Vehicle Oil Change Extends Engine Life
We know you have heard it before but we need to say it again – the engine oil in your vehicle needs to be changed regularly. The main reason is quite simple – the oil is subject to high temperatures and which causes it to break down over time which makes it far less effective. This means that it provides less and less protection to the engine components.
Even if you don’t read this whole article – take out your telephone right now and schedule an oil change at GP Motor Works….
Important Facts as to Why Oil is Important
From an engineering perspective, the oil is vital to the engine’s ability to operate. The nature of the combustion engine means that the moving parts working together generate momentum. While this is happening, the engine becomes very hot and the oil helps to draw this heat away as it flows around the internal parts such as the crankshaft and pistons. Without the lubrication that this liquid provides, the engine would cease under friction and excessively high temperatures. Anyone who has had a ceased engine will tell you that it is an extremely expensive to have repaired or sometimes the engine will need to be replaced.
Another fact is that new engine oil has the right consistency and viscosity which enables the parts to move more efficiently against each other. Old oil, on the other hand, becomes gunged up with carbon deposits and debris which actually slows down the engine. When this happens, the car becomes sluggish and will use more fuel to run. Even the most expensive lubricants available including synthetic oils will degrade and negatively affect the vehicle’s performance.
So How Often Should The Oil Be Changed?
We are so glad you asked the question! The first thing you should do is read the manufacturer’s operating manual and familiarize yourself as to the required oil service frequency. Most car makers will suggest an interval of 15,000 km’s between oil changes.
However, your average driving habits need to be taken into account. For instance, if the majority of your commuting consists of short trips that include lots of start/stop traffic, then your oil needs more regular replacement. This type of driving causes more wear and tear on the engine as compared to driving longer trips.
Engine Oil Analysis
At GP Motor Works, we are able to conduct sophisticated oil analysis so that we are able to diagnose and pinpoint problems or potential component failure. For instance, metal content can indicate that a bearing is disintegrating which could lead to further damage if not replaced in time. The presence of water in the oil also points to engine failure which can be fixed if detected early enough.
The other benefit of having an expert doing the service is that while he is poking around the engine, he may come across something else that requires attention. As they say in the classics – “a stitch in time saves nine”….so your routine oil change might result in you saving money in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Today, even the cheapest automobile is a very expensive investment and the running costs seem to always be on the increase. Therefore it makes good sense that we take good care of our cars so that we get the most out of them. One of the most effective ways of doing that is to regularly change the oil. A simple and yet relatively inexpensive oil change can extend the life of your engine.
We have the necessary know-how to be able to give you expert advice on when your next lubrication service is due.
Give us a call or schedule a service and we will be happy to assist you.
