The Negative Effects Of Changing Oil In A Car
When driving a car, the parts of the engine heat up with friction, and oil absorbs the heat. When it gets dirty, it cannot absorb the heat as well, and not changing the oil in a car can have harmful effects to the engine (Ulin, Don). Although changing the oil in a car every 3,000 miles might sound like a good thing for longer engine life, it should be done around 7,500 miles or more because of the harmful effects on the environment and finances. According to Jamie Cameron-Harley, “…if you can change your oil in less-frequent intervals, you not only save yourself money, you help save the environment” (Cabanatuan, Michael). When oil is changed more often, at home or by a mechanic, the chances of a spill occurring are increased.
Oil is able to
travel great distances through becoming runoff and easily gaining entrance into the waterways, soil, plants, animals, and humans. Jennifer King writes that when oil, which is polluted with chemicals and tiny metal from the engine, is spilled or escapes the engine in some way, and is not cleaned up properly, it has the ability to get into places like oceans and water supply (How Does Used Motor Oil Pollute?). When this happens, the plants and animals all around are greatly affected.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird's feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements” (US Department of Commerce). When animals are exposed to the elements, and don’t have a way to protect themselves, they are less likely going to be able to survive, and then slowly, but surely, will die if not treated and protected.
Another thing to consider when thinking about whether it is a good or bad idea to change a car’s oil every 3,000 miles is finances. According to GenXFinance.com, “If you have a vehicle that was built after the 70′s or 80′s you are more than likely throwing money down the drain if you are getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles” (Vohwinkle, Jeremy).
The average cost for an oil change is $45. The minimum price is around $25 and the maximum price is closer to $70 (Tom Moor). Dong math calculations, and taking the maximum price for the cost of changes at every three months, in one year it would cost around $280.00 to keep the oil maintained with the 3,000 mile/3-month rule. Depending on the type of oil that is used, what place the car is taken to, and what else is done in addition to the change, each maintenance change can become pricy. Overall, changing the oil in a car is needed to be done in order to keep all of the parts in the engine running smoothly. Changing it every 3,000 miles is excessive, because oil changes can be harmful for the environment, because of accidental spills, and harmful to a person’s finances, because the costs of maintenance can add up. When oil spills happen, oil can travel fast and far, and can even end up affecting plants, animals, and water.
Oil is able to
travel great distances through becoming runoff and easily gaining entrance into the waterways, soil, plants, animals, and humans. Jennifer King writes that when oil, which is polluted with chemicals and tiny metal from the engine, is spilled or escapes the engine in some way, and is not cleaned up properly, it has the ability to get into places like oceans and water supply (How Does Used Motor Oil Pollute?). When this happens, the plants and animals all around are greatly affected.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) “Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of a bird's feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements” (US Department of Commerce). When animals are exposed to the elements, and don’t have a way to protect themselves, they are less likely going to be able to survive, and then slowly, but surely, will die if not treated and protected.
Another thing to consider when thinking about whether it is a good or bad idea to change a car’s oil every 3,000 miles is finances. According to GenXFinance.com, “If you have a vehicle that was built after the 70′s or 80′s you are more than likely throwing money down the drain if you are getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles” (Vohwinkle, Jeremy).
The average cost for an oil change is $45. The minimum price is around $25 and the maximum price is closer to $70 (Tom Moor). Dong math calculations, and taking the maximum price for the cost of changes at every three months, in one year it would cost around $280.00 to keep the oil maintained with the 3,000 mile/3-month rule. Depending on the type of oil that is used, what place the car is taken to, and what else is done in addition to the change, each maintenance change can become pricy. Overall, changing the oil in a car is needed to be done in order to keep all of the parts in the engine running smoothly. Changing it every 3,000 miles is excessive, because oil changes can be harmful for the environment, because of accidental spills, and harmful to a person’s finances, because the costs of maintenance can add up. When oil spills happen, oil can travel fast and far, and can even end up affecting plants, animals, and water.