug before it is removed. Fully drain the old oil, which could take up to 15 minutes. When all of the old oil has been removed, put the oil drain plug back in place.
3. Locate your oil filter, and use an oil filter wrench to remove it. It is likely that more oil will drain out when you remove the filter, so we recommend keeping the basin in place.
4. Take the new filter and rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal. Do not skip this step, as it ensures that your filter is watertight.
5. Properly place the new filter and tighten it by hand.
6. Remove your oil cap and add the correct amount of oil. Once again, this information should be found in your owner’s manual. Put the cap back on when properly filled.
7. Check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If the level is still a bit low, carefully add more oil and check the level once more. When it is correct, you are all set to hit the roads of Pomona!

Schedule a Kia Oil Change at Pomona Kia

Now that you know what happens if you don’t change your oil, you may be looking to set up your next appointment. Feel free to contact us today for more information about oil changes or other areas of vehicle care and maintenance.