An oil change is one of the least expensive services you can get for your vehicle — yet it delivers some of the highest return on investment when it comes to extending the life of your engine. In cold-weather regions like Anchorage, and especially for vehicles used for towing, this small task takes on even more importance.

Oil is your engine’s primary defense system. Without clean oil, friction increases, heat builds up, and internal engine components wear out faster. At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we routinely see vehicles with sludge buildup, overheating issues, or premature wear that could have been avoided with something as simple as timely oil changes.

A little maintenance now saves big on repairs later.

What Does Engine Oil Actually Do?

Motor oil isn’t just some greasy liquid — it’s a finely engineered lubricant that protects every moving part inside your engine. When you start your vehicle, oil begins circulating immediately to prevent metal-on-metal contact. This helps control temperature, minimize wear, and carry contaminants away from engine parts.

In technical terms, motor oil:

• Lubricates pistons, camshafts, and crankshafts, which operate at thousands of revolutions per minute.
• Reduces friction, which protects parts from grinding together.
• Dissipates heat, especially under load when towing or climbing hills.
• Cleans internal surfaces, by suspending dirt, combustion byproducts, and microscopic metal shavings.
• Prevents corrosion, especially in cold-weather climates like Anchorage where moisture buildup is more common.
• Seals microscopic gaps, ensuring proper compression and engine efficiency.

When oil breaks down — either through heat, time, or contamination — it can no longer do its job. That’s when engine damage begins.

What Happens When You Skip Oil Changes?

You might not notice a problem immediately if you delay your oil change by a few hundred miles, but over time, neglecting this service leads to real damage. Dirty or degraded oil thickens and loses its ability to circulate freely. As friction increases, the temperature inside your engine rises — and the wear starts piling up fast.

Here’s what we often see in our auto repair shop:

• Increased engine wear: Without clean oil, internal parts grind down. Think of it like running an engine with sandpaper instead of lubricant.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: Dirty oil creates resistance inside the engine, forcing it to work harder and burn more fuel.
• Sludge buildup: Gunky, worn-out oil becomes sludge, which clogs oil passages and starves key engine components.
• Engine overheating: No lubrication = no cooling. That leads to overheating and sometimes irreversible damage.
• Complete engine failure: Seized pistons or damaged bearings are expensive to fix and could leave you stranded — especially risky in remote areas of Alaska.

Delaying oil changes is never worth the risk — especially if you rely on your vehicle for towing, off-road trips, or long-distance travel.

Why It’s Even More Important If You Tow

Towing increases engine stress dramatically. Whether you’re pulling a travel trailer, toy hauler, boat, or work trailer, your vehicle’s engine works harder to move all that extra weight. That added load means your engine runs hotter, your RPMs stay higher, and your oil degrades faster.

Here’s why timely oil changes matter more when you tow:

• Higher engine temperatures: Hauling up steep Alaskan grades like Turnagain Pass or the Glenn Highway causes extreme heat buildup.
• Greater strain on internal components: Bearings, pistons, and valves face added pressure.
• Faster oil breakdown: Under load, oil oxidizes more quickly, losing viscosity and lubrication properties.
• More contaminants: Towing kicks up more road debris and dust, which can contaminate oil.

If you regularly tow in Anchorage or anywhere across Alaska, it’s critical to use a high-performance oil, follow an accelerated change schedule, and monitor your oil levels before and after each trip.

Our team at Frontier Auto and RV Center recommends switching to synthetic or high-mileage formulas if you’re a frequent tower — and we can help you choose the right one based on your specific vehicle.

How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?

Your vehicle’s recommended oil change interval can vary based on make, model, mileage, and how it’s used. That said, the following are general guidelines we recommend for Alaskan drivers:

• Standard vehicles with conventional oil: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
• Synthetic oil users: Every 7,500–10,000 miles (depending on manufacturer)
• Towing vehicles: Every 3,000–5,000 miles, or sooner during heavy use
• Cold-weather vehicles: Every 4,000–5,000 miles due to increased moisture exposure

If you’re towing, idling for long periods in traffic, or starting your engine often in subzero temperatures, you should err on the more frequent side of those ranges. Alaska’s extreme conditions are not your average “mild driving environment.”

Not sure when your last oil change was? Stop by Frontier Auto and RV Center and we’ll look it up, inspect your oil on the spot, and help set up a schedule that works for your driving habits.

Signs You Might Be Overdue

Sometimes your vehicle will give you warning signs that it’s ready — or long overdue — for an oil change. Watch for these indicators:

• Oil change or check engine light: Don’t ignore the dash!
• Louder engine noise or ticking: A sign of poor lubrication
• Dark, dirty oil on the dipstick: Oil should be amber or honey-colored
• Engine running hotter than normal: Reduced oil quality = poor cooling
• Vibrations, sluggishness, or rough idling: Often tied to reduced lubrication

And if you’ve just returned from a long tow or hard-working trip, it’s a good idea to schedule a quick oil inspection — especially before heading out again.

What’s Included in a Professional Oil Change?

While some DIYers handle their own oil changes, many drivers (especially those who tow) prefer a professional service to make sure everything is inspected correctly. At Frontier Auto and RV Center, we include a full multipoint inspection with every oil change.

Here’s what’s covered:

• Drain and replace engine oil with the correct grade and formulation
• New oil filter installation
• Top off of washer fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering (as needed)
• Check belts, hoses, and visible leaks
• Tire pressure check and fill
• Digital service record update so you stay on schedule

Whether you drive a daily commuter, diesel pickup, or RV tow vehicle, our techs have the tools and training to service it efficiently and correctly.

Don’t Wait — Protect Your Investment

In Alaska, your vehicle is more than just a way to get from point A to B — it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re navigating icy streets in Anchorage or towing your camper deep into the Kenai Peninsula, your engine needs reliable lubrication to keep going strong.

Regular oil changes are one of the simplest ways to protect your investment, improve fuel economy, and avoid costly auto repair down the road.

Let our team at Frontier Auto and RV Center help you keep your engine running clean, cool, and ready for anything Alaska throws your way.