Engine oil is responsible for dissipating heat and removing contaminants, whilst protecting the vehicle from corrosion. Its main components are fractions derived from the distillation of crude oil or their synthetic equivalents. A lack of oil can lead, amongst other things, to engine seizure, which is why it is essential to change the oil regularly.
Optimal oil level
Every car manufacturer provides information on the number of kilometres after which the oil must be changed. It is worth following these guidelines if you want to protect your car’s engine from breaking down. When changing the oil, it is very often recommended to fit a new oil filter, which is responsible for removing all impurities from the oil, such as unburned fuel residues, oxidation products, dust and fine metal particles. If this is neglected, it may result in damage to the engine. It is generally accepted that:
- In cars used mainly for city driving, the oil should be topped up every 10 000-15 000 kilometres,
- For long-distance driving, this is 15 000-20 000 km.
It should be noted, however, that these are only guidelines. The frequency of oil changes depends on a number of factors, including driving style, the car’s year of manufacture, etc. The oil level should be checked when the engine is cold or a few minutes after it has been switched off. This check should be carried out every 1,000 km or once a month, and also before any long journey.
How do you change the oil?
You can change the oil yourself in a garage with a pit or a hoist that allows access to the underside of the car. Once the car has been positioned and secured to prevent it from rolling away, place a container under the oil pan that is large enough to hold the amount of oil to be drained. The next step is to unscrew the drain plug. Remember to remove it with a firm twist after making sure it is not stuck on the thread. In addition, unscrew the oil filter, as fluid may drip from underneath it. The next step is to fit a new filter after lubricating its seal with oil, and then tighten the drain plug. Once everything is in place, you can top up the oil. The level should be slightly lower than that specified by the manufacturer. After a few minutes, it is worth starting the engine and letting it run at low revs. Then simply check the oil level.
Every driver should remember to change their oil regularly, even if they rarely use their car. The new oil should have the same specifications as the previous one. However, it does not necessarily have to be from the same manufacturer.