An oil change is one of the least expensive services you can do for your vehicle. Most drivers know this. And yet, plenty of cars roll into spring well past their oil change interval — a little past, a lot past, or so far past that the reminder sticker is a distant memory.
We’re not here to lecture. But we do want to lay out what actually happens when oil changes get skipped, because the cost comparison is pretty striking.
Oil breaks down over time and mileage. As it degrades, it loses its ability to lubricate effectively, starts to thicken into sludge, and leaves deposits on engine components. The engine has to work harder, runs hotter, and wears faster. This doesn’t usually cause an immediate catastrophic failure — it just quietly shortens the life of your engine over months and years.
The average oil change costs somewhere between $50 and $100 depending on your vehicle and oil type. An engine that has developed sludge buildup may need a flush and additional cleaning services — several hundred dollars. An engine that has suffered significant wear from chronic oil neglect can cost thousands to repair or replace.
Spring is also when higher temperatures start putting more load on your engine. Fresh oil handles heat better than old, degraded oil. If you’re heading into a Tennessee summer with oil that was due in January, your engine is working against you.
At Stones River Auto and Exhaust in Murfreesboro, we’ll get your oil changed quickly and correctly. Come in this spring and give your engine what it needs.
