5 Things to Know About Engine Oil

All cars need oil to keep the engine working properly. Oil is a lubricant, and it is essential in all motor vehicles to keep the parts moving.

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Despite the fact that most drivers know that their vehicle needs oil, very few of them understand how much it needs or how to check if more oil is needed. New drivers and drivers who have just changed their car can be especially confused.

According to David Wright, director general of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association, getting the right oil for your car is more important than it has ever been. The wrong oil will result in excessive wear and tear. Here are five essential things you must know about engine oil.

Oil Can Be Mineral or Synthetic

You can choose whether to use mineral or synthetic engine oil from Mountfield Spares. Mineral oil has been obtained from the ground and is cheaper. Synthetic oils are more expensive and have been produced in a factory. They are based on mineral oil but have additives which make them cleaner and last longer between oil changes. They are also more stable at higher and lower temperatures.

Oil Has Different Viscosities

When you buy oil from a supplier such as https://www.diyspareparts.com/parts/mountfield/, there will be various letters and numbers on the container which tell you the oil’s viscosity rating. The viscosity that is correct for your car will be given in the owner’s manual. In general, colder starts need a thinner oil.

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Frequency of Oil Changes

The intervals between oil changes are getting longer. Modern cars can last up to 10,000 miles between changes. However, if your journeys involve a lot of starting and stopping, a 5,000-mile interval will be more beneficial.

Check Your Oil Levels

You do this using your dipstick. It will look like a loop or hook sticking out of the engine. With the engine turned off and cool, pull out the dipstick and wipe it. Then re-insert it and pull it out again. The minimum and maximum levels are etched on to the dip stick. If the level is close to the minimum, you need oil.

Putting Oil in the Engine

When the engine is cool, open the oil cap and, using a funnel, add about half a container of oil. Wait for two minutes, then dip again.