Oil Change Intervals and Winter Oil All about Oil Synthetic Oil
Used engine oil carries metal that has worn away, dirt and moisture from the air and combustion gases that gets past the piston rings and sludge from chemical processes. These materials increase friction on metal parts and seals and causes seals and gaskets to harden.These contaminates also dilute and wear out the additives in the oil that maintain viscosity and counter sludge formation.
The extra cost of oil changes every 3,000 miles versus 5 or 6 thousand is a lot less than most engine repairs. Using a good synthetic oil is a better way to extend those oil changes to 6,000 miles.
Why change oil frequently when not due by mileage?
Vehicles routinely driven short distances, especially in cold weather
will build up moisture in the oil from condensation and combustion gases by-passing
the rings. This build up of water will cause acids to be created within the
oil resulting in the formulation of sludge and accelerated wear.
There are additives in the oil, which are designed to combat these acids,
but they deplete over time, and can only control so much moisture.
It can be worse to drive 2,000 miles in the winter of short trip
driving in
six months before changing oil than six or seven thousand in the same period
.
Winter Time Oil Grades
Oil viscosity can make a big difference when it comes to getting
lubrication to the furthest parts from the oil pump, which is usually the valve train.
Besides improving gas mileage, if it gets near or below freezing where you live you should
definitely be using a 5w-30 oil.
Why? Consider this: 5w-30 takes 10 seconds to reach the valve train at 15 degrees
Fahrenheit, compared to 20 seconds for 10w-30. Even worse, while 5w-30 is flowing freely
in 40 seconds 10w-30 weight takes up to three minutes. Even better, consider
switching to a synthetic oil, which will
flow freely in 15 seconds at 15 degrees. Always refer to your owners manual
for oil recommendations.
Mechanics Veto Extending
Oil Changes
LEXINGTON, KY (June 2006) - The nation's top mechanics are rejecting the
recommendation by some in the automotive industry that cars can go 5,000
miles or more before oil is changed.
The nation's top mechanics, National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE)-certified Master Automobile technicians, weighed in on this
and other issues in a survey conducted by Valvoline last April.
"Certified Master Automobile Technicians are the best of the
best," says ASE President Ron Weiner. "They are on the front lines
of taking care of today's vehicles and they have definite thoughts on how
motorists can participate in making their cars and trucks run better and
last longer."
Mechanics view oil as the lifeblood of the car's engine, with 84 percent
saying not getting a regular oil change can cause the most problems for a
vehicle, when compared to other maintenance issues. Sixty percent of the ASE
certified master technicians said the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles -
the longtime, recommended standard. Only 29 percent said between 3,000 to
5,000 miles is OK. Acceptability of 5,000 to 10,000 miles before an oil
change is two percent.
"The message from the top mechanics in the country comes out loud and
clear," says Valvoline Marketing Director Bryan Emrich. "Changing
oil with quality motor oil ... at regular intervals is the best way to
prevent damage to your car's engine and keep more money in your
pocket." Emrich said regular oil changes protect the engine and reduce
sludge, which can impact engine performance and avoid costly repairs.
About the Survey Respondents:
The more than 300 ASE-certified Master Automobile Technicians surveyed were
certified for 14 years on average; more than one in four of those surveyed
had been certified for more than 20 years. Participants in the survey are
ASE-certified Master Automobile Technicians, currently employed as an
automotive technician on a full-time or part-time basis.
(Source:
Valvoline)
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