To do their job properly, combustion engines need oil. In this sense, their most important function is to reduce friction between them. movable character partsto prevent wear due to friction from accelerating prematurely.
Changing your oil regularly and using the one that best suits each car is essential if you want to ensure safer and more efficient driving.
THE mechanics professionals It is often said that oil is to the engine what blood is to the human body. Not only does it lubricate, but oil also acts as a coolant.
It helps dissipate heat generated by friction between metal components of the engine, so as to avoid excessive temperature increase.
In the same way, the lubricant protects against the effect of corrosion and is a cleaning agent, so that it remains in suspension. debris stuck in the filter. For all these reasons, you need to know how long it takes to change a vehicle’s oil.
How often should we change the oil?
If you want to avoid engine oil problems, you just have to follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the brand to the letter. It will be the car manufacturer itself who will indicate the type of lubricant that the vehicle needs.
In diesel engines
Every seven or ten thousand kilometers traveled, yes, let’s think that on the road the cooling conditions will be better than in the city, where there will be many cold starts.
In gasoline engines
Here, the autonomy will be much wider, from ten thousand to fifteen thousand kilometers, because they are less demanding in lubricants.
Oil Check and Filling
This should be done every month and before leaving for a long trip. Checking the engine oil level of a vehicle is simple and should be done by following these steps:
cold
The engine should be stopped and cooled before the level is checked for good measure. It is best to wait at least a few minutes after unplugging the engine so that the lubricant can settle into the crankcase.
oil gauge
With this instrument the liquid level is measured. It consists of a visible plastic or metal handle and a metal body that will be immersed in a small tube in which the sump is located.
The location of the dipstick itself may vary depending on the vehicle model, but it is typically located near the engine.
Remove the stem
It should be removed and cleaned with a dry cloth to remove any residue.
Reinserting the stem
After wiping the cloth, it is inserted completely into the same lubricant measuring tube and extracted again after two seconds.
Level control
At the end of the dipstick itself, we will see the marks where the maximum and minimum oil level is indicated. The oil should be between the two notches.
If it is below the minimum zone, you will need to add more and if it is above the maximum, there will be a lot of oil, which can be harmful.
How much does an oil change cost?
Oil changes are basic maintenance operations whose average price is between eighty and ninety euros. Final prices will depend on the make of car and the type of lubricant used.
To this must be added the cost of the filter, which is around ten euros, which must be replaced in the same operation.
When a user decides to do it themselves, they will need to follow these instructions with the lubricant they are using.
The engine oil used is a very polluting waste. We should not throw it on the ground or in the sewers, because this would cause serious damage to the environment.
For this reason, it must be recycled as the law says. Let’s imagine that used oils are transformed into new products such as oil, fuel or asphalt.
Where should we take used oil?
The simplest alternative is to bring it to a clean point. Similarly, it is possible deliver it to a mechanical workshop. It is important that it is stored in a closed container and not mixed with other types of waste. Disposing of used oils will help take care of the planet.
