{"id":32832,"date":"2025-07-29T10:00:51","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T10:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/?p=32832"},"modified":"2025-07-29T11:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T11:45:59","slug":"why-are-oil-changes-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/why-are-oil-changes-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Why are oil changes important and what happens when not changing?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Changing lubricating oil regularly is <strong>essential to ensure the proper functioning, durability, and efficiency<\/strong> of engines, machinery, and industrial systems.<!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>Why are oil changes important\u200b?<\/h2>\n<p>In this guide, we draw on American Petroleum&#8217;s more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to explain <strong>why are oil changes important<\/strong> for protecting your equipment and maximizing your investment.<\/p>\n<h3>What does lubricating oil do?<\/h3>\n<p>Lubricating oil performs vital functions in any engine, hydraulic system, or transmission:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reduce friction<\/strong>. It forms a film that prevents direct contact between metal surfaces.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissipate heat<\/strong>. It helps control the temperature generated by the operation of the equipment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prevent premature wear<\/strong>. It minimizes friction and extends the life of components.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Protect against corrosion<\/strong>. Creates a barrier that prevents damage from moisture or oxidizing agents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carries away impurities and sediments<\/strong>. Collects contaminating particles that are then filtered out to prevent damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>What happens when lubricating oil is not changed regularly<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Loss of protective properties<\/strong>. Over time, the oil loses its ability to lubricate and protect effectively.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Increased internal wear<\/strong>. Increased friction between parts leads to accelerated deterioration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Risk of overheating<\/strong>. The system stops dissipating heat properly, raising the internal temperature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sediment buildup<\/strong>. Unfiltered residues accumulate and can clog ducts or components.<\/li>\n<li>Increased fuel consumption. The engine operates less efficiently and requires more energy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Costly long-term damage<\/strong>. The risk of serious mechanical failures increases, leading to costly repairs or even equipment replacement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-22687\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Why-is-it-advisable-to-change-the-transmission-oil-change-often.jpg\" alt=\"Why is it advisable to change the transmission oil change often\" width=\"600\" height=\"343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/Why-is-it-advisable-to-change-the-transmission-oil-change-often.jpg 600w, https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/Why-is-it-advisable-to-change-the-transmission-oil-change-often-300x172.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>How often should lubricating oil be changed?<\/h3>\n<p>The ideal frequency for periodically changing lubricating oil depends on the type of use, operating conditions, and manufacturer&#8217;s recommendations. Here are some general guidelines:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Personal vehicles<\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/gasoline-in-puerto-rico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gasoline<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/diesel-in-puerto-rico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">diesel<\/a>). Between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers, or as indicated in the manufacturer&#8217;s manual.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Industrial fleets<\/strong>. More frequent changes depending on working hours, load conditions, and operational demands.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Heavy machinery<\/strong>. It is recommended to follow cycles based on operating hours and oil analysis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hydraulic or transmission systems<\/strong>. Replacement depends on factors such as temperature, working pressure, and environmental conditions. Here is more information about <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/lubricating-oils-for-insdustrial-hydraulic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lubricants for hydraulic systems<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Which product to use when changing lubricating oil periodically<\/h2>\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Petroleum<\/a>, we work with three main brands: <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/american-quality-lubricants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Quality Lubricants (AQL)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Petro-Canada-Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Petro-Canada<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.petro-canada.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PC<\/a>), and <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Phillips-66-Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phillips 66<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phillips66.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">P66<\/a>). Each brand has specialized solutions for different applications.<\/p>\n<p>Below is a practical guide on which product to use when periodically changing lubricating oil by type of use, highlighting the most suitable lines and examples of representative products.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83d\udd27 <strong>Light and personal vehicles<\/strong>. For modern or conventional gasoline engines, these lines offer internal cleanliness, fuel economy, and wear protection:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AQL \u2013 Supreme Line<\/strong>. Reliable and semi-synthetic and <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/synthetic-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">synthetic lubricants<\/a> for everyday use, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>AQL Supreme SAE 5W30<\/li>\n<li>AQL Supreme SAE 5W20<\/li>\n<li>AQL Supreme SAE 10W30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petro<\/strong><strong>\u2011<\/strong><strong>Canada <\/strong><strong>\u2013<\/strong><strong> Supreme Line<\/strong>. Premium oils designed for maximum efficiency and thermal stability, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>Petro\u2011Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W30<\/li>\n<li>Petro\u2011Canada Supreme Synthetic Blend 5W20<\/li>\n<li>Petro\u2011Canada Supreme 10W30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phillips 66 \u2013 Shield Line<\/strong>. Advanced lubricants that meet ILSAC GF-6 \/ API SP for modern vehicles, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>P66 Shield Valor 5W30 Gen 3 (synthetic)<\/li>\n<li>P66 Shield Choice 5W20 SN+<\/li>\n<li>P66 Shield Choice 