Why Regular Oil Changes Matter (And What Happens If You Ignore Them)

25 June

Getting your oil changed probably isn’t high on your list of exciting things to do. But if you want your car to last (and avoid a massive repair bill down the track), regular oil changes are one of the most important things you can stay on top of.

We get asked this all the time at Garage 22 Barossa so here’s the lowdown on why it actually matters, without the mechanic jargon.

What does engine oil actually do?

Engine oil is basically the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It keeps everything running smoothly by:

Lubricating moving parts (stopping metal from grinding on metal)
Controlling heat and keeping the engine cool
Picking up gunk, dirt, and carbon particles so they don’t clog things up
Helping seals stay healthy and parts stay clean

Over time, though, the oil breaks down, and when it does, it stops doing all of that properly.

“Yeah but my car’s running fine…”

Cool. Until it’s not. Most engine damage doesn’t happen all at once…. it builds up slowly from lack of maintenance. If you’re skipping oil changes, here’s what can go wrong:

The oil gets dirty and thick, and doesn’t flow well
Components inside the engine lose lubrication and start wearing out
Heat builds up, causing parts to warp or crack
Eventually? Engine failure. And that’s not a cheap fix.

Replacing your engine oil and filter regularly costs a hell of a lot less than replacing a motor.

City driving vs. highway driving: it makes a difference

How and where you drive plays a big role in how often you should change your oil.

If you mostly do short trips around town (like school drop-offs, quick errands), your engine doesn’t get a chance to fully warm up. That means moisture and contaminants build up in the oil quicker — so time-based servicing (every 6 months) is key.
If you’re clocking a lot of highway kilometres, the oil breaks down more from heat and use. In that case, keeping an eye on your KM intervals is more important.

And if you’ve got a bit of a heavy right foot — or like to drive your car hard — you’ll want to shorten the time and KM between services. Give your car the love it deserves, and it’ll go the distance.

Mineral breakdown = major damage

There’s more science to oil than people realise. The minerals and additives inside engine oil are what protect your motor from wear and tear. When those minerals break down (which happens naturally over time and usage), your engine is basically running with no armour.

Once that protective layer is gone? It’s open season on your engine parts — bearings, pistons, and seals can all start to cop damage. And again, we’re talking thousands of dollars to fix what a basic oil service could have prevented.

So how often should I change my oil?

This depends on a few things:

Your car’s make and model
How often you drive (and how far)
The type of driving you do (city vs. highway)
How hard you drive your car

As a general rule, every 10,000km or 6 months is a solid benchmark. But for some cars and conditions, it might be more frequent. The best way to know? Ask your mechanic (that’s us), and we’ll give you the right advice based on your car and driving habits.

Final word from the workshop

Skipping oil changes might save you a few bucks now, but it’ll cost you big later. If you’re not sure when your last service was, or you’ve been putting it off, give us a call at Garage 22. We’ll sort it, no stress — and keep your car running smooth for the long haul.

Want to book in for a service or ask about your oil change schedule? www.garage22.com.au or swing past the shop. We’re always happy to help.