What Happens If You Delay Your Mercedes’ Oil Change

Did you miss the last oil change for your Mercedes because you have been extremely busy lately? Are you still postponing it for the next day, week or month, believing it won’t affect your Mercedes? If so, you’re not alone. Many drivers neglect the importance of an oil change especially when the car seems to be in good shape. But here is the truth, you can actually harm your Mercedes more when you wait for too long before changing the oil. Even though oil changes are minor service, they are very important when it comes to the overall maintenance of your engine moving parts. Let’s find out what happens when you delay this simple and necessary service.

What Happens When You Delay an Oil Change?

• Engine Parts Wear Out Faster: If your Mercedes engine is not running on clean oil, then the parts within the engine will not get the necessary lubrication that they need. This results in more metal on metal contact which makes engine parts to wear out faster than normal. A delay in oil change is almost like trying to operate a machine without oil, it will jam, heat up, and, in the end, breakdown.
• Overheating Problems: Oil has the function of reducing heat generated within an engine especially around moving parts. If the oil is of the wrong type or quantity or is too old, it can lead to overheating of your engine. This can lead to expensive damages such as warped cylinder heads or even a blown head gasket.
• Oil Sludge Accumulation: Over time, the oil in your engine can thicken into a sludge. This thick substance can block channels in your engine and prevent oil from getting to areas that need the oil. If your engine oil is overdue and you still fail to change it, you should expect gradual formation of sludge that would eventually clog the engine.
• Less Gas Mileage: Do you know that your Mercedes can consume more fuel if you delay oil change? If your engine is struggling to keep its moving parts running because of sludgy oil, then it is going to use up more fuel. You will have to visit the gas station more often and more of your hard earned cash will be spent.
• Warning Lights: If the oil in your Mercedes is either too old or low, then the car usually has a way of letting you know through the warning lights. In many cases, before you get to see that light, the damage is already brewing. That is why waiting for the warning is not very wise. Regular oil changes are much better for prevention.
• Big Repair Bills: Failure to change oil on time may result in a complete breakdown of the car’s engine. Fixing an engine or even one of its major components is a lot more expensive than changing the engine oil. Neglecting this service in the name of saving time or money is one of the biggest mistakes one can make since it is cheaper to act preventatively than wait for damage to be repaired.

How Often Should You Change the Oil in Your Mercedes?

Many of the latest models of vehicles manufactured by Mercedes come with an oil indicator. This system informs you when the oil should be changed depending on how you use the car. However, there is a general guideline that you should change your oil after every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If you mostly engage in stop and go traffic or you drive in extreme conditions such as in a hot climate like in California then you might need frequent oil changes.

Cars that are older models or those that use conventional oil may need oil change at intervals of 5,000 miles or so. If you are unsure, always refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a Mercedes service expert.

Let H&R Independent Help With Your Routine Oil Change Services

At H&R Independent, we understand how much your Mercedes is dear to you. We are located in Hawaiian Gardens, CA and we assist drivers in the neighboring area. Since 1985, we have been committed to providing customer satisfaction to drivers and their luxury vehicles.

Whether your car is due for an oil change or you suspect that there is something wrong with the engine, we are here for you. Our oil change service is fast, effective, and performed with the correct oil for your Mercedes model. We also perform a visual check on your car each time you bring it in for service to ensure that other minor problems do not develop into major ones. Schedule an appointment for an oil change today and get on the road with confidence tomorrow.