Can you get away with topping your oil off instead of doing a full oil change?

 Routine car care - here we go again. We know you're probably sick of hearing us go on and on about how important it is to be on a routine car maintenance schedule, especially for oil changes. However, one question that we routinely get from drivers is whether or not they can simply add more oil to their reservoir rather than getting a full oil change under the supposition that it'll save them time and money. 

In short? The answer is no, according to the oil change experts at Toyota of Clermont. Let us explain why. 

Why is it a bad idea to just top off your engine oil? 

First, it's important to know the function of oil as it moves through your car's engine - to keep things cool and lubricated so your engine can perform cleanly, efficiently, and safely. As the oil moves through the engine, it collects dirt and debris and also is exposed to heat, which affects its quality and viscosity. If you were to continuously skip your routine Clermont oil changes, you'd end up with a thick black sludge in your engine that could eventually cause engine failure. 

That's why it's critical to get routine oil changes and ensure that your car has a tank full of clean oil to keep your engine cool. 

So can you "top things off" and skip an oil change every once in a while? Like we said, no - and here's why. As noted, your oil is exposed to heat, dirt, and debris as it cycles through the engine. When you top things off by adding more oil to the reservoir, you're just filling it up to the right level - you're not actually doing your engine any favors because the oil is still dirty and contaminated. This can lead to broken parts inside the engine and if not addressed, eventual engine failure. 

Plus, there are perks to getting your routine oil changes at Toyota of Clermont, including: 

• Better fuel efficiency, which means less money spent at the pump
• A cleaner performance and a worry-free emissions test 
• Fewer repairs to both your engine and the parts surrounding it

Trust us - it's worth it. While it may seem like you're saving money now by skipping oil changes, you're likely just delaying the spending until later when you have to pay for repairs. 

Schedule auto service at Toyota of Clermont today

Schedule your oil change today at Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. You can schedule online or call us at (352) 404-7000.