Your car can run like a well-oiled machine
We all know how important regular car maintenance is in extending the life of our cars. It’s not enough to just take care of the outside of the car. Your first instinct may be to take it to the car wash every week, but if don’t take care of what’s under the hood, your car won’t last. We recommend that you check the amount of oil in your car every two to three months.
Oil Color
Not only should you be sure that the oil is up to the right level on the dip-stick, but you should check its color too. Clean oil should appear as a transparent, amber color. But if your oil is dark and opaque, it may mean that there is something wrong with it and it needs to be changed.
As oil becomes contaminated, its viscosity decreases slowing down your car’s performance and heating the engine causing wear. When this happens you know it’s time to go to your mechanic for a quick oil change. Dark oil can also be an indicator of high engine heat, which might mean there’s something wrong with your coolant system. However, some oils with additives may darken over time from normal use, so if you’ve recently had your car’s oil changed, be sure ask your mechanic if they think there is a problem.
Different Engine Oil for European vs Domestic Cars
Did you know that European cars have different oil formulations from U.S. cars and that the right European motor oil must be used to prevent engine damage? Most car oil you buy is formulated according to the standards of the oil companies in the United States for cars manufactured here. However, this is not the case for most luxury European cars.
If you own a European luxury brand, such as an Audi, Land Rover, BMW or Mercedes Benz, then the car manufacturers in Europe will have collaborated with oil producers to make specially formulated oil for each make of car. In addition, the E.U. regulates what additives can be added to the oil for European cars. Getting it wrong and accidentally mixing U.S. car oil and E.U. car oil in your engine can cause a lot of damage!
With more oil options comes more oil weights and compositions to detergents and brand differences. It can be hard for a casual consumer to know which best suits their car manufacturer’s requirements and specifications. The mileage of you vehicle, whether you driven it primarily in stop & go traffic or smooth highway traffic, as well as the style of engine are all other important factors in getting the right oil for your car.
The wrong oil can cause thick oil deposits and sludge to build up, that will slow your engine down, increase wear on the pistons and shafts and decrease the lifespan of your car dramatically. A mechanic who specializes in European auto repair will know the correct types of oil to keep your luxury vehicle operating at peak performance levels.
Proper car maintenance is part of any responsible car owner’s routine. When it comes to car care, a shiny exterior is only the tip of the iceberg. More than anything, you need to make sure that the engine is kept in good condition. If well cared for, you will be able to depend on many years of use from your car.
Remember, good car care starts with using the right oil, and keeping it clean. So, don’t forget to check you oil regularly and if you see any of the trouble signs, like low motor oil levels on the dipstick, or thick dark colored oil, or even if your car’s handling makes you suspect there’s something wrong.
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