Will I really notice the difference if I don’t make frequent oil changes?

Not changing your oil on a regular basis can significantly reduce the level of protection provided against engine wear. Engine oil acts as a reservoir for all kinds of by-products that form when the fuel burns, including soot, sludge, water and acidic material, as well as unburned and partially burned fuel. At the same time, the stress placed on the oil during engine operation gradually depletes the components that determine the oil’s performance. Refreshing the oil on a regular basis ensures that the right balance of components is present in the oil.

It also removes waste materials that might otherwise result in increased deposit formation, corrosion of metal components and increased wear.

Related Questions:

  1. Why is the choice of engine oil so important?
  2. Why is an engine oil’s ability to cleanse important?
  3. How does oil protect my engine?
  4. What is engine oil made from?
  5. Is it important to change oil and how often should I do this?
  6. How should I dispose of used oil?
  7. Why not just keep topping up the engine oil?
  8. What's so good about synthetics?
  9. What's the difference between a fully synthetic and a semi-synthetic engine oil?
  10. Why Mobil 1 and not another synthetic?
  11. Is Mobil 1 suited to 'stop-start' driving?
  12. Is Mobil 1 suited to long haul motorway driving?
  13. Is Mobil 1 suited to performance driving?
  14. Does Mobil 1 offer value for money?