Every time you start your car, your engine is working hard. Inside, metal components move at high speed and temperature, and the only thing preventing them from wearing out quickly is a thin film of engine oil. That is why regular oil changes and routine servicing are essential if you want to keep your car reliable, efficient, and safe.

At Moto-Oil Autocentre, based at 24 Benson Rd, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole BH17 0GB, we see first-hand what happens when oil changes and servicing are delayed or skipped. A small amount of preventative maintenance now can save you from major repair bills later.

What Does Engine Oil Actually Do?

Engine oil does much more than simply “lubricate” the engine. It has several critical roles:

• Lubrication: Reduces friction between moving parts so they do not grind together and wear out prematurely.
• Cooling: Helps carry heat away from hot components and supports the cooling system.
• Cleaning: Suspends dirt, soot and tiny metal particles, which are then trapped in the oil filter.
• Protection: Forms a protective film that helps prevent rust and corrosion on internal engine surfaces.
• Sealing: Helps seal the gap between piston rings and cylinder walls, improving compression and performance.

Over time, oil becomes contaminated and breaks down. It gradually loses its ability to lubricate, cool, and protect the engine properly. That is when internal wear and damage start to build up.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Skipping oil changes will not always cause an immediate breakdown, but the damage is happening in the background. Common problems include:

• Increased engine wear: Old, thin or dirty oil cannot stop metal-to-metal contact effectively.
• Sludge build-up: Contaminated oil can thicken into sludge, blocking oilways and starving parts of lubrication.
• Overheating: Poor-quality oil cannot carry heat away efficiently, so the engine runs hotter.
• Poor performance and economy: A poorly lubricated engine has to work harder, using more fuel and feeling sluggish.
• Major failures: In severe cases, neglected oil changes can contribute to turbocharger damage, timing chain issues, or even complete engine failure.

A routine engine oil and filter change at Moto-Oil Autocentre is a relatively small cost compared with repairing or replacing a damaged engine.

Why Regular Servicing Matters

Oil changes are usually carried out as part of a broader service. A service is effectively a full health check for your vehicle and is designed to keep it safe, efficient, and legal all year round.

At Moto-Oil Autocentre in Poole, our car servicing options cover everything from simple oil changes to full and major services. A typical service may include:

• Engine oil and filter change using the correct grade of oil
• Checks and top-ups of coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and screenwash
• Brake, tyre, steering and suspension inspections
• Lights, wipers and safety system checks
• Air and fuel filter replacement where required
• Visual inspection for leaks, corrosion and general wear

Regular servicing helps catch issues early, before they turn into breakdowns, MOT failures or expensive repair work.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil or Service Your Car?

Most manufacturers recommend a service every 12 months or at a set mileage (often around 10,000–12,000 miles), whichever comes first. If you mainly drive short journeys, especially stop–start town driving, your oil can degrade more quickly because the engine does not always reach full operating temperature.

At Moto-Oil Autocentre we offer a range of service levels, including: