It’s back to school time for many people now that summer is over. With that thought in mind, here is an oil change quiz to test your knowledge about oil changes. Can you answer the questions without looking? Even though an oil change is so basic, it remains as one of the most important parts of preventative automobile service.
What determines how often to have an oil change?
The type of driving determines the interval between oil changes, found in the vehicle owner’s manual. Today’s driving is generally considered as “severe” so the manual will usually be recommended an oil change every 3,000 miles or 90 days, together with an oil filter replacement for optimum engine performance.
Does my driving qualify as “severe?”
- Trips shorter than 10 miles?
- Consistently driving in dust and sand
- Unable to warm up due to cold weather starts
- Idling for more than 5 minutes
- Stop-and-go driving in traffic
- Pulling trailers and heavy loads
- Heavy-duty driving, such as sustaining high-speeds in hot weather, or curvy mountainous roads.
What good is the Oil Filter?
The filter “sifts” and removes solid contaminants in the oil. This allows it to freely flow and keeps it clean as it enters the engine lubricating areas. Otherwise, a condition called “by-passing” may be created, when the oil and contaminants flow around the filter element due to a clogged filter. This could possibly cause damage to the engine’s moving parts and increase the production of sludge.
Are all filters the same size?
The answer is no! But you should know that the effectiveness of the filter is directly related to its size. Before the 1990s, most filters in cars and light trucks held approximately a quart of oil. Due to the downsizing of the filter size, it now barely holds half a quart.
What do you mean by sludge formation?
Sludge is formed when the oil is not changed frequently enough. This lets contamination (blow-by, condensation, fuel, dust, metallic shavings, anti-freeze) mix, which then oxidizes and clogs the filter even more.
Tip to Remember: For a few minutes of your time and just a few dollars every three months, or 3,000 miles, you can keep your car on the road with confidence with regular oil changes.
Need professional oil changes? Contact the ASE-Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for expert advice on good car care. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
It’s back to school time for many people now that summer is over. With that thought in mind, here is an oil change quiz to test your knowledge about oil changes. Can you answer the questions without looking? Even though an oil change is so basic, it remains as one of the most important parts of preventative automobile service.
What determines how often to have an oil change?
The type of driving determines the interval between oil changes, found in the vehicle owner’s manual. Today’s driving is generally considered as “severe” so the manual will usually be recommended an oil change every 3,000 miles or 90 days, together with an oil filter replacement for optimum engine performance.
Does my driving qualify as “severe?”
- Trips shorter than 10 miles?
- Consistently driving in dust and sand
- Unable to warm up due to cold weather starts
- Idling for more than 5 minutes
- Stop-and-go driving in traffic
- Pulling trailers and heavy loads
- Heavy-duty driving, such as sustaining high-speeds in hot weather, or curvy mountainous roads.
What good is the Oil Filter?
The filter “sifts” and removes solid contaminants in the oil. This allows it to freely flow and keeps it clean as it enters the engine lubricating areas. Otherwise, a condition called “by-passing” may be created, when the oil and contaminants flow around the filter element due to a clogged filter. This could possibly cause damage to the engine’s moving parts and increase the production of sludge.
Are all filters the same size?
The answer is no! But you should know that the effectiveness of the filter is directly related to its size. Before the 1990s, most filters in cars and light trucks held approximately a quart of oil. Due to the downsizing of the filter size, it now barely holds half a quart.
What do you mean by sludge formation?
Sludge is formed when the oil is not changed frequently enough. This lets contamination (blow-by, condensation, fuel, dust, metallic shavings, anti-freeze) mix, which then oxidizes and clogs the filter even more.
Tip to Remember: For a few minutes of your time and just a few dollars every three months, or 3,000 miles, you can keep your car on the road with confidence with regular oil changes.
Need professional oil changes? Contact the ASE-Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for expert advice on good car care. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
