Every once in a while, adding new engine oil for lubrication is necessary in a car engine. Oil change is a great part of car maintenance. Because oil plays several roles and functions that include cleaning, cooling and protection of engine parts amongst others.
The process of adding new engine oil to the car is not that complicated and will be seen within this article. However, in order to get the best out of your vehicle performance, you need to source your oil from the best oil brands.
There are a number of things to consider about your car’s oil consumption. For example the age of your engine. Older engines with high mileage have oil that is made for them specifically. This is in relation to the oil additives and oil viscosity.
Oil viscosity is presented on the container as a symbol with the letter ‘W’ in between two numbers. For example Oil viscosity Symbol 5W30. Ensure that you don’t add the wrong engine oil because this could affect your engine performance.
Signs that your vehicle needs new engine oil.
There are a number of things that can inform you that your engine needs new oil. When the engine oil is low, the engine may suffer irreversible damage.
a]. Dirty engine oil appears dark.
When you open the car hood, you notice a protriuding yellow plastic or rubber handle. This is the oil dipstick which helps you to determine the oil levels and its purity.
Pull the dipstick and observe the color of the oil on it. If the oil appears golden brown, then it is clean. However, if it appears dark this is a sign that your vehicle needs an oil change.
b]. Engine noises.
When the engine starts making some grinding noises, it could be a sign of low engine oil. Low engine oil results from different causes of car engine oil leaks. It is not recommendable to drive when the car is in such a condition. Add new engine oil before you drive any further.
c]. Engine warning light.
The check engine warning light is quite a puzzle for many drivers. Because it is a distress signal that may point to a number of problems. One of them is a problem with the engine oil.
Therefore, before taking the vehicle to a professional for diagnosis, ensure that you first check the level of engine oil. This is a simple task that doesn’t require a professional’s intervention.
d]. Poor engine performance.
Engine performance modifications are meant to boost power output. However, if your vehicle needs new oil, the engine performance will be compromised. Further, you will notice a reduction in the fuel economy such that the number of miles covered by a full fuel tank will reduce drastically.
The process of adding new engine oil.
This is a simple task that if you choose to perform by yourself will save you some money. It is straight forward as we are going to see here.
Firstly, ensure that you do this when the car engine has been off for up to 30 minutes. This will ensure that the oil has settled from the engine to the oil pan. Secondly, you will need to check the engine oil level against the dipstick’s maximum and minimum marks.
a]. Best practices for checking oil levels.
Open the car hood and locate the dipstick. Remove it and wipe it clean. Afterwards, insert the dipstick again and remove it. Next, check the appearance of the dipstick. Does it look black, brown or clear?
Oil changes color because of the impurities it collects from the engine. Even if you have a new oil filter, the impurities will still change the oil color. Further, the heat within the engine caused by friction will also cause a change of the oil’s color.
Oil color could tell you so much more. For example;
- White color of oil is an indication that your coolant is leaking.
- Oil that appears to have metallic particles indicates that something is wrong within the engine block.
- Dark or sludge-like oil shows you that you need an oil change.
Do not refill your engine oil every few miles or on a weekly basis because it could lead to engine oil overfilling.
b]. Add oil according to the dipstick reading.
If the dipstick shows a change in the engine oil color, it is time for an oil change. Further, if the oil is below or at the minimum mark on the dip stick, you should add more oil. When you add more oil, it does not excuse you from changing the oil according to the recommended mileage.
c]. Find the oil filling port.
The oil filling port is usually located near the dipstick and the engine at the front part of the engine bay under the car hood. Manufacturers have marked it with a picture of an oil container so that it is easier for you to locate it. Open this oil filling port and place the cap on the side.
d]. Measure the required amount of oil.
Now, you’re probably wondering how to do this. It will involve the use of the dipstick to estimate the necessary amount of oil. The difference in litters between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick is 0.95 litters or 1 quart.
Therefore, if the oil dipstick measures the oil at half way between the maximum and minimum marks, you will need half of 1 quart. However, in order avoid an overfill, you should add a 1/4 of the quart at a time. This involves pouring the oil for 2 to 3 seconds.
Afterwards, ensure that you check the dipstick after each 2-3 seconds pour. This is a cautious vehicle care measure that will ensure that you don’t overfill the oil. Close the oil fill cap once you are done.
Some car owners will prefer to buy new oil and then periodically add it to the already used oil when it gets low.
But which is the best option between getting the oil drained and then replacing it with brand new oil afterwards or just adding new oil to the existent one.
Using Old Oil in Your Car Engine Instead of new oil.
Car manufacturers have a recommendation as far as changing the oil is concerned. It is recommend that you change the oil instead of adding new oil to already used engine oil.
But this is relative to the number of miles that you have placed on your vehicle. The standard amount of mile for performing an oil change is 5000 miles. Further, the consideration looks at how you use the vehicle.
Let’s face the fact that all drivers use their vehicles differently, varying from daily drive cars to occasional drive cars. Once you purchase your vehicle, the dealer usually indicates the number of miles after which you must change the oil.
But the question is, among the two, that is, frequently replacing oil after some miles and adding new oil to the old, which one is the best? You should change the oil rather than continually add new oil to your car.
Effects of old oil on your engine performance.
When you first put oil in your engine, it appears as clear and pure. But as the mileage accumulates the oil changes to a dull color as well as reducing in quantity within the engine.
Some of the effects of using old oil on your engine are inclusive of;
- Poor fuel economy.
- Reduced engine performance because the engine has to work extra in order to produce power.
- Oil viscosity is affected hence it affects lubrication properties. Therefore making cold engine starts quite difficult.
- Engine won’t start. Your engine won’t start without extensive cranking if you have been using old oil because this oil doesn’t flow.
- Reduction in engine life because of the increasing rate of engine wear and tear.
Sufficient amount of oil is important for lubrication purposes as it ensures that the moving engine parts are working without causing friction.
Because of this function of the engine oil, it accumulates dust debris and metallic particles. Preferably, you should just drain the dirty oil first before adding the new oil.