Oil / Lubrication
Summary: Your engines rotating parts are protected from heat and friction by a thin layer of oil. Understanding the viscosity ratings and detergents used in today's modern oils is critical to keeping your engine running.
Before you start work, make sure you have a quality online manual from ALLDATA. If you are leaving your engine repair to your mechanic, make sure you read our section on auto warranties on some tips on how to get a good extended warranty to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills.
Most people like to change their oil themselves and save money. The problem is that today's cars are more complicated and many people are intimidated. You can get specific oil change directions and other repair procedures online instantly from ALLDATA. You can even print out the directions and not worry about getting oil all over them ! I also have a large selection of auto repair manuals in my online shop, Click Here to check them out.
I receive a lot of questions regarding oil and the least understood part is the number system used to rate oils.
Oil weight, or viscosity, refers to how thick or thin the oil is. The temperature requirements set for oil by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is 0 degrees F (low) and 210 degrees F (high).
Oils meeting the SAE's low temperature requirements have a "W" after the viscosity rating (example: 10W), and oils that meet the high ratings have no letter (example SAE 30). An oil is rated for viscosity by heating it to a specified temperature, and then allowing it to flow out of a specifically sized hole. Its viscosity rating is determined by the length of time it takes to flow out of the hole. If it flows quickly, it gets a low rating. If it flows slowly, it gets a high rating.
Engines need oil that is thin enough for cold starts, and thick enough when the engine is hot. Since oil gets thinner when heated, and thicker when cooled, most of us use what are called multi-grade, or multi-viscosity oils. These oils meet SAE specifications for the low temperature requirements of a light oil and the high temperature requirements of a heavy oil.
You will hear them referred to as multi-viscosity, all-season and all-weather oils. An example is a 10W-30 which is commonly found in stores. When choosing oil, always follow the manufacturer's recommendation.
Wondering how you can save money and protect your vehicle at the same time? Consider switching to synthetic oil and changing your oil at greater intervals.
Go to Page 1 of the Free Preview Now.
Jump to Section 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Share This Page With Your Friends
Oil Change Videos
Want A Job That Pays $1200/hr?
Latest Oil & Lubrication Blog Posts
Excessive Oil Consumption?: Question:
I have a 1999 Honda Civic LX, and beginning about two oil changes ago, at the end of the last winter, my vehicle has been draining less oil than it should be. According to every oil change i have done in the past and the manual my vehicle is supposed to drain and then accept [...] |
Valve Seals 2000 Toyota Camry: Question:
Just purchased (July) 2000 Toyota Camry from Toyota dealer. The 3 mo.
warranty doesn’t cover valve seals. Car has 130,000 miles, runs well, very happy with it otherwise. When it starts there is some smoke, doesn’t do it once car has run a minute even with start stops for errands. Smoke is white to perhaps slightly [...] |
Automotive Oil Change: The Automotive Oil Change, a Saturday afternoon tradition for many people. Why spend the money at a quick lube shop, only to drive off worrying if they tightened your drain plug! You can buy your oil and filter and a few cheap tools, and save some money doing your own automotive oil change.
Let’s look first [...] |
Oil Change Disaster: Dear Kevin,
I am a Los Angeles Superior Court Mediator and I was hoping that you could help me with a technical question I have regarding a case I am hearing?
The case involves a litigant who took his car in for a 7-10 point check and a regular oil change (this being done before a long [...] |
Valve Seal Replacement: Question:
There’s a good chance I have to replace my valve seals on my ‘98 Jeep GC – 5.9 since I am using up 5 qts of oil in about 4-5 mos, no leaks nor smoke except at start-up. How much damage am I causing by not repairing it ASAP ?
How much does a repair like [...] |