As automobile manufacturing technology has advanced, many of the routine maintenance chores car owners faced have become unnecessary. Increasingly user-friendly vehicles have resulted in many owners neglecting other maintenance which is vital to their car’s performance and engine life.

One maintenance task which should never be overlooked is having regular oil changes performed on your vehicle. While the technology behind available motor oils has advanced, resulting in cleaner burning oils, engine sludge is still an issue that should not be ignored. This is particularly true if your driving habits include frequent trips during which your car’s engine does not run at its optimal temperature. Stop and go driving, in heavy traffic, for example, will cause an engine to run too hot, making oil changes every 3,000 miles a necessity. On the other end of the spectrum, short trips which do not allow the engine to fully warm up will also contribute to engine sludge.

Having regular oil changes is one of the easiest, most cost-efficient ways to extend the life of your vehicle. And because the value of an automobile depreciates so quickly, getting the most from yours is an important investment. Also, most warranties do not cover repairs due to damage that results from engine sludge or low oil levels.