Can you top off your oil instead of getting an oil change?

Ahh, here it is again – your reminder to get your car on a routine oil change schedule at Toyota of Clermont. We know we’ve told you before (and we’ll tell you again) – this type of car care is absolutely critical to keeping your car out and on the road. It may seem like an annoying expense or a waste of a few hours of your day, but trust us. The number of expensive repairs that you’re avoiding by getting routine Clermont oil changes will save you both time AND money in the long run.

However, there are always going to be non-believers. In fact, one common question we often hear is whether or not you can just top off your oil instead of changing it routinely. It’s a firm no from us, and here’s why.

Why can’t you just top off your engine oil?

If you recall, you have to get routine Clermont oil changes because as your motor oil runs through your car’s engine, it:

• Gets dirty. It picks up dirt and debris as it cycles through, which keeps your engine cleaner but makes the oil get relatively filthy when all is said and done.
• Is exposed to heat. This makes it less effective and can also affect the viscosity.

In short, your oil becomes contaminated and eventually, becomes a thick black sludge that can’t do its job, which is to cool and lubricate your car’s engine. Instead, it can gunk up the works, break things, and cause engine failure in the end.

So when you add more motor oil by “topping it off”, you’re actually not doing yourself any favors. You may be getting the oil level back to where it should be, but you’re really just adding oil to dirty oil and ending up with dirty oil overall. And you may experience negative side effects like broken piston rings and cylinder valve head guides, an overheated or even seized engine, and more. It may seem like you’re saving money in the short term because you’re not paying for routine car care, but it’s going to cost you in the long-run as you run into engine issues and much-needed repairs.

On the other hand, if you choose to stick to a routine Clermont oil change schedule, you’re doing your car a huge favor. By completely draining out the old oil, putting in a fresh oil filter, and adding clean, new oil, you’re giving your car the chance to run as efficiently as possible. And here are some other perks:

• Better fuel efficiency and a more efficient engine as a whole
• A more eco-friendly performance and a worry-free emissions test
• A longer life for your engine and all of the parts associated with it, as well as fewer repairs

Getting on a routine oil change schedule is worth it, trust us.

Get on a routine Clermont oil change schedule today at our auto service center

Ready to let us help you do it? Call Toyota of Clermont today. We’re just west of the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50, and we’re open seven days a week. You can schedule at (352) 404-7001, schedule online, or just drop by in person!

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