Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car, keeping all its moving parts running smoothly. Without proper care, even a brand-new Honda Civic or Suzuki Alto can suffer costly damage. Following engine oil tips for new car owners—like checking levels regularly, using the correct viscosity, and replacing oil on time—can prevent breakdowns, improve performance, and extend your engine’s lifespan.
The Basics of Engine Oil
If you own a car or drive one, you need to know what this liquid actually does inside your engine. Be it the Toyota engine oil 10w30 or any other oil, it is not just about making things slippery; it is about a multitasking engineer working under extreme pressure.
What does Engine Oil do?
Engine oil keeps your engine running. Here is how it does so!
- Lubrication: It creates a microscopic film between moving metal parts (like pistons and the crankshaft). Without this, metal would grind against metal, destroying the engine in seconds.
- Cooling: While your radiator does the heavy lifting, oil plays a massive role by carrying heat away from deep inside the engine block, where coolant can’t reach.
- Cleaning: It acts as a janitor. As fuel burns, it leaves behind soot and carbon. Good oil traps this dirt and keeps it suspended so it doesn’t gum up the works.
- Sealing: Believe it or not, oil ensures maximum power and efficiency.
- Protection: It coats internal parts to prevent rust and corrosion caused by moisture.
Get the right engine oil from Autostore.pk, and you won’t need to worry about its quality.
What happens if you ignore it? If you let your oil run dry or turn into sludge, the results are catastrophic. Engine temperatures can spike past 2,000°F. You lose fuel efficiency (costing you more at the pump), and eventually, the engine will seize. In Pakistan, a complete engine overhaul or swap can easily cost between PKR 50,000 and PKR 2,00,000+ depending on the car.
Basic Oil Components
Oil isn’t just “oil.” It is a chemical cocktail.
- Base Oil (70-95%): This is the foundation, made from either refined crude oil (mineral) or created in a lab (synthetic).
- Additives (5-30%): These include cleaning detergents and viscosity modifiers.
- Why change it? Over time, the additives wear out. As soon as the detergents run out, the oil can no longer clean the engine.
Types of Engine Oil Explained
Walk into a shop in Plaza or Montgomery Road, and you will see shelves stacked with options. Which one is right for you?
Mineral Oil (Conventional)
If you have an old engine made before the 2000s, this is the one you need. The oil works perfectly for cars like Bolan and Mehran. They are not only super affordable but are also easy to find. However, you’ll have to change it frequently.
Semi-Synthetic (Blend)
This is the middle ground—a cocktail of mineral oil mixed with synthetic technology. They work great for mid-tier cars, including the Cultus and Yaris. They are also reasonably priced. However, they are not elite protectors.
Full Synthetic Oil
This oil is not only consistent but also pure. It works great for new cars, including the Civic Turbo and Haval.
These oils last long. If you are looking for excellent fuel economy, this is the oil you need to choose. However, it is a bit pricey.
High-Mileage Oil
If you have a car that has travelled a lot, as much as around 85k km, you’ll need to have high mileage oil. The best feature of this oil is its seal conditioner, which reduces the risk of leaks.
Tips You Need to Know as a New Car Owner
1. Gauge The Oil Level Once a Month
Checking oil levels monthly is necessary. For that, be sure to park your vehicle on the ground level. Now, you have to wait for at least ten minutes after turning the engine off. As you pull the dipstick and wipe it clean, reinsert it and check the oil level at the midpoint between the MIN and MAX markings.
2. Use The Right Oil Viscocity
Check the manufacturer’s manual. It would show the correct oil viscosity. To save your engine from wearing out too soon, never use a thinner oil. If you do that, your fuel efficiency will be impacted badly. Even if it is the world’s best engine oil, you need to make sure it has the proper oil viscosity for your car.
3. Keep a Look At The Warning Light
Regularly checking the engine oil light is necessary to avoid any inconveniences. Whenever there is a red light, it indicates oil pressure, and you need to pull over immediately. Continuous driving in such a situation can irreparably damage your engine.
4. Fill Oil Adequately
While filling the engine oil, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Overfilling may seem like a minor concern to you, but it can lead to foaming, reducing lubrication.
Final Thoughts: Engine Oil Tips
Avoiding cheap engine oil and keeping a diary to note down the oil change schedule will help you keep your engine in good working order for a long time. As a new car owner, you need to know that proper oil maintenance can extend your engine’s life by many years. Head to Autostore.pk and get the engine oil you need!