I like you used to never change needles or clean my machine but after taking many quilting classes learned that if we want our machines to run well we do have to maintain them. It is advised that you change your needle after 6-8 hours of sewing and brush out the bobbin area each time it is changed. It's kind of like your car you need to maintain it. I do think it is a good idea to take your machiine to a dealer or someone who maintains machines and have it serviced at least every two years. That is just my opinion, I do know people that never change their needle or clean their machines. They will definatley run better if well maintained