Motor Oil

Motor oil handles more tasks within an engine than any other component, fluid, or material. Most people know that motor oil's primary job is to protect the engine by lubricating its moving parts. Did you know that modern motor oil also responsible for:

1) Cooling critical engine parts by transferring heat away from them
2) Protecting against engine wear that could be caused by a variety of contaminants from acidic combustion byproducts to sludge and soot deposits to dirt and dust particles
3) Pumping easily to critical engine parts at low temperature
4) Remaining stable at high temperatures
5) Helping improve fuel economy
6) Keeping internal components clean and free from varnish and harmful deposits

Normal or Severe Service Schedules

Normal or ideal service consists of relatively high-speed driving on paved roads in dust-free areas. Severe service conditions include any of the following:

1) Trips of less than 15 kilometres
2) Driving in cold weather
3) Idling for extended periods
4) Stop-and-go traffic
5) Pulling trailers or carrying heavy loads
6) Driving in dusty conditions

Short trips, especially during cold weather, can be particularly severe. The engine may not get the chance to warm-up sufficiently to boil off moisture and unused fuel in the oil, leading to the development of acids in he oil.

Since the engine is partially cooled by airflow, temperatures can increase when the engine is idling. High temperatures can increase when the engine is under heavy loads, such as when towing. High temperatures can lead to more rapid oil oxidation and thickening.

When you drive in dusty conditions, abrasives can get past the air filter and into the oil system. All of these conditions are very hard on motor oils. They introduce extra contaminants or waste products into he motor oil and create the need for frequent oil changes.

Have your vehicle oil changed every 3 to 4 months or 5,000 kilometres to avoid any long-term problems and to allow the motor oil to perform its tasks most efficiently.

Driving in Wet Weather

British Columbia police reported 5,500 collisions causing injuries on wet roads in recent years, with the crashes killing 72 people. Quite simply the lack of traction is the reason why driving on a rainy day is risky. During dry conditions oily substances from car engines and exhausts settle into the pavement below the level of contact with your tires. The first hour of rain brings the oil to the surface causing reduced traction.

Hydroplaning - This is caused when there's too much water on the road and you are traveling too fast causing your vehicle to ride on top of the water. Tires must cut through the water to maintain contact with the road, so to avoid this don't drive on bald or badly worn tires and make sure your tires are properly inflated.