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Every now and then we read in the Press that a contaminated blood transfusion has been responsible for a patient's death. If your car has a contaminated oil transfusion, it will kill your engine. Engine oils have changed tremendously in the last couple of decades. First, there are synthetic oils available that have some amazing properties. Even the mineral oils that we have been using are of an improved quality. Earlier, oil changes were recommended at 3000-5000 km. The period of mineral oils change today is 10,000 km. For a synthetic oil, it is 20,000 km. Why this difference and what does it do for the car? First, the lubrication is so good, both mineral and synthetic that one hardly has to overhaul engines. A good lubricant is the reason for the longevity of your engine. Metallurgy also makes a strong contribution. It is normal today for any car to have done 200.000 km (two lakh kilometres) and an engine overhaul is nowhere in sight. Simply put, maintenance costs have reduced drastically. Synthetic oils have one thing going in their favour. They are not depleting our natural resources. Even though synthetic oils cost three times as much as other oils, the ecology conscious may favour this oil. Another plus point is that it will improve the fuel consumption of the car. Of course, a 20,000-km drain period is also a plus point. It saves time and for a lot of motorists it could be a once-a-year job. Whatever be your choice, go for a well-known brand. Most cars today have high performance engines and they demand a high-quality engine oil. It is highly recommended to go to your dealer. They know more about your car, the oil and filters than all the roadside mechanics put together. The new engines are built to very exacting specifications. The piston has a very tight fit in the cylinder to improve compression and, consequently, power. The oils are thinner to flow between the piston and cylinder walls to provide lubrication. This means lower friction to moving parts and a long life to your engine. In addition, being thinner, it disperses to every nook and corner of the engine to provide lubrication. The oils have better detergents to remove carbon deposits, prevent rust and is also a heat absorber. Some motorists prefer to go to a service station on even a roadside mechanic. Try and avoid this. Should you have your favourite mechanic, buy your own oil. Make sure the seal is intact. Do not buy from a barrel of bulk oil. There will be adulteration. To save a few rupees you could damage your engine. The filter should be Original Equipment, O.E. Filters are easily duplicated and could kill an engine as easily as does spurious oil. A good lubricant is the life-blood of an engine. The filter is the kidney and liver and the performance of the lube oil is as good as the filter. If the filter cannot keep the oil clean and pure, be prepared for major surgery. An engine overhaul. Another very important thing to keep in mind is that after draining the oil and the roadside mechanic has tightened the drain plug, its time to pour in the oil. Remove the dip-stick. Air is trapped in the sump and this won't allow the oil to fill the sump. Removing the dip-stick will allow the air to escape and oil will fill the sump. Wait a couple of minutes, allow the oil to get to the sump. Put in the dip-stick, check oil level. Ok? Start the car. Let it idle, then rev up the engine. As the pressure builds up, if the drain plug leaks it will show up now. No Leak? Head home, keep an eye out for the red light on your dash board that shows an oil can. It should not show up. The next morning, if you re-check the oil level. All the oil has settled down into the sump. The dip-stick will give you a very accurate reading. Check the floor for any oil leaks.
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