Taxi Drivers Replace Oil Frequently So Should You
Car and engine manufacturers give recommended oil change intervals of around or between 2,000 to 7500 miles (corresponding to 3,200 to 12,000 km) between oil changes depending upon operating conditions. There are so many variables such as engine load, short trips, speed, prolonged idling and dust that an exact recommendation that fits all vehicles, their climates and environments and driving patterns is virtually impossible.
There are two major reasons why oil must be drained periodically. Contaminants can increase in number. When this occurs, the oil’s ability to lubricate and cool the engine is significantly reduced. Chemical changes are also a problem. Oil contains certain additives. These give the capacity to protect form rusting and corrosion of metals until they become depleted and oxidized. For clarification purposes, oil itself does not wear out. However, the additives, which are incorporated in the compound that are responsible for protecting metal parts against oxidation and other causes of deterioration, do. New oil and a new filter will help your engine perform better and last longer when it is done in the correct intervals.
Carburetion or fuel injection gasoline fuel systems must be in good stead and properly adjusted. Intake air is properly filtered with a clean and undamaged air filter. The engine’s oil filter must be in good condition as well. The engine speeds overall during driving and on trips should be moderate to a reasonably high range. Of course engines should be operated under clean environmental conditions. Lastly when choosing the maximum oil change interval as assigned by the manufacturer, ensures that the engine is not overloaded as may occur when the vehicle is towing a heavy trailer or similar heavy load.
These suggestions should only be used a basis for when you should change the oil. Take it with a grain of salt. If you have an upcoming cross-country trip where you expect to travel around 7,000 miles, it is not practical to have your oil change every 2,700 miles in the summer. Granting that ideal conditions are present like well-paved roads, high speed driving and clean highways, then you can make an exemption. If luck isn’t on your side and an encounter with a bad dust storm occurs, good reason will tell you that an oil-drain must be done earlier than usual.
If you find yourself driving regularly in these conditions, you belong to the category of “Super Severe Service”. This recommendation is for owners whose cars are constantly exposed to extreme terrain and weather conditions. In this category towing is included. When you tow a trailer in the mountains, or in hot weather change oil in the soonest time possible. For the average motorist, these situations occur rarely. The best time to make that change is when the car is at operating temperature since oil doesn’t flow as well in a cool environment. Hot oil allows for the contaminants to be drained easily. All the oil should be removed from the crankcase before it is replaced. V:12
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Kenny U Simpson on October 2nd 2010 in Car Insurance