Driving too many miles without a timely oil change could cause problems for a vehicle. Fuel economy won't be as good. And worse, the engine parts might suffer from wear. Bringing the car to a service station for a past due oil change seems like something best done without delay. While moving swiftly to get the oil change seems wise, maybe spending a little extra time there could be worthwhile. When too much time passes between oil changes, there may be some issues worth checking. Old oil and too much time without a service visit could add up to problems worth addressing.

The Engine May Require a Check

There might not be much of a sludge buildup when going a few hundred miles over the suggested oil change. Those who do not change their oil for thousands of miles over the recommended mileage and time point may find the sludge builds up. Sludge may cause performance problems with the vehicle. If enough sludge builds up, an engine could fail. Cleaning the engine out could be a wise plan. Specific tools and skills become necessary for a proper and thorough engine cleaning. Yes, there are liquid solutions sold at auto retailers that claim to dissolve sludge. However, if the buildup is severe, professional cleaning may be necessary. 

Also, getting the oil changed and not requesting an engine cleaning could lead to future problems. What if the process repeats and the driver doesn't change the oil on time again? Expect to see more sludge in the engine. So, why not clean out the current buildup to be on the safe side?

Choosing Better Oil 

Lower-grade, inexpensive oil that presents potentially weaker performance might not be the right choice for the vehicle. In the aftermath of any sludge buildup, choosing to invest in, say, high-mileage motor oil might be a good plan for an older car. Going with a better viscosity level might be advisable, as well. Taking better care of the vehicle should become a top priority upon learning about sludge. Improving oil selection might help with this cause.

Checking the Other Fluids

If someone drove a little too long on motor oil, questions may come up about the other fluids. Is the transmission fluid dirty, and is the coolant aged out? If so, then changing those fluids as well may be advisable. Have the technician check for other problems. Taking advantage of oil change time could lead to a neglected vehicle getting back into better shape.

To learn more, contact a resource that does oil changes.