Split-screen image of a clean engine vs. dirty engine showing what happens when Memphis drivers delay oil changes.

What Really Happens When You Delay an Oil Change

Smart Driving in Memphis
December 08, 2025•1 min read

Delaying your oil change doesn’t save money, it sets you up for an engine replacement. If your car could talk, it would beg you not to skip that oil change. We get it, life gets busy. However, oil is the lifeblood of your engine, and every mile you drive past that due date adds wear you can’t undo.

What Oil Really Does:
Motor oil isn’t just a lubricant. It keeps your engine cool, removes dirt, prevents corrosion, and protects expensive components from grinding against each other. When oil breaks down, your engine becomes a war zone.

What Happens When You Delay:

  • Sludge buildup: Old oil turns into thick gunk that clogs engine passages.

  • Overheating: Without proper lubrication, parts run hotter and wear faster.

  • Lower Miles Per Gallon: Your engine works harder, burning more fuel.

  • Big-ticket repairs: Think warped cylinders, damaged pistons, or even full engine failure.

The $80 vs. $6,000 Equation:
An oil change costs around $80. A seized engine replacement can run at average $6,000. Skipping the small stuff means risking the big stuff.

How Often Should You Change Oil?
Most cars need it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual, or better yet, ask us. We’ll keep you on track and on budget.

Bottom Line:
Oil changes aren’t optional. They’re insurance. Come see us at Complete Auto Repair and let’s keep your car (and your wallet) running smooth.

📍 1836 Vanderhorn Drive, Suite 102, Memphis

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Jeff McCraw is the owner of Complete Auto Repair in Memphis, a certified ADAS specialist, and a Tesla owner who understands today’s most advanced vehicles from the inside out. With over 20 years of experience under the hood, Jeff combines deep technical skill with a passion for honest service. When he’s not calibrating high-tech systems or diagnosing complex electrical issues, you’ll find him in the kitchen, cooking like a chef and serving up something just as satisfying.

Jeff McCraw

Jeff McCraw is the owner of Complete Auto Repair in Memphis, a certified ADAS specialist, and a Tesla owner who understands today’s most advanced vehicles from the inside out. With over 20 years of experience under the hood, Jeff combines deep technical skill with a passion for honest service. When he’s not calibrating high-tech systems or diagnosing complex electrical issues, you’ll find him in the kitchen, cooking like a chef and serving up something just as satisfying.

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