Did you use the wrong engine oil? This could get expensive!

Recently updated on October 29, 2023 at 08:40 am

It is known that engine oil protects the engine and, if used correctly, may even help To save fuel. When it comes to engine oil, it depends on the differences, because every oil is different. First of all, you have to be under all conditions can rely on the engine oil and it has to do a lot. Regardless of the weather, the oil has to do what it is intended to do. For example, the engine must never "run dry“But must always be well lubricated. The lubricating film must not tear off! And the oil must always have the same qualitative property. This point is reached by doing it regularly (at best every week or at least once a month) controlled. The oil level must never be too low and the oil must not be too thick, too thin or even dirty. Even too old oil can no longer fully meet the security criteria.

regular control is essential

Regular checks can be preventative and are of the utmost importance. You should measure the oil level 10 to 15 kilometers driving distance, but the car should be parked for at least 5 minutes to allow the engine to cool down a little for best results. On the whole, however, not only the oil level is important, but of course the oil itself too. It must neither be cloudy nor too dark and if it smells burnt, it is funf nach zwölf. Because then the next one oil change more than overdue. Incidentally, it can also happen that you too much oil has filled up. If that is the case, then you should have the excess pumped out as quickly as possible in the nearest auto repair shop and until then only drive at low speed.

Which is the right oil?

Not all drivers bring their vehicle to the workshop for an oil change. Many change their oil even. It is important, however, in addition to proper disposalto consider other things. In the manual or the service book, the user will find, among other things, the Manufacturer releasewhich should be compared with the label on the oil container. One decides below Single grade oils for summer or winter and Multigrade oilsthroughout the year - regardless of the season - can be used. These are initially characterized by different Flow properties .

The viscosity is with the SAE and is decisive for which oil is the right one for which time / which season. The lower the value, the more fluid the oil. The identifier W names the Low temperature viscosity. This results in, the smaller the number given therethat it is an oil that can be used especially in winter. The higher values ​​apply in summer. The higher the number, the higher the Lubricitywhich must also be guaranteed in summer due to high temperatures, as the engine also heats up.

Save fuel with low-viscosity oils?

In the case of oils, which are usually much more expensive, is called Longlife oils the speech. As the name suggests, these oils are meant to be hold especially long. Since they are very thin, the manufacturers even promise one lower fuel consumption. The low-temperature viscosity of these oils is relatively low and is between SAE 0W-30 to SAE 0W-40 as standard. 5W-30 is common. This means that the oil change is only about every 30.000 kilometers necessary. However, these low-viscosity oils are allowed do not mix with other oilsbecause wrong use big damages can cause. When it comes to oils or when changing the oil in general, you should therefore always adhere to the classification prescribed by the manufacturer for the car in question. Over the years, engines and oils have developed into real high-tech products that are precisely tailored to the respective engine.

Improper use, like that Mixing different oils, can and will in the long run Cause damage. Due to the growing demands of the automotive industry, the quality of the lubricants, i.e. the oils, has changed significantly. That is why you cannot use every lubricant in every unit. That is technically impossible, or at least highly riskyas a lubricant custom-fit spare part at a hunt. An oil guide offers a remedy. With a few clicks and information about the vehicle and the year of manufacture, you can find the right product, which avoids errors and thus damage.

No real savings

Be warned at this point about special ones Motor oil additives. Often shown by the manufacturer as being extremely fuel-efficient, these fall into a category in which there is lively discussion about the advantages and disadvantages, but also which ones hazards bring this with them. We generally advise against such additives into a functioning system bring to. Because the saving effect is usually only theoretical in nature. If you take a high-quality 5W-30 engine oil that has been meticulously developed and improved over years, then it can not be productiveto pour in a little remedy from some third party for 5 euros and think that everything will be better. It is a non-formulation additive that gets into the oil that may react negatively with the oil. After all, the manufacturers of the additives cannot produce an optimal additive for every type of oil. Comes from engine oil and additive though from the same provider, then a coordination with each other is mostly guaranteed and also indicated on the packaging.

Is it really possible to save fuel?

The factors on the road and the age of the vehicle play a role. The savings can therefore only be measured in the laboratory. The fact is: Manufacturers of engine oils are always working to meet the specifications of the vehicle manufacturers and to develop them in particular with regard to the environmental compatibility of the units, efficiency, fuel savings and fewer pollutant emissions. That is more decisive than chemistry Gas foot! Your own driving behavior saves the most fuel.

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