Between TV commercials, your old fashioned dad, and that little sticker in the corner of your windshield, you probably feel like you’re hearing ad nauseum about changing your oil every 3000 miles. But there’s good reason for that. Staying on top of you oil and getting it changed regularly is probably the number one way to ensure your car stay running smoothly.

Your car depends on the oil to lubricate so many components under the hood, namely the engine. Without fresh oil, all those moving mechanical parts are forced to work just a little harder, are exposed to just a little more friction, and wear down just a little bit more. Over time, this is what causes things to start breaking down.

To ensure your car makes it to 100,000 miles and beyond, pay attention to you oil and make sure to get it changed accordingly.