Why Routine Oil Changes are Vital for Your Ford’s Health

This time of year, good health doesn’t just apply to your physical health – it also applies to your vehicle’s health! Keeping your Ford vehicle in its best shape requires keeping up with regular maintenance and staying on top of regular oil changes – a simple yet crucial step in keeping your vehicle healthy. 

Getting your oil changed might seem like another inconvenience in your busy life or a minor detail you’ll get around to at some point. Regular oil changes can make a significant difference in your Ford’s overall health – including its performance and longevity. 

At Santee Ford, we understand the importance of oil changes and are dedicated to making sure your engine runs efficiently every time you hit the road. Follow along as we break down why routine oil changes are essential for your vehicle and the benefits you’ll enjoy from staying on top of routine vehicle maintenance.

Whether you drive a sleek Ford Mustang, a powerful Ford F-150, or a reliable Ford Escape, let the Santee Ford Service Center help you discover why oil changes should be a top priority for your Ford!

What Happens If I Neglect The Oil Change? 

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Neglecting to maintain a regular oil change schedule can result in serious consequences for your vehicle – and your wallet. Taking this risk can cause:

• Lower fuel efficiency: Degraded engine oil can result in oil deposits buildup throughout the engine, including important components like injectors, valves, and pistons. Deposit buildup can restrict airflow or fuel supply, resulting in incomplete combustion. This can cause your engine to need more fuel than is necessary to produce the same amount of power.
  
• Higher emissions: Incomplete combustion can also cause increased emissions of harmful greenhouse gases, like carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants.
  
• Overheating: When oil becomes contaminated with impurities like dirt and metal, it becomes thicker. This prevents your oil from flowing effectively throughout the engine to disperse heat.
  
• Engine damage: High temperature, oxidation, and pressure can damage engine oil over time. Oil is designed to lubricate the engine, so when it loses this ability, it causes metal-on-metal contact which increases wear and tear between engine parts.
  
• Sludge buildup: Contaminated oil can result in dirt and debris settling and causing sludge buildup. This thick, sticky, gel-like substance can clog oil passages and prevent the oil from reaching all parts of the engine. This can result in restricted oil flow and lead to irreparable engine damage – a very costly outcome. 

How Often Should You Have Your Ford’s Oil Changed 

Your recommended service routine will vary based on your specific vehicle and your current driving habits. The first place to look for a suggested maintenance schedule is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will tell you the manufacturer’s suggestion for your oil change routine. At Santee Ford, our service technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles under normal driving conditions. This regular schedule ensures your oil is always in its best shape and helps catch any minor issues before they become a bigger problem.

Your oil change intervals can also be impacted by the type of motor oil your vehicle uses. Conventional or standard oil is the most budget-friendly oil option that will effectively keep your Ford running smoothly. Full-synthetic oil is highly refined and gives your Ford the highest level of engine protection. Synthetic blend oil is a hybrid mix of conventional oil and full synthetic oil. This mixture is known for lasting slightly longer than standard oil and is a more affordable option than full-synthetic oil.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape with Santee Ford

Routine oil changes are one of the simplest ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Maintaining a regular oil change schedule ensures your engine stays clean, lubricated, and protected against wear and tear, helping to prevent expensive repairs down the road. 

At the Santee Ford Service Center, we are here to keep your car running in tip-top shape. Our factory-trained and certified technicians will get the job done quick, helping you get back on the road in no time.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule your next oil change with Santee Ford in Manning, SC today! Staying on top of this essential maintenance task will keep your Ford performing at its best, no matter where the road takes you.

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