To keep your vehicle operating efficiently and at top performance levels, make sure that the vehicle is maintained regularly. A part of regular maintenance includes having the oil changed. This will help keep the moving parts of the engine operating efficiently as you drive. You should be aware of the type of oil you need for your vehicle. The weight of the oil is a scientific measure of its properties, particularly its viscosity or thickness. If you are not sure what type of oil is recommended for your vehicle, make sure to bring it in, and we can recommend it for you.
Why the Weight of the Oil is Important for the Vehicle
Modern valve trains have become very complicated with more moving parts and small passages than ever before. The valve train is in the top of the engine, so when the car has been turned off for a while, the oil tends to run down to lower areas and the valve train parts are vulnerable at start-up, before the oil starts circulating. So new weights of oil have been introduced to meet the engineering specifications of these newer engines. Manufacturers are recommending specific weights of oil. The recommendation is often printed on the oil fill cap. It is also in the owner’s manual. It is more important than ever to have the correct weight of oil. The wrong weight could actually harm the engine.
Other Fluids to Inspect in the Vehicle
Other fluids are also becoming more sophisticated. In the last few years new types of transmission, power brake fluid, and coolant have all been introduced for some of the same reasons as for engine oil. In addition, vehicle manufacturers are now using a wider variety of materials in these systems. Looking at the cooling system as an example, it used to be that the parts were all made out of steel or iron and the hoses were rubber. Now, some parts are plastic, aluminum or other materials. So the anti-corrosion additives contained in the coolant, or anti-freeze, need to be different in order to protect the different materials used to make the cooling system. If you use the wrong coolant that was not formulated to protect your plastic cooling system parts, they could become corroded and fail. If you are using the wrong coolant, your cooling system won’t be covered under warrantee. So remember to use the right coolant and to not mix different types.
Topping off the Fluid Levels
It is important to check the fluids regularly and make sure they are topped off. This can help keep the vehicle safe and reliable when you may need to drive it. If you are not sure what type of coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or other fluid you should use, look at the vehicle owner’s manual. It is always best to use the recommended formula for your vehicle. By topping off the fluids you can help ensure the vehicle can be driven when you need to. This can make for a comfortable and pleasant ride.