Engine oil - control, replenishment, replacement

There is a saying (maybe a bit old-fashioned…) that says that whoever doesn't get married, doesn't go. The problem is that this is true because the oil lubricates, cools and cleans key engine components and equipment (e.g. Turbo charger). When the engine oil level drops below the minimum or completely to zero, engine failure occurs. The conclusion is obvious. You should take care of the oil, which is: check its level regularly, change and use the products provided for the engine frequently.

When it came to checking the oil, there were no problems earlier - older engines they have a stick for checking the oil level, which should have been taken out (preferably a few minutes after the end of the ride, when the car is on a flat surface) and the lubricant level should be read. Today, many manufacturers are giving up the oil dipstick in favor of electronic sensors - the oil level can be seen on the board, and when that measure is not enough, the computer shows an alarm. Everything is beautiful, provided that the electronics work properly. Note: Do not confuse too low an oil level with too low a pressure - one is not always related to the other.

However, that's not all, because electronics can also sometimes assess the "life" of oil and, depending on consumption, inform about the need for change. However, in our opinion, it is better to use fixed (and short enough - usually up to 15-20 thousand km) intervals adapted to the style and driving conditions. The more driving in the city, traffic jams and heavy driving, the shorter the engine oil change interval.

How to choose the right car oil? Information on this topic can always be found in the user guide. If you do not have it at hand, you can ask on the car manufacturer's website or visit the Internet - every oil company has information on its website where, after entering the car data, they will inform you about the recommended viscosity of the engine oil. But beware: they may contain errors, it is best to compare several sites with each other and see if the information matches.

Can oils be mixed? If there is no other way - for example, the computer has informed about the need to refill the oil, and there is no oil you are using at the nearest station or the right viscosity - yes. However, in such a situation, we still recommend that you go to a service center as soon as possible to change the oil.

How to measure oil level?

The issue of oil selection is a topic in every car forum. In the meantime, the most important rule when choosing an oil is to refer to the operating instructions. There, besides the degree of viscosity (eg 5WV-40; see also next), you will usually find the ACEA standard that the oil must meet, and increasingly the internal standard of the car manufacturer (eg VW505.01) and the name of the manufacturer of the branded oil. contract . While the first three parameters are better kept (if the engine is unchanged and we use it normally), the manufacturer can be chosen almost freely. Particulate filter engines require Low-SAPS oil.

Oil change, intervals, alerts

When it comes to the engine oil change interval, the matter is very complex.
The interval between replacements can be set by the manufacturer or "rigid" -
data in the service book / instructions for use - or depending on the type
work. For newer cars, a trip computer decides on a number
"Cold starts", mileage and driving style.

In the case of fixed intervals, we distinguish between "normal" (usually 10-15 thousand km) and extended (long life; every 25-35 thousand km). The practice says that long intervals between visits to the service only work when the car is driving a lot on the open road, in addition to moderate load.

When the car is standing a lot or traveling a short distance often, new
oil should be refilled at least once every 12 months, regardless of mileage.
Important: Always change the oil filter every time.Note: Not harmful
not only that the oil level is too low, but also that the oil level is too high (overflow, lubricant diluted with fuel, damaged seal under the head) - risk of engine leakage!

Can the oil be mixed?

Mixing two oils with the same viscosity but from different manufacturers in
in the short term it should not have a negative impact on the engine. To get to the location - you can even mix synthetic oil with mineral oil (!).
However, after something like this, we advise you to change the oil quickly.

Note: The popular myth is that in a car topping big
you do not have to change the engine oil, because ulje the oil is always fresh. Well, nothing can go wrong: by acting in this way, the engine gets dirty easily and clogs the oil channels and the engine can fail.

What can go wrong if we don't change the oil in time?

Each engine consumes oil: once it will be a few milliliters and another time
the engine can also eat a liter at a distance of 1000 km. In this case, we usually deal with the problem (links, valve erasers, turbines, leaks, damage, or crankcase leaks), but there are such engines that, by nature, have to take in more oil. The instruction manual usually provides a standard of 0,7 l, sometimes up to 1 l / 1000 km, but the main thing is protection against complaints. Suppose a fully functional "civilian" engine consumes no more than 100 ml per 1000 km.

When the oil level drops, in many cars - even those from before 10, 15
year - the light will come on and notify you of the need to add oil.
However, if the oil pressure indicator light comes on, turn off the engine as soon as possible and refill with oil. Driving with too low a level of lubricant can damage the unit: bearings, pistons, links, crankshaft, camshaft motora Repairing the engine after sealing can be very expensive, often the only cost-effective option is to buy a used engine. The oil level rises when diluted with fuel, e.g. diesel, after several unsuccessful attempts to regenerate DPF.

In our opinion

There is no shortage of those who claim that their car has crossed 200.000. km without
oil changes, but - let's be honest - it's stupid. After something like that, the engine does
so clogged with oil sludge that there was no way he could properly
lubricate. Even if someone managed to go that mileage without a problem, it's just luck.

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!