No car owner wants to hear that the problem the car is having is in the transmission. Transmissions are one of the most expensive parts that a car owner might have to replace – if the car is old enough, it sometimes makes more sense to replace the car entirely than to replace the transmission. But I’ve found that there are ways to save when you need transmission work! Not only are there ways to save money on a new or rebuilt transmission, there are also ways to locate transmission problems and have them fixed before they become too serious. This blog is designed to help you take better care of your transmission, and avoid paying too much for transmission repairs.
As an ecofriendly and thrifty car owner, you don't want to throw away perfectly good car oil every 3,000 miles. On the other hand, leaving oil in your car after its best-by date can be risky and you don't want to cause permanent damage to your engine. So how can you make sure that your engine gets the lubrication it deserves for many thousands of miles between oil changes? Here are four ways to lengthen the interval between required changes.
1. Use synthetic oil
Using synthetic oil is sometimes easier said than done. If you drive an old car, you may need to convert some components (such as seals and hoses) before filling the system with synthetic oil. This is because synthetic oil has smaller (and more uniformly sized) molecules, so the hoses your car originally had may not be tight enough to hold it without leaks. If you're not sure whether the age of your hoses will be a problem, ask your mechanic. However, once you've made the transition, you'll see an improvement in the lifespan of your oil between changes.
2. Take care of filters
There are three possible ways to optimize filtration and thus lengthen your oil's lifespan. The first is simply to change your oil filter frequently. The second is to use a top-quality oil filter for optimum contaminant removal. The third option is a less orthodox one; you can install a second filter, doubling the system's filtration capabilities. This may not be recommended for all vehicles, though, so ask your mechanic for an opinion before deciding on this.
3. Control operating conditions
Some driving conditions you just can't do much about. For example, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, your engine oil will have to work harder. But moving to another climate is the only way to change that, and it's not a justifiable move; it'll cost more than you'll save on oil changes. However, there are several other driving conditions you can do your best to avoid. These include the following:
4. Minimize blowby
The older and less maintained your engine is, the more likely you are to have a problem with blowby. This is a phenomenon in which the engine produces contaminants (such as gases and corrosive substances) that infiltrate the engine oil. Once they're there, they begin reacting with oil components to form sludge, which then installs itself on the inside of your engine and reduces engine performance. If your engine has this tendency, you'll need to change the oil more frequently so the contaminants won't have time to form sludge. Minimize the tendency by keeping your engine in good order or simply by driving a newer, modern car.
These four strategies all help you control and maximize the performance and lifespan of your engine oil. By putting them into practice, you can extend the length between your oil changes and potentially save a significant amount of money. For auto repair services, make an appointment with a business like The J.A.P. Shop.
Share11 September 2015
