With summer over, it’s back to school time! Take this oil change quiz
and find out how much you know about oil changes. Even though oil
changes seem so fundamental, they are one of the most important parts of
regular car care.
What is the correct interval between oil changes?
Because today’s driving conditions meet the definition of “severe,”
vehicle owners’ manuals will typically recommend an oil change every
3,000 miles or 90 days, in conjunction with a filter change.
What are “severe” driving conditions?
* Trips less than 10 miles
* Driving in dust and sand
* Cold weather that prevents motor warm-up
* Extended idling
* Stop-and-go driving
* Pulling trailers and heavy loads
* Heavy duty driving, such as sustaining high-speeds in hot weather.
How does an Oil Filter get clogged?
When the filter begins to break down, the function, which is to "sift"
or remove solid contaminants, will lose its effectiveness. This
restricts the flow of oil and also allows contaminants to enter the
engine lubricating areas. As the contaminants flow around the filter
element, called "by-passing," contaminants return to the engine,
resulting in damage to the moving parts of the engine, plus speeding up
the formation of sludge.
Does it matter what size of filter I use?
The effectiveness of a filter is directly related to its size. Through
the 1980’s, most auto and light truck filters held approximately a quart
of oil. Since then, filters now will barely hold half a quart. The
filter fills with contaminants, and then it bypasses.
How does “sludge” form?
If oil change services are ignored long enough, contamination (blow-by,
condensation, fuel, dust, metallic shavings, anti-freeze) will mix into
the oil, oxidizing (or baking), thereby clogging the filter.
A Thought to Remember: Just a few minutes of your time and a few dollars
every three months or 3,000 miles will help keep dollars in your wallet
and your vehicle running smoothly down the road.
Need expert advice about oil changes? Contact our ASE Certified
Technicians at Price’s Precision today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go
on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our
Tech-Net professional auto repair shop in
Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of
Shepherd and
Laurel,
MT.
