| By :
Terry S Vostor
You may well have seen premium engine oil additives for sale at your local auto parts big box store, your local mechanic or alternatively your local Canadian Tire auto parts depot. Engine oil additives have functions that may not be afforded by your standard 10/30 or 5 W 20 engine oil that resides in your engine sump. Among the benefits to your engine from these additional premium motor lubrication additives include keeping sludge firmly in suspension until the lubricating liquid is removed from the car's power plant during the next full oil change. However it is not a one shot deal. Since these additives dissipate over time and driving they must be changed periodically Most of us know that an engine's oil is a vital lubricant. In addition engine oil provides virtually half of an engine's cooling. In addition , although running a small , high rpm engine two quarts low on oil may never cause the oil pressure warning light to go on, it may still cut the life of an engine or powerplant in half. That is why checking your motor oil is just so important. With the advent of self-service gasoline stations, we can no longer depend on the gas station attendant to simply check under the hood. Check your engine oil level regularly or take the time to make a routine of having your local garage mechanic , the neighborhood 16 year old, or your auto dealer service dept to check the levels. At the worst in the case of the 16 year old boy you can reward him with a hamburger or cheeseburger. Atta boy Shinderpal. The best type of oil for newer modern era vehicles with gasoline engines is labeled either "For Service SE" or "SF". Oil labeled "CC" or CD" is meant exclusively for diesel type engine power plants. Raise the front end of your car and support it on jack stands unless clearance is inadequate. Place a large basin between the oil drain plug. Loosen the plug with a wrench then remove it carefully by hand. The higher the number the thicker the oil. If you compare SAE 40 oil with SAE 20, you will find that SAE 40 will not flow anywhere as easily. The term Sae 40 is often shortened in the auto trades for quick description in a flash , and easier nomenclature to "40 weight". Since thinner oil with lower liquid surface tensions and velocities flows easier in cooler temperatures oils with lower "weights" and SAE ratings are preferred in the cold of a Canadian January dead of winter. No matter what - 40 degrees Celsius or Farenheit are hard on any automobile's engine - be it gas or diesel - until the engine's oil begins to flow. Block heaters in these northern climes and Alaska are always a wise choice. Plug in your engine block block-heater. Have your dealer or local mechanic at your local dealership or auto garage test your engine block heater core - If the container oil is plastic - that you purchased at your local Canadian Tire parts outlet- then you can simply open the "can" by tearing off the protective seal and turning the cap. In some cases a set of pliers or even a mechanics vice grip may help. If in doubt check with your auto's owner manual or failing that your new or used car dealership. On cars with hard to reach filler caps, a funnel with a flexible neck may be needed or required. Add fresh oil through the filler atop the engine. ( See your owner's manual for the "correct" amount). When full,,start the engine and check for leaks at the drain plug and filter, Adjust the oil level if necessary: Synthetic oil, though it is expensive and in some cases, not recommended for use with diesel engines and diesels lasts much longer than conventional mineral oils. How do you check your engine oil level? It is essential that you check your engine oil level often, regularly and repeatedly. It does no good to have the "best oil in the world "or on the automotive market - if the level is low or inadequate. If possible drain the oil while the engine is warm, the old soiled oil will drain more quickly as well as completely. The majority of the engine oil contaminants will be eliminated from your crank-case. Be careful however that engine parts and components are not too hot to safely touch and work with. On the other side of the road , if the engine is cold, let the oil drain for at least 20 to 30 minutes before replacing the bottom crank drain plug. Don't pour used engine oil down a drain or storm sewer or even into the ground. So reports Ted Stevens. This not only contributes to pollution, but is illegal in many areas of the US and Canada. You may be charged and convicted with steep fines and penalties. Try to purchase your oil from a seller or outlet that has disposal agreements. In many areas of northern British Columbia & Fort McMurray or Edmonton Alberta local Canadian Tire parts outlets are set up professionally in this manner. You can mix new oil with old no problem or concern. However if you are using one of the newer synthetic oils in your crankcase don't mix and match the two. Find the time and effort to locate and fill up only with that brand and type of synthetic oil. Motorists might think that changing your automobile's engine oil costs you money out of your pocketbook. Yet frequent engine oil changes not cost you as a motorist - they pay. You will be rewarded with longer engine and automotive life and years and years more of troubles free driving.
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