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Most drivers know that motors need oil, but for many the understanding stops there. Here are some things you should know for a better appreciation.

How to check your oil?

Checking your oil level is a fairly simple procedure. experts generally agree that it’s best to drive the car first before checking it. so take a little spin, then find a cool, shady spot to pop the hood.

Let the car sit for at least five minutes before checking, to give the oil time to settle into the sump, or reservoir, at the bottom of the engine.

With the hood open and securely propped, locate the dipstick. its location varies, but you can find it by looking for a brightly colored handle yellow, red or some other noticeable color.

Remove it and wipe it with a clean rag or towel. reinsert it into the hole, then slowly remove it again. Check the level. the oil mark should fall between the two hash marks on the dipstick. if it’s below the lower level, you need to add oil. Before you do so, though, wipe the dipstick again and check it a second time.

Still low? Add a quart and recheck it. (it’s best to add the oil, then start the engine to circulate it, then let it sit for another five minutes before rechecking.) if it’s still below the lower hash mark, you may need to add another quart, but be careful not to overfill it, as this can lead to other problems.

How often should oil be changed?

If you change your oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (or every three months, whichever comes first) and check its level regularly, chances are you’ll never experience an oilrelated problem. For drivers using synthetic oil, intervals as long as 5,000 miles or six months between changes are considered acceptable.

Some service centers will tell you that extreme driving conditions, such as stopand- go traffic or extremely cold weather, require more frequent changes. the truth is that every three months or 3,000 miles is pretty extreme. if you aren’t driving in stopand- go traffic, through minus-20-degree blizzards or up mountain passes with a 5,000-pound trailer, you could probably go longer between changes, and there’s certainly almost no condition that would warrant even more frequent changes.

Deciphering oil weight

Oil weight, or viscosity, refers to how thick the oil is. the temperature requirements for oil set by the society of Automotive engineers (sAe) is 0 degrees F (low) and 210 degrees F (high).

Oils meeting the sAe’s low-temperature requirements have a “w” (which stands for winter) after the viscosity rating (e.g., sAe 10w), and oils that meet the high-temperature ratings have no letter (e.g., sAe 30). Multi-weight oils (such as sAe 10w-30) are a new invention made possible by adding polymers to oil. the polymers allow the oil to have different weights at different temperatures. the first number indicates the viscosity of the oil at a cold temperature, while the second number indicates the viscosity at operating temperature. engines need oil that is thin enough for cold starts and thick enough when the engine is hot.

When choosing oil, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle.

(source: reprinted, in part, from 2008 Cstco Almanac)

When it does come time for an oil change, stop by Whole Auto and let us take care of everything for you. Whether it is just checking your oil level or changing fluids and filters — we’re here to help.

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Just as clear communication between you and your doctor can equal better care for your body, communicating carefully with your mechanic means the best care for your body of your car!

When you think about it, you know your car better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. So don’t ignore its warning signals. If something doesn’t feel quite right, get your car checked out.

The following tips should help you along the way:

Preventative Maintenance

Follow the recommended service schedules.

Keep a log of all repairs and service.

Check your car for:

unusual sounds odors drips leaks smoke warning lights changes in acceleration changes in engine performance changes in gas mileage changes in fluid levels worn tires, belts, hoses. difficulty in handling, braking, steering unusual vibrations

When there is a problem:

Write the information/symptoms down to give to your local auto repair technician. When did the problem first start? Exactly when does the problem occur? Is it constant or does it occur now and again? Does the problem happen when the vehicle is cold or after the engine has warmed up? Is the problem noticeable when you accelerate? When you brake? At all speeds? When shifting?

Remember to let the technician diagnose and recommend a remedy, even if you think you already know what the problem is. Plus, it’s important not to demand an on-the-spot diagnosis. The technician needs to thoroughly examine the vehicle before knowing what’s really going on.

Stay involved. And don’t be shy about asking as many questions as you need to understand the problem. Mechanical terminology can be confusing to the layperson. Ask for simple definitions of technical terms you’re not familiar with.

It’s hard to be patient, as most of us feel completely incapacitated without our vehicles. Make sure you ask to be called and informed of the problem, recommended action, and costs BEFORE work begins.

Before you leave, ask about labor rates, guarantees, and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Leave a telephone number where you can be called.

The information you share with your auto technician will enable him to more easily locate the problem, diagnose it, and repair any damage. Then you and your car will be on the road again!

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This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-audio-shopper.com

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