Engine oil - keep track of the level and timing of changes and you will save

The condition of the engine oil affects the life of the engine and turbocharger. In order to avoid costly repairs, it is necessary to monitor its level and timing of replacement. You should also remember to change the oil filter and choose the right fluid. We remind you how to do it.

Three types of motor oils

There are three lines of oils on the market. The best lubricating properties are demonstrated by synthetic oils, which are used in the factory in most cars produced today. It is on this group of oils that the most research is being done, and they retain their properties even at extreme temperatures.

“This is especially important in modern petrol and diesel engines. Many of them, despite their low power, are units pumped to the limit with the help of turbochargers. They need the best lubrication that only a good oil can provide,” says Marcin Zajonczkowski, a mechanic from Rzeszów. 

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Automobile and oil manufacturers claim that the use of so-called synthetics not only contributes to slower engine wear, but also to a decrease in its combustion. There are also long life oils on the market. Their manufacturers claim that they can be replaced less often than traditional ones. Mechanics are wary of such assurances.

– For example, the Renault Megane III 1.5 dCi uses a Garrett turbocharger. According to Renault recommendations, the oil in such an engine should be changed every 30-15 km. The problem is that the compressor manufacturer recommends more frequent maintenance, about every 200. km. Watching such a run, you can be calm for a turbo of about 30 thousand. km. By changing the oil every XNUMX km, the driver runs the risk that a serious breakdown of this component will happen faster, explains Tomasz Dudek, a mechanic from Rzeszow who specializes in repairing French cars.

Semi-synthetic and mineral oils are cheaper, but lubricate worse.

The second group of oils are the so-called semi-synthetics, which lubricate the engine worse, especially at extreme temperatures, and more slowly remove dirt deposited on the drive units. They were widely used in new cars 10-15 years ago. There are drivers who use them instead of "synthetics" when the engine consumes more oil.

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– If the engine runs on synthetic oil and causes no problems, do not change anything. "Semi-synthetic" is most often used when the compression pressure in the engine drops slightly and the car's appetite for oil increases, explains Zajonczkowski. Semi-synthetic oils are about a quarter cheaper than synthetic oils, which cost from 40 to 140 PLN/l. The lowest price for mineral oils, which we will buy at a price of PLN 20 / l. However, they are the least perfect, and therefore the worst engine lubrication, especially immediately after starting. So it is better to use them on older cars with weak engines.

Change engine oil only with a filter and always on time

Even if the vehicle manufacturer recommends longer drain intervals, new engine oil must be topped up every 15 to 10 years at the most. km or once a year. Especially if the car has a turbocharger, then it is worth reducing the period between replacements to 30-50 km. The oil filter is always replaced for PLN 0,3-1000. Even in a car that is more than a decade old, it is worth using synthetic oil, unless the drive unit is in poor condition. Then driving on "semi-synthetics" will postpone the need for an overhaul of the engine. If the engine does not consume excessive amounts of oil (no more than XNUMX l / XNUMX km), it is not worth changing the brand of lubricant used.

It is recommended to check the oil level every two to three weeks unless the vehicle has high mileage. The vehicle must be parked on a level surface and the engine must be cold. The oil level should be between the "min" and "max" marks on the dipstick. – Ideally, you need a level of three quarters of the bet. Oil must be topped up when it is below the minimum. You can't drive if we don't, warns Przemysław Kaczmaczyk, a mechanic from Rzeszów.

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- Fuel additives - gasoline, diesel, liquefied gas. What can a motodoctor help you do?

– Self-service at gas stations, i.e. how to refuel a car (PHOTOS)

You save on oil changes, you pay for engine overhauls

Lack of oil is the lack of proper lubrication of the engine, which operates at high temperatures and is subjected to heavy loads while driving. In such a situation, the power unit can quickly jam, and in turbocharged cars, the compressor lubricated by the same fluid will also suffer. – Too high an oil level can also be fatal. In such a situation, the pressure will increase, which will lead to engine leakage. Very often, this also leads to the need for repairs, adds Kaczmazhik.

According to Grzegorz Burda of the Honda Sigma dealership in Rzeszow, owners of vehicles with timing chain engines should be especially careful about the quality and level of the oil. – Poor quality or old oil will cause deposits to build up preventing the chain tensioner from properly tensioning the chain. Insufficient lubrication between the chain and guides will accelerate their wear, shortening the life of these parts, Burda explains.

Turbo diesel engine oils protect the injectors and the DPF.

Low-ash oils should be used in turbodiesels with a particulate filter. There are also special products for units with unit injectors (oil specification 505-01). Mechanics, on the other hand, argue that special oils for engines with gas installations are a marketing ploy. “It’s enough to pour a good “synetic”, says Marcin Zajonczkowski.