Have you had a look at your car's dipstick lately? Most drivers know how important oil is to a well-running engine. If you're not sure, here are five reasons why you should never skip an oil change. It Lubricates Your Engine Many of your engine's components, like pistons and valves, are continually moving as you cruise down the road. To avoid being damaged, they need to be adequately lubricated. Oil provides this vital role. Over time, the heat from the engine breaks the oil down, and it becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, making it impossible to do its job. more Keep Your Cool Oil helps keep engine components cool. Moving parts create friction, which in turn generates heat. Engine oil is the perfect solution to reduce friction and prevent your engine from overheating. Oil Changes Removes Sludge Every time you change your oil, your technician replaces the oil filter as well, removing particles and sludge from your engine's systems. Dirt and dust are deadly to your vehicle, causing corrosion over time, decreasing the life of your car's motor. If you don't change the oil regularly, it breaks down and turns to sludge. Keep your engine running at peak condition with clean oil. You'll See Better Gas Mileage Your vehicle's overall fuel efficiency is affected by several factors from where you live to your driving habits and how well you maintain it. A poorly lubricated engine won't perform at its best, leading to increased fuel consumption. According to one study by the U.S. Department of Energy, routine changes with the right kind of oil can improve your gas mileage by as much as 2%. While that figure may seem low, for the average commuter, that could equate to a free tank of gas each year. The agency recommends oil that's labeled "Energy Conserving" to ensure it offers friction-reducing additives. Your Car Will Last Longer It's a simple fact that owners who routinely change their oil can expect their vehicle to last longer than those who skip this critical maintenance. Buildup from dirty oil makes your engine work harder, wearing out internal components faster. An engine that works too hard will end up with a shorter life span, and a lower value if you plan to sell it or trade it in on something new. Having copies of these regular maintenance records increases its resale value, according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book. Dan Ingle, Vice President of KBB's valuations, reports that regular oil changes are a better indication of proper upkeep than tune-ups and further states that this habit is a good sign that your car has been cared for. Getting your oil changed regularly may seem like a hassle. However, it's a vital task if you want to hop in your car and go. Look for online coupons to save a few bucks. If you're not comfortable changing the oil yourself, hire an experienced professional mechanic to do it for you, like those you'll find at your local dealership.