subject: Shinder Says Change Your Engine Oil Often [print this page] It is often more than a discussion at the office water cooler as to the use and value of "engine oil additives". Do they work? Do engine oil additives have benefits to longer engine life , less downtime and repairs as well as to overall fuel economy and miles per gallon mpg gasoline performance and overall engine efficiency and cleanliness
Most of us know that an engine's oil is a vital lubricant. In addition engine oil provides virtually half of an engine's cooling. In addition , although running a small , high rpm engine two quarts low on oil may never cause the oil pressure warning light to go on, it may still cut the life of an engine or powerplant in half. That is why checking your motor oil is just so important. With the advent of self-service gasoline stations, we can no longer depend on the gas station attendant to simply check under the hood.
Check your engine oil level regularly or take the time to make a routine of having your local garage mechanic , the neighborhood 16 year old, or your auto dealer service dept to check the levels. At the worst in the case of the 16 year old boy you can reward him with a hamburger or cheeseburger. Atta boy Shinderpal.
The most important things about a motor oil are its viscosity and its service grades. Oils are classified first by viscosity, which has to do with the size of the opening that they will flow through at a standard temperature. Oil labeled "CC" or CD" is meant exclusively for diesel type engine power plants.
Raise the front end of your car and support it on jack stands unless clearance is inadequate. Place a large basin between the oil drain plug. Loosen the plug with a wrench then remove it carefully by hand. Generally oil with a viscosity range of 10-40 W is ideal for year round driving use. However if you are in colder climes - If the container oil is plastic - that you purchased at your local Canadian Tire parts outlet- then you can simply open the "can" by tearing off the protective seal and turning the cap. In some cases a set of pliers or even a mechanics vice grip may help. If in doubt check with your auto's owner manual or failing that your new or used car dealership.
On cars with hard to reach filler caps, a funnel with a flexible neck may be needed or required. Add fresh oil through the filler atop the engine. ( See your owner's manual for the "correct" amount). When full,,start the engine and check for leaks at the drain plug and filter, Adjust the oil level if necessary: Synthetic oil, though it is expensive and in some cases, not recommended for use with diesel engines and diesels lasts much longer than conventional mineral oils.
How do you check your engine oil level? It is essential that you check your engine oil level often, regularly and repeatedly. It does no good to have the "best oil in the world "or on the automotive market - Checking the oil level. Turn off the engine and wait at least three ( 3 ) minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Next remove the engine oil dipstick. You may have to check your owner's manual for location. Wipe the dipstick clean and then re-insert it. Pull the dipstick out again and carefully read the level of oil clinging to the blade. The correct level of oil is between the "full" and "add" marks. The Add mark generally means in the automotive trades that your crankcase is approximately 1 quart or 1 liter of fluid low. Do not add oil before the level is down to the Add mark , or you may seriously risk overfilling the engine oil in your crankcase and risk blowing expensive engine oil seals. If possible drain the oil while the engine is warm, the old soiled oil will drain more quickly as well as completely. The majority of the engine oil contaminants will be eliminated from your crank-case. Be careful however that engine parts and components are not too hot to safely touch and work with. On the other side of the road , if the engine is cold, let the oil drain for at least 20 to 30 minutes before replacing the bottom crank drain plug. Don't pour used engine oil down a drain or storm sewer or even into the ground. So reports Ted Stevens.
This not only contributes to pollution, but is illegal in many areas of the US and Canada. You may be charged and convicted with steep fines and penalties.
Try to purchase your oil from a seller or outlet that has disposal agreements. In many areas of northern British Columbia & Fort McMurray or Edmonton Alberta local Canadian Tire parts outlets are set up professionally in this manner. You can mix new oil with old no problem or concern. Synthetic oil , though it is expensive lasts much longer in duration than standard conventional petroleum mineral oils. Though the upfront cost of synthetics may be more , overall synthetics may derive you the best economic value. Longer life, least cost per driving mile and better fuel economies are its mainstays and benefits. Synthetics oils were developed during World War 2 for use in dealing with the brutal wintertime low temperature weather conditions of eastern Europe. Find the time and effort to locate and fill up only with that brand and type of synthetic oil.
Regularly changing your engine oil is the single most important thing that you can do to protect your engine. Your owner's manual - in your glove box- should clearly indicate how often your oil in the crankcase of your auto needs to be changed. Yet frequent engine oil changes not cost you as a motorist - they pay. You will be rewarded with longer engine and automotive life and years and years more of troubles free driving.
