Spring is the perfect time to give your car some attention after the hard work of winter. One of the most important things you can do for your engine is change the oil. It sounds simple, but this one job can make a huge difference to how well your car runs and how long it lasts.
If you have been putting off an oil change, spring is the ideal moment to get it done. Here is why it matters so much.
What Does Engine Oil Actually Do?
Engine oil has several crucial jobs. It lubricates all the moving metal parts inside your engine, reducing friction and preventing wear. It also helps cool the engine by carrying heat away from the hottest parts. On top of that, oil contains additives that clean the engine and prevent rust.
Without oil, your engine would seize up within minutes. Even with old, degraded oil, you are asking for trouble. Worn oil does not lubricate properly, does not clean effectively, and does not protect against heat.
Why Winter is Hard on Your Oil
During winter, your engine works harder than at any other time of year. Cold starts are particularly tough. When you start a cold engine, the oil is thick and slow to circulate. For the first few seconds, parts of your engine run with less protection than they need.
Short journeys in winter make this worse. If you only drive a few miles at a time, the engine never fully warms up. Moisture from condensation builds up in the oil and does not get burned off. This moisture mixes with combustion gases to form acidic sludge that damages engine components over time.
Road salt and grit also work their way into every part of your car during winter, and some of these contaminants end up in your oil.
By spring, your engine oil has likely been through months of hard work in the worst possible conditions. Even if it is not quite due for a change by mileage, it may be well past its best.
Signs Your Oil Needs Changing
Your car will often tell you when the oil is struggling:
The engine sounds louder than usual, with more ticking or knocking noises. This happens because worn oil does not cushion the moving parts as well.
The oil on your dipstick looks very dark and dirty. Fresh oil is usually amber or light brown. Black, gritty oil has done its job and needs replacing.
Your oil warning light comes on. This is serious and means the oil pressure is too low. Stop driving and check the oil level immediately.
The engine feels sluggish or less responsive than normal. Old oil creates more friction, which saps power.
You cannot remember when you last changed it. If you have to think hard about when the last oil change was, it is probably overdue.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
The old rule of changing oil every 3,000 miles is outdated for most modern cars. Today’s engines and oils are much better, so most manufacturers recommend somewhere between 10,000 and 15,000 miles, or once a year, whichever comes first.
However, this assumes normal driving conditions. If you do lots of short trips, drive in stop-start traffic, tow a trailer, or drive on dusty roads, your oil works harder and needs changing more often.
Check your vehicle handbook for the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you are not sure which service level your car needs, read our guide on choosing the right service level to understand the differences between interim, full, and major services.
Why Spring is the Perfect Time
Changing your oil in spring makes sense for several reasons.
First, you are clearing out all the contamination from winter. Your engine starts the warmer months with fresh, clean oil that can do its job properly.
Second, summer driving puts different demands on your engine. Hot weather means higher engine temperatures, and fresh oil handles heat better than old oil. You want your oil in peak condition when the temperature rises.
Third, spring is often when people plan longer journeys, whether that is Easter breaks or summer holidays. Getting your oil changed now means one less thing to worry about before a road trip.
Finally, if your car’s annual service is due around this time anyway, combining it with an oil change makes practical sense.
What Happens During an Oil Change?
When you bring your car in for car servicing that includes an oil change, the mechanic will:
- Drain the old oil from the engine while it is warm (warm oil flows out more completely)
- Remove and replace the oil filter, which traps contaminants
- Refill the engine with fresh oil of the correct grade and quantity
- Check the oil level and look for any leaks
- Reset the service reminder if your car has one
The whole job usually takes less than an hour. It is quick, affordable, and makes a real difference to your engine’s health.
Choosing the Right Oil
Not all engine oils are the same. Your car’s handbook will specify the correct grade, shown as numbers like 5W-30 or 0W-40. The numbers describe how the oil flows at different temperatures.
Using the wrong grade can cause problems. Oil that is too thick will not circulate properly when cold. Oil that is too thin will not protect properly when hot. Always use the grade recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
| Oil Grade | Best For | Temperature Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-30 | Modern fuel-efficient engines | Excellent cold starts, good hot protection |
| 5W-30 | Most petrol and diesel cars | Good all-round performance |
| 5W-40 | Performance cars, older engines | Thicker hot protection |
| 10W-40 | Older vehicles, high mileage | Better for worn engines |
The Cost of Skipping Oil Changes
Neglecting oil changes is a false economy. Fresh oil costs a few pounds. Repairing or replacing a damaged engine costs thousands.
Common problems from old or low oil include:
Premature wear on bearings, camshafts, and other expensive components. These parts rely on oil for lubrication every second the engine runs.
Sludge buildup that blocks oil passages. Once sludge forms, it is difficult and expensive to remove. In severe cases, the engine needs stripping down.
Overheating because degraded oil cannot carry heat away effectively. Repeated overheating causes warping and other permanent damage.
Complete engine failure in extreme cases. Running an engine without oil or with severely degraded oil can destroy it in minutes.
The RAC reports that engine problems are among the most common causes of breakdown calls, and many of these are preventable with regular servicing. You can read more about oil change intervals and best practices from the RAC’s guide to engine oil changes.
Book Your Spring Oil Change in East Ham
At First Auto Centre in East Ham, we use quality oils that meet manufacturer specifications and fit genuine or OE-equivalent oil filters. Our experienced mechanics will check your oil level, condition, and leaks as part of any service.
Spring is the perfect time to give your engine the fresh start it deserves. Whether you need a simple oil change or a full service, we are here to help keep your car running smoothly through the warmer months ahead.
First Auto Centre, 1 Lawrence Road, East Ham, London E6 1JN. Trusted vehicle servicing from mechanics with over 20 years of experience.
