How To Get Oil Stains Off Concrete

Why Oil's Vital for an Engine

CC0/rob791/Pixabay

Don't underestimate how important the oil is in a car because it plays a vital part in the running of the motor. In an internal combustion engine, oil lubricates the parts that run against each other which saves them from wearing out and it also improves efficiency because the kinetic force generated by the parts moving against each other is not wasted as heat. Oil creates a separate film between surfaces. This coats metal parts which would otherwise be exposed to oxygen and oxidation. Modern engine oils have detergents and dispersant agents that keep the engine clean and limit the build-up of sludge.

How Much Oil?

How much oil does a car need? It's not the same with every car so you'll need to check the owner's manual or speak to someone at an auto shop to get that information. Having too much or too little engine oil is dangerous for your car. If there's too much oil in the engine, the oil can become frothy and bubbly as the crankshaft slaps the surface of the oil. Too little oil in an engine will make it cease up and cause internal damage to parts in the motor as they rub against one another.

Types of Oil

You'll have seen the letters and numbers on an oil can but do you know what they mean? These large numbers refer to the oil's viscosity, which basically means its flow rate. A thin oil has a low viscosity which is ideal for some motors, while others need a thicker oil to operate at their best. The other thing you have to watch out for is whether the oil you buy is mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. Mineral oil is the cheapest because it doesn't work as efficiently as the most expensive type – synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic is as the name suggests - a blend of both types.

Oil With Zinc

You might be tempted to buy oil with zinc once you know what this additive does for your motor. Zinc helps prevent metal to metal contact between engine parts. The protective barrier that oil creates is more efficient when zinc is in the mix. Engine builders like to use oil with high zinc content as it helps the engine's components during break-in. In the long run, zinc helps generate horsepower and promote longevity in the engine, which every driver wants.

Engine Oil Pan Gasket Replacement

If you need to replace the engine oil pan gasket, you'll find that the replacement part is not the biggest expense on the bill. The labor costs will outstrip the parts costs no matter where you take your car for repair. The labor is pretty intensive because there are lots of parts in the way, this is also why it's often best to take the car to a shop for repairs rather than carry them out on your driveway.

When Should You Change Your Oil?

There's a common belief that when your oil goes dark you need to change it. The dark oil myth is not true at all. You need to change the oil to the manufacturer's recommendations which you'll find in the car's handbook. Most cars can go at least 5,000 miles between oil changes but some have to be changed every 3,000 miles. Some engines can go up to 10,000 miles before the oil needs replacing, particularly if the car's driven in mild conditions.

Oil Filters

Your car's oil filters are the first line of defense against impurities entering the engine. They help protect components so they need changing at regular intervals. As with the oil, change them when the manufacturer recommends and always replace them with manufacturer recommended oil filters. You might need special tools to change the filters and you may also need to remove other components from the sump guard or engine bay to access the filters, so this is a job that's best done at the shop.