One mistake – a skipped overdue change, the wrong oil, or a mystery leak – can cost you thousands. It is quite common that most drivers do not think that their engine oil can be a culprit until it is too late. A lot more than a slippery fluid, an engine oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. From reducing heat and preventing wear to lubricating moving parts and keeping the engine clean, engine oil keeps your car and motorcycle moving.
But if something goes wrong in your oil routine, the results can be dangerous. In this blog, we have listed some examples of engine oil mistakes to help you understand the outcomes. So, read on to save your engine and wallet.
Engine Oil Mistakes and Their Costly Outcomes
Taking a few minutes for oil maintenance could save you from a blown engine. Here are a few mistakes you can learn from to avoid experiencing your own:
● Too Much of a Good Thing
Your colleague loves his cars and likes to do everything all by himself. One day, he wanted to give an extra layer of protection to his car’s engine and poured a little extra engine oil. The result? The crankshaft converted the oil into a foam, reducing the lubrication and increasing the pressure in the seals. Over a few days, oil started to leak, and the performance of the engine dropped.
Learning: When it comes to automobiles, more is not always good. Ensure to always fill the oil within the range marked on the dipstick, as overfilling can be harmful and expensive.
● The Missed Change That Became a Missed Trip
Going on a one-day road trip to a nearby hill station, and during pre-inspection, you noticed that your engine oil demands a change. However, you decide to wait and change the oil after the trip. The delay in the change caused the oil to lose its viscosity and clog the oil passages and engine parts. Unfortunately, in the middle of the journey, your engine began to overheat, and your vehicle came to a standstill, forcing you to end your trip and pay a huge repair bill.
Learning: Oil change is not a hobby; it is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle’s engine. Do not delay it, especially before long drives.
● The Wrong Oil Viscosity
Suppose your father, living in a mountain area, decided to pour a thicker oil in the engine during winter for extra protection. He used 20W-50 instead of 5W-30, which is usually recommended by all automobile manufacturers. The outcome? The thicker oil struggled to flow in the cold temperature, causing more friction during ignition. Plus, the moving parts of the engine went dry. In a couple of weeks, your father also noticed strange noises and higher fuel consumption.
Learning: The key is to refer to the manual of the car or motorcycle when choosing engine oil. Select the recommended viscosity for different seasons.
● The Synthetic Mix-Up
For people who usually take their cars to a local mechanic for an oil change, it is common that sometimes the mechanic mixes synthetic and conventional oil to save money. He claimed it is compatible, but it is not true. This blend can reduce the performance of your engine, offering inconsistent lubrication to the parts. After a few kilometres, people hear loud noises from the engine, which causes sluggish acceleration and breakdown of metal parts.
Learning: Synthetic, conventional, or semi-synthetic – always use the correct type of oil mentioned by the manufacturer in the manual.
● The Filter Forgetter
You and your brother decided to do the first auto engine oil change of your new car at home. Your brother effortlessly drained the old oil, and you immediately refilled it. The sad part? You forgot to replace the oil filter. The old oil filter was clogged with grease, carbon, and debris, allowing restricted oil flow while transferring debris into the new oil. On a road trip after two weeks, a check engine light appeared. It could be due to the contaminated oil.
Learning: An oil change without a new filter is an incomplete task. Although it is a small thing to remember, this change is vital for the good performance of the engine.
Conclusion
All the above-mentioned examples highlight that small mistakes with bike or car motor oil can turn into major damage. The delay in the oil change, purchasing the wrong type, or carelessly leaving the cap loose; the consequences can be dangerous and expensive. With responsibility and consistency, you can avoid these mistakes to stay happy and protected on the road.
