what will happen if I don't change my car oil

as a mechanic I've dealt with countless engine problems, and I always get the question should I change my oil?? well let me address what could happen if you don't change your oil.

if you never changed your oil you should drive without any problems for around 3 years, and that's if your car did not overheat during that time.

after that time you should hear a lightly tapping noise coming from your engine.

where did this noise come from?? well after prolonged use of the oil it starts to break itself down and form deposits everywhere in the engine.

valve cover

those deposits will start to clog oil passages an without oil reaching rod bearings and camshaft bearings you will have unwanted metal on metal contact, from there on it will go downhill very fast, scuffing of bearings and bearing journals will happen, an your engine can and will go out in a loud series of bangs.

scuffed rod journals

so how can we prevent this catastrophe?.

well changing the oil regularly would be your best bet, how often should you change your oil

rule of thumb on regular oil is 3000 miles, on half or full synthetic you can go 5000 or more.

I change mines twice a year or if I feel more generous I do it 3 times a year. you can always check your car manual for specific oil change intervals. happy driving