What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

Oil Cap

Changing your vehicle oil ensures a smoother performance from your vehicle on Redmond roads. So, what happens if you don’t change your oil? Your motor oil breaks down after repeated use and becomes less effective at lubricating your engine’s moving parts, leading to friction and overheating which can cause serious damage to your engine. Learn more about the importance of changing your car oil, then schedule your next service visit at Honda of Kirkland and get back on the road in no time! 



What Does Motor Oil Do?

Your vehicle’s motor oil serves as a lubricant for your engine to ensure all gears operate seamlessly and ensures no problems with other important vehicle fluids and functions. Here’s why motor oil serves an important role in cars:

  • The main role of motor oil is to reduce wear and tear on moving parts due to friction.
  • Motor oil with dispersants is designed to clean sludge from the engine.
  • Detergents in motor oil help clean varnish from the engine as well.
  • When changed regularly, motor oil can help neutralize acids that form from fuels, improve piston ring seals, and cool the engine by moving heat away
Adding oil to an engine

How Often Should I Change My Vehicle’s Oil?

It was often suggested that you’ll need an oil change every 3,000 miles on your Woodinville commute, however, many newer vehicles are capable of going between 7,500 to 10,000 miles before their next oil change. While this can be the case for Redmond drivers who use their vehicle in a normal fashion, but those who drive long distances every day or go off-roading may need an oil change more frequently.

How Do I Change the Oil Myself?

If you’re interested in saving yourself some time and money, and you’re up to the task, you can also change your vehicle oil right at home. You’ll need to determine the correct oil recommended in your owner’s manual, then follow the steps below:

  1. Jack your car up with jack stands or steel ramps.
  2. Locate the oil drain plug on the bottom of your oil pan underneath your engine. Place an oil basin directly underneath the plug, then unscrew the plug and allow the old oil to drain out completely – this may take up to 15 minutes. When you’re sure all the oil has drained, you can replace the plug.
  3. Locate your oil filter, and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Expect a bit of extra oil to drain out when you remove the filter and make sure you keep the basin underneath to catch it. 
  4. Grab your new filter, being sure to rub a bit of oil around the rubber seal – this ensures your filter is watertight and is an essential step. 
  5. Set the new filter in place, then tighten it by hand
  6. Now that your old oil is completely drained and a new filter is in place, you can remove your oil cap. Pour in the specified amount of new oil, which you can find in your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Finally, replace the oil cap.
  7. Before you call it a job well done, you should check your oil level by pulling out the dipstick. If you’re still low, you may add another ounce and check the level again. Once you get a proper oil level reading, you’re good to go!

Schedule Your Next Oil Change Service at Honda of Kirkland 

After learning more about what happens if you don’t get your oil changed, you can ensure your vehicle will continue to run at its best on Seattle roads. Discover more helpful service tips and tricks at Honda of Kirkland and see how you can get the maintenance you need with our breaking the bank with our rotating specials and coupons. Contact us today and be sure to schedule your next appointment at our Kirkland service center!


Our Service Specials

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

$10 Off

Your vehicle’s cabin air filter helps remove allergens, particulates, and odors from the interior of your vehicle, keeping things nice and fresh. The cabin air filter also helps keep your interior clean, by removing dust from the air. Like all filters, your Honda’s cabin air filter will become clogged over time. As the filter becomes clogged, it will work less efficiently…you’ll get less airflow, more dust, more odors, etc.

If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or a great sense of smell, you NEED to replace your Honda’s Cabin Air Filter on a regular basis. And an OEM replacement is best, as Honda specifies the amount of filtration for each specific system. Some after-market filters are too light, meaning they won’t filter enough air. Other filters are too heavy, which will strain your vehicle’s HVAC system.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

"B" Service Special

$10 Off

“B” Service Special:
oil and filter change, inspect front/rear brakes, check parking brake adjustment, inspect driveshaft boots, tie-rod ends, steering gearbox, gearbox parts, suspension components, brake hoses and lines, all fluid levels, exhaust system and fuel lines.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 01/03/2025

"A" Service Special - Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection

$5 Off

“A” Service Special – Oil Change with Multi-Point Inspection
In addition to providing top-quality Honda Genuine oil and a Honda Genuine oil filter, we’ll perform a free multi-point inspection. Competitive prices, Honda-trained technicians and Honda Genuine Parts. Why take your Honda anywhere else? Includes replacing engine oil per specifications, assessing and adjusting fluid levels and complimentary multi-point inspection.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Up to 4.5 qts. $8.89 extra for 5.7 qt. systems. Coupon must be presented at time of write-up. One coupon per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer, promotion or special. Not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value. Not retroactive. See dealership for details. Void where prohibited by law.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Brake Pad Replacement

$35 Off

Front or Rear Brake Pad Replacement w/ Rotor Resurfacing

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Includes brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing. Discount does not apply if customer elects to defer resurfacing.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Brake Fluid Exchange

$10 Off

Honda recommends brake fluid replacement every 3 years. Brake fluid loses its ability over time to absorb moisture from the brake lines. This can result in loss of brake pedal pressure due to a lower boiling point and corrosion.

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Discount on Vehicle Service

$15.00 OFF

Save on vehicle service (including parts and labor)
$10.00 – Discount on service from $100.00-$199.99
$15.00 – Discount on service from $200.00 or more

Prices may vary by model. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts. Coupon not valid for tire purchase or vehicle alignment. Not Valid for Diagnostic Fees.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Tire Inspection and Alignment

$125.00+tax

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

Battery Replacement

$15 Off

Have a Honda Genuine battery installed today and drive confidently! Includes our 100-month limited warranty.

Valid only at Honda of Kirkland. Prices may vary by year and model of the vehicle. Plus taxes and fees where applicable. Please present coupon during write-up. Not to be combined with any other discounts.

Expires: 01/03/2025

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12420 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA, 98033
Honda of Kirkland 47.6798067, -122.1753462.