1. I rarely drive, so I change the oil every few years
On the one hand, the oil really works a little and can therefore be changed less often.
However, after being poured into the engine, it begins to oxidize much faster than if it is kept in a sealed canister, where the amount of oxygen is limited.
The engine will also start with 5-year-old oil, but its properties will differ greatly from those specified by the car manufacturer.
2. Do not pour above the minimum
Check the oil level regularly. And always keep it above the “minimum” mark.
You can drive even if the oil level is at the minimum. But it is more difficult for the oil to operate under such conditions than at the nominal level as the so-called multiple of its exchange increases.
Roughly speaking, because there isn’t enough oil, the same particles have to work harder. Accordingly, it ages faster and loses its properties ahead of time.
3. I choose oil cheaper
The higher the business category of the oil according to API, the more expensive it is. And many people think: why fill in expensive SP, if yesterday SN or SM were considered the best oils?
The advantages of SP category oils are that they practically do not leave ash deposits on pistons, valve plates and combustion chamber walls. This prevents the occurrence of the LSPI effect in direct fuel injection engines – Pre-ignition of the fuel mixture at low speeds, which can destroy the pistons. It also reduces the chance of explosion.
At the same time, the composition of the base oils allows to maintain a minimum viscosity for efficient heat dissipation of pistons with small sections of exhaust channels. SP oils are made for direct injection turbocharged engines where older oils sometimes caused the unwanted effects described above.
For other engines such oils are really not necessary. You can fill them with something cheaper. And this is a reasonable and justified saving. Especially if you change the oil more often than the manufacturer recommends.
4. I dress strictly according to the rules
It would seem that this is how the car owner should behave. However, the instructions are written with average operating conditions in mind. In addition, many automakers specify solid oil drain intervals to differentiate themselves from the competition.
If the car is driving at a leisurely pace on empty highways, then shortening the oil change intervals makes no sense. And for those who jostle urban monsters on a daily basis – you can (and should) do it. After all, the runs in kilometers are modest and the operating time in hours is solid.
With this mode of operation, it is advisable to change the oil every 7-8 thousand km.
5. I buy oil in reserve
Old products can only be used for oversized engines that survive the last few hours. After all, the performance of the oil deteriorates over time. In addition, relatively new cars initially require oils of a high-quality category according to API. It is not necessary to pour oil from the past decade into a modern engine – the engine can be damaged.
6. I fill in a more viscous (and cheaper) one, although 0W-20 is recommended
Most modern engines have a compact design with narrow oil passages designed specifically for low viscosity oils such as 0W-20. A more viscous product can simply get stuck in it. In addition, low viscosity oil has another advantage – it helps to slightly reduce fuel consumption.
Such errors often lead to engine failure and costly repairs. Although they are not at all difficult to avoid.
Source: Z R
Anika Rood is an author at “Social Bites”. She is an automobile enthusiast who writes about the latest developments and news in the automobile industry. With a deep understanding of the latest technologies and a passion for writing, Anika provides insightful and engaging articles that keep her readers informed and up-to-date on the latest happenings in the world of automobiles.