10W30 GF-6<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31846\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Distribution-of-synthetic-oil-in-Puerto-Rico.jpg\" alt=\"Distribution of synthetic oil in Puerto Rico\" width=\"600\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Distribution-of-synthetic-oil-in-Puerto-Rico.jpg 600w, https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Distribution-of-synthetic-oil-in-Puerto-Rico-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83d\ude9b <strong>Heavy-duty vehicles\/fleets<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/diesel-engine-oils\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diesel engine oils<\/a> for transportation, construction, and commercial fleets, these lines guarantee extended protection, stability, and compliance with CK-4 standards:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AQL \u2013 Supreme CK-4 line<\/strong>. Multigrade <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/heavy-duty-motor-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">oil for heavy-duty engines<\/a> under demanding conditions, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>AQL Supreme 15W40 CK-4<\/li>\n<li>AQL Supreme 10W30 CK\u20114<\/li>\n<li>AQL Supreme Synthetic Blend 15W40 CK\u20114<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petro<\/strong><strong>\u2011<\/strong><strong>Canada <\/strong><strong>\u2013<\/strong><strong> DURON line<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/high-performance-lubricants-and-oils\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">High-performance lubricating oils<\/a> for commercial vehicles; SHP, HP, and UHP options depending on the level of demand, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>DURON SHP 15W40<\/li>\n<li>DURON HP 15W40<\/li>\n<li>DURON UHP 5W40 (Full Synthetic)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phillips 66 \u2013 Guardol ECT line<\/strong>. Lubricants with liquid titanium technology, designed for modern engines with DPF, SCR, EGR, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>P66 Guardol ECT 15W40 CK\u20114<\/li>\n<li>P66 Guardol ECT 10W30 CK\u20114<\/li>\n<li>P66 Guardol XT Full Synthetic 5W40<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f <strong>Industrial applications<\/strong>. For hydraulic systems, industrial plants, agricultural or construction machinery, these lines ensure wear protection, cleanliness, and stability in severe conditions:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AQL \u2013 Premium Hydraulic AW Line<\/strong>. Versatile and reliable lubricants for standard hydraulics and mobile equipment, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 32<\/li>\n<li>AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 46<\/li>\n<li>AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 68<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petro<\/strong><strong>\u2011<\/strong><strong>Canada <\/strong><strong>\u2013<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/hydrex-xv-all-season-hydraulic-fluid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HYDREX line<\/a>. High-performance anti-wear hydraulic fluids with international approvals, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>HYDREX AW 32<\/li>\n<li>HYDREX AW 46<\/li>\n<li>HYDREX XV All Season<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phillips 66 \u2013 Megaflow AW line<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/hydraulic-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hydraulic oils<\/a> for high-pressure and industrial precision systems, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 32<\/li>\n<li>P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 46<\/li>\n<li>P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 68<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-31070\" src=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hydraulic-oil-AW100-y-AW150-in-Puerto-Rico.jpg\" alt=\"Hydraulic oil AW100 y AW150 in Puerto Rico\" width=\"600\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hydraulic-oil-AW100-y-AW150-in-Puerto-Rico.jpg 600w, https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hydraulic-oil-AW100-y-AW150-in-Puerto-Rico-300x188.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u2699\ufe0f <strong>Transmission or differential systems<\/strong>. For <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/transmission-oil-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">changing the oil in automatic transmissions<\/a>, heavy-duty transmissions, or universal fluids for agricultural and industrial machinery, these lines offer high thermal stability, friction protection, and compatibility with OEM equipment:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>AQL \u2013 ATF and Universal Tractor Fluid line<\/strong>. Economical and versatile formulations for automatic transmissions and combined hydraulic\/transmission systems, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>AQL ATF DEXRON III\/MERCON<\/li>\n<li>AQL Universal Hydraulic Tractor Fluid<\/li>\n<li>AQL ATF DEXRON III\/MERCON<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Petro-Canada \u2013 DURATRAN, DURADRIVE, and PRODUR\u00d3 TO-4+ lines<\/strong>. Designed for automatic transmissions, heavy-duty differentials, and agricultural machinery, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>PC DURATRAN (THF J20C)<\/li>\n<li>PC DURADRIVE HD Synthetic Blend ATF<\/li>\n<li>PC PRODUR\u00d3 TO-4+ 50<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phillips 66 \u2013 PowerDrive, Versatrans, and Triton lines<\/strong>. Heavy-duty transmission oils and automotive ATF fluids designed to withstand high loads, temperatures, and duty cycles, such as:\n<ul>\n<li>P66 PowerDrive Fluid 30<\/li>\n<li>P66 Super ATF<\/li>\n<li>P66 Versatrans ATF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>American Petroleum, your strategic partner in lubricant solutions!<\/h2>\n<p>With more than four decades of experience, we are <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/lubricants-in-puerto-rico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official lubricant distributors<\/a> of <strong>leading brands in the industry and offer coverage throughout the island<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Our technical team is ready to advise you on selecting the right product when changing your lubricating oil periodically, ensuring a reliable supply and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of your operation.<\/p>\n<p>Do you want to extend the life of your equipment, reduce operating costs, and maximize performance? For more information, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/lubricants-oils\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/lubricants-oils\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Changing lubricating oil regularly is essential to ensure the proper functioning, durability, and efficiency of engines, machinery, and industrial systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[95],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-32832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lubricants-oils"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32832"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32832\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32834,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32832\/revisions\/32834"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/americanpetroleumpr.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}