Question 1: How to change your own engine oil?
Step 1: Preparation of a level surface for the vehicle; Ensure Parking Brake is on and Engine switched off.
Step 2: Locate and unscrew oil cap.
Step 3: Locate oil drain plug (a lone bolt at the bottom of oil sump)
Step 4: Place empty container beneath oil drain plug and allow old oil to be emptied.
Step 5: Locate oil filter and remove by turning filter wrench in anti-clockwise direction.
Step 6: Prepare new oil filter and coat with a layer of new engine oil.
Step 7: Install the new oil filter but do not over-tighten.
Step 8: Install the oil drain plug and tighten with wrench.
Step 9: Refill new engine oil with funnel, and measure dipstick every 2 litres of input.
Step 10: Check for any oil leaks and clean up if necessary.
Step 11: Ensure proper disposal of old oil filters and check with your service provider if the used engine oil may be recycled.
Step 12: Check battery, brake fluid and coolant levels and replace if necessary.
Alternative to changing motor oil on your own is to approach any of our authorized service providers - Include a hyperlink to service providers.
Question 2:Which engine oil is applicable for my vehicle?
Answer: There are different sets of standards for engine oils. Newer specification oils are backwards compatible, allowing them to be used in older vehicles however older specification oils, particularly ‘fuel-economy’ oils should not be used in newer vehicles.
It is highly recommended to always refer to your service manual for correct lubricant requirement and service intervals. Please refer to the below chart for a list of respective standards.
Industry standards for Energy Conservation of Motor Oil
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Type of Fuel |
Grade
|
Characteristics
|
|
Petrol
|
SN
|
Latest specification for spark-ignited engines since 2010
|
|
Petrol
|
SM
|
Most common standard requirement for passenger vehicles
|
|
Diesel
|
CJ-4
|
Highest current specification grade for diesel and commercial vehicles
|
|
Diesel
|
CF
|
Most common standard requirement for passenger vehicles
|
European Constructor Standards established by the CCMC/ACEA (Comité des Constructeurs du Marché Commun/ Association des ConstructeursEuropéensd'Automobile)
| Type of Fuel |
Grade
|
Characteristics
|
|
Petrol
|
A1
|
Fuel economy petrol
|
|
Petrol
|
A2
|
Standard performance level
|
|
Petrol
|
A3
|
High performance and/or extended drain
|
|
Petrol
|
A5
|
Fuel economy petrol with extended drain capability
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diesel
|
B1
|
Fuel economy diesel
|
|
Diesel
|
B2
|
Standard performance diesel
|
|
Diesel
|
B3
|
High performance and/or extended drain
|
|
Diesel
|
B4
|
For direct injection passenger car diesel engines
|
|
Diesel
|
B5
|
Fuel economy diesel with extended drain capability
|
Question 3: What do the numbers about oil grade mean?
Answer:
Engine oils are graded with respect to their viscosity levels, which is the oil’s resistance to flow and shear. It critically affects both the wear rate and fuel efficiency.
In the example of a 5W-50 grade engine oil, the first numeral 5 indicates the cold temperature grade. Separated by ‘W’ which refers to ‘Winter’, the second numeral 50 indicates the high temperature grade.
Question 4: Why should you choose multi-grade oil instead of single-grade?
Answer:
Modern vehicles commonly use multi-grade oils due to the feasibility of use under both hot and cold weather conditions, as they are thin enough to flow at low temperatures and sufficiently thick to perform satisfactorily at high temperatures.
Single grade engine oil lacks the operating range for temperatures to fluctuate at either cold or hot weather conditions and fails to offer the extended protection for vehicle engines.
As viscosity changes with temperature, it is important to have low viscosity engine oil, which is thinner and hence suitable for cold start, especially in winter conditions. This ensures that oil circulates quickly around the engine, improving fuel consumption too. At high temperatures, engine oil gets thinner; hence higher viscosity oil is preferred to prevent engine oil burning, caused by worn piston rings allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber.
Question 5: What defines oil’s viscosity?
Answer:
The oil’s viscosity is defined by the size of the molecules present. A thicker viscosity oil possesses larger molecule structures. Mineral oil molecules have varying sizes of molecules, with the average size dictating the overall viscosity, while synthetically processed oil will have consistently sized molecules of identical structure. The latter ensures an extended service life and smoother operation as compared to using mineral oil.
Question 6: What are oil additives and do you need them?
Oil additives are chemical compounds added to the engine oil to enhance the lubricant performance of base oil. There are specific additives for each objective, such as:
- Improving viscosity index by making oil’s viscosity higher at greater temperatures.
- Enhanced lubricant effect for the purpose of anti-wear.
- Increased anti-oxidant effect.
- Prevents contamination of engine oil.
- Controlling chemical breakdowns in compounds.
- Improved cleaning capabilities.
