Jimmys Auto Blog

OIL -

• Lubricates and cools engine.
• Oil is in a severe environment inside the engine, and is subject to breakdown of lubricating qualities from various factors.
• Oil can be lost through leaks, and burning.
• As the oil level drops, the rate the oil degrades can increase, and engine wear can increase.
• If oil becomes too low, the engine can over heat or even seize up.

Checking Engine Oil Level:

• A dipstick is used to check engine oil. A couple of styles are on the right.
• Goes into tube on side of engine. (not to be confused with transmission – which also has a dipstick)
• Oil is a brown or dark honey color.

To Check Oil:

• Engine should be off.
• Car on level surface.
• Pull out dipstick, wipe with rag or paper towel.
• Replace dipstick in tube.
• Slowly pull out, look for oil level on stick.
• For most cars, if the oil level is down to the add line, it is one quart low.
• If you have just shut off your car, you may want to allow a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan to obtain the most accurate measurement.
• Add oil as specified in your owners manual, or look for a tag under the hood of your car as to type of oil to use.
• Motor oil is rated by a thickness rating (viscosity) over a specified temperature range. Most cars will call out oil with ratings such as 10W-30. There should be an place to add oil on the top of the engine.

When to change oil:

Opinions vary widely, note the manuals in cars often list several sets of conditions.
For example, a manual may say change every 7,500 miles under normal conditions, and every 3,000 miles under any of the following conditions:

• Stop and go driving.
• Frequent short trips.
• Severe weather, or in dusty climates.
• When pulling a trailer.

Many auto technicians suggest a 3,000 mile interval.
Some manufacturers recommend every 3 or 4 months if you haven’t already changed because of mileage.
Changing more often than the minimum required will not hurt, and may extend engine life.
As oil breaks down during normal driving, engine wear increases
Allows for increased rate of oil contamination and consumption.
As wear engine increases, performance and mileage drop.
The oil and oil filter are normally changed at the same time.
Check your oil level after it is changed, even by a shop.
Many auto manufacturers do not recommend the use of oil additives.
Synthetic oils are more expensive, but offer several advantages including easier starting in very cold weather.

What are your thoughts on the subject?