The Truth About When Oil Changes Are Needed
The evolution of the automobile has been amazing. From the early rickety models to modern computer controlled versions, things have changed a lot. That being said, friction and heat are still a threat to any car engine and have to be managed.
If you own a car, you know that the key to fighting these two devils is oil. It lubricates the parts of an engine which minimizes the friction. Without excessive friction, heat is kept to a minimum as well.
Oil will only perform for so long under the stressful conditions found in the engine of a modern car. This leads us to the question of how often you should change the oil in your car.
What answer immediately popped into your mind? I bet it was that the oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Right? Somewhere, an oil marketing executive has a big grin on their face.
The three month marketing slogan is simply not correct. It may never have been. Cars perform differently, which means the stress placed on the engine and oil will differ. Oils have also improved dramatically and now last longer.
Why is there no one guideline? Well, consider a construction worker with a big truck who hauls tons of materials. Now consider a school teacher who drives to school and back. Which engine is going to be more stressed and need the oil changed more frequently?
Still, we need some type of guideline right? Well, you have one. For men, this will be painful. Yes, we will have to read directions. In the owners manual for the car, we can find the information for the specific needs of our vehicle.
The manufacturer is actually going to designate a number of things regarding the oil. Yes, the number of miles between recommended changes will be there, but so will the weight of oil to be used and the recommended oil brand.
The weight of oil to be used is absolutely vital. Do not just throw anything in your engine. You can kill the engine and violate any warranty. Do not worry too much about the brand, however. You can use whatever you like in most cases.
This also brings us to the issue surrounding the types of oil you can buy. Synthetic oils are all the rage and for a good reason - the work! Depending on the vehicle, they can last 15,000 miles or more between changes.
I personally use Mobil 1 oil for my vehicles. I have minimal engine problems. We recently broke down the motor of a friend who used Mobil 1 for 125,000 miles in a BMW and found the engine to be in great shape.
Ultimately, you should follow the directions of your manufacturer on oil changes. They typically will be for 5,000 miles or more, which can save you a lot of money. - 2368
If you own a car, you know that the key to fighting these two devils is oil. It lubricates the parts of an engine which minimizes the friction. Without excessive friction, heat is kept to a minimum as well.
Oil will only perform for so long under the stressful conditions found in the engine of a modern car. This leads us to the question of how often you should change the oil in your car.
What answer immediately popped into your mind? I bet it was that the oil should be changed every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever came first. Right? Somewhere, an oil marketing executive has a big grin on their face.
The three month marketing slogan is simply not correct. It may never have been. Cars perform differently, which means the stress placed on the engine and oil will differ. Oils have also improved dramatically and now last longer.
Why is there no one guideline? Well, consider a construction worker with a big truck who hauls tons of materials. Now consider a school teacher who drives to school and back. Which engine is going to be more stressed and need the oil changed more frequently?
Still, we need some type of guideline right? Well, you have one. For men, this will be painful. Yes, we will have to read directions. In the owners manual for the car, we can find the information for the specific needs of our vehicle.
The manufacturer is actually going to designate a number of things regarding the oil. Yes, the number of miles between recommended changes will be there, but so will the weight of oil to be used and the recommended oil brand.
The weight of oil to be used is absolutely vital. Do not just throw anything in your engine. You can kill the engine and violate any warranty. Do not worry too much about the brand, however. You can use whatever you like in most cases.
This also brings us to the issue surrounding the types of oil you can buy. Synthetic oils are all the rage and for a good reason - the work! Depending on the vehicle, they can last 15,000 miles or more between changes.
I personally use Mobil 1 oil for my vehicles. I have minimal engine problems. We recently broke down the motor of a friend who used Mobil 1 for 125,000 miles in a BMW and found the engine to be in great shape.
Ultimately, you should follow the directions of your manufacturer on oil changes. They typically will be for 5,000 miles or more, which can save you a lot of money. - 2368
posted by Frank Potter at 8:52 AM
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