Vehicles with combustion engines require periodic technical inspections by a mechanic. Car maintenance helps prevent damage and avoids costly repairs in the long term. Aspects such as the oil or the presence of water in the engine are some to be taken into account. A garage in Spain published on its social networks the case of a customer who had been refilling his car with oil that rather than benefiting him, almost cost him a very expensive breakdown. The mechanics detected it in time and explained what not to do in these cases.
What is oil used for in cars?
Professionals recommend changing the oil of vehicles every few kilometers. There is no specific distance. It is a scale that depends on the vehicle brand, consumption, tires and the brand and type of oil. There are many functionalities of the oil in the engine of a car. According to Repsol, these are some of them:
- Lubrication: reduces friction and wear of engine parts.
- Cleaning: avoids dirt transporting residues to the filter.
- Cooling: absorbs heat generated by the engine and distributes it to other areas.
- Reduces oxidation: in high temperature areas.
What happened in a mechanic shop in Spain?
A Spanish garage posted on their TikTok profile the case of a customer who almost lost his car. According to the story, during an overhaul of a BMW due to low oil pressure, they opened the hood and there was no oil at all. They found a clogged filter that did not allow circulation. Apparently, the owner had been filling the car with a non-recommended oil.
How often should the oil be changed in my car?
Manufacturers indicate that, on average, the oil should be checked every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers. However, there is no exact figure. It will always depend on the make of the vehicle, the use and consumption, the tires and the type of oil used. In addition, you should also take into account the age of your vehicle, since if it is more than 15 years old, it is recommended that the revision is every 10,000km. The problem and possible breakdowns lie in the quality of the oil. Not all vehicles and oils are the same. However, many times this detail is not taken into account and cheaper oils are used. What we do not think is that the saving in oil can give place to a much greater expense in possible future breakdowns.
What type of oil does my car’s engine use?
First of all, it is important to know that base oil is derived from crude oil and refined for use in motor oils. With this oil as a base, different types arise:
- Synthetic motor oil: these are the most recommended. This type of oil is considered to be of the highest quality.
- Synthetic mixture: when high and low group oils are mixed in greater or lesser proportion.
- Mineral motor oils: use low group oils.
Experts recommend the use of synthetic oils over conventional oils, since their viscosity is similar, they burn less, have fewer impurities, adhere better to surfaces and move better regardless of temperature. That is why it is advisable to be informed and documented as much as possible when changing the oil of our car. However, if it is a subject that you do not understand, you can consult professional mechanics and let them guide you and make the change for you.
Find out what other habits we have with our cars and if they are beneficial or not!
