Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. It helps keep engine parts lubricated, cools the engine and removes abrasive material from highly polished components.
The Car Care Council reminds motorists about the importance of changing your oil frequently to extend the engine’s lifespan. Dirty oil is like high cholesterol and iron-poor liver.
Oil becomes polluted over time from various sources, including dust, metallic shavings or condensation, and antifreeze. The oil additives that protect the engine start to lose effectiveness, can cause corrosive reactions and contaminants, and can be used as a lubricant or an irritant.
The engine can become less efficient if contaminants are present. They can stick to the engine’s parts and act as abrasives. The oil is poor at lubricating the engine and can be less effective at cushioning it. This can lead to friction. An engine that isn’t properly lubricated can wear prematurely and may seize up from heat and friction.
Regular oil changes as recommended in the owner’s manual improve engine efficiency, fuel economy, and dependability. Technicians agree. A survey of ASE-certified technicians found that 84 per cent of them believed that not getting an oil change on a regular basis could cause more damage to a vehicle than other maintenance issues. The Council reminds anyone who changes their oil to dispose it properly.
According to the council, drivers should refer to their owner’s manual regarding viscosity or grade of motor oil. The temperature affects how viscosity (the thickness or thinness) of oil. Oil changes with temperature. Oil thickens or thins when heated, and oil shrinks when it cools. Having the correct viscosity for your climate and local temperatures is crucial. Parts of your engine will be left without protection if oil does not flow in cold temperatures. Oil that is too fluid at high temperatures can also cause problems.
The Car Care Council provides information about the “Be Car Care Aware”Consumer education campaign to promote the benefits of vehicle maintenance, repair and regular vehicle care. For more information, please visit www.carcare.org.
