Performance Plus Quick Oil Change
Oil Changes & Car Maintenance Blog.
How often should you change your oil?
The frequency of oil changes depends on several factors, including the type of oil used, the make and model of your vehicle, driving conditions, and the age of the engine. As a general guideline, it is recommended to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first. However, it is always best to consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval.
What is Dexos?
Dexos is a motor oil specification developed by General Motors (GM) for use in their vehicles. It is a performance-based standard that specifies the quality and performance requirements for engine oils used in GM vehicles.
Dexos motor oil is designed to provide enhanced protection for engine components, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions. It also meets the latest industry standards for low-emission vehicles and provides protection for engines with extended drain intervals.
The Dexos specification covers several different viscosity grades, including SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30, and SAE 5W-20. To be certified as Dexos-compliant, motor oil must meet rigorous standards for wear protection, deposit control, and performance in high-temperature conditions.
Regular oil changes are an important part of maintaining the health and performance of your engine.
Here are some specific reasons why you should change your motor oil regularly:
- Lubrication: Engine oil acts as a lubricant for the moving parts in the engine, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Over time, oil loses its viscosity and ability to lubricate, leading to increased friction and wear on engine components. Regular oil changes ensure that fresh oil is always available to lubricate the engine, reducing wear and extending its lifespan.
- Contaminant Removal: Engine oil helps to remove contaminants such as dirt, dust, and metal particles generated by the engine. If these contaminants are not removed, they can cause damage to engine components and reduce engine efficiency. Regular oil changes ensure that contaminants are removed, and fresh oil is added to the engine, maintaining its health and performance.
What is the record for most miles on a consumer car?
Irv Gordon’s 1966 Volvo P1800 is a true automotive icon, having been driven over 3 million miles (as of 2021) and setting a record for the most miles driven by a consumer car. Irv purchased the car new in 1966 and drove it regularly, eventually accumulating an incredible number of miles over a period of more than 50 years. His car has been featured in numerous articles and TV shows, and Irv has become something of a celebrity in the automotive world. Despite the incredible number of miles on his car, Irv has consistently maintained it, ensuring that it continues to run smoothly and reliably.
How often should I change my transmission fluid?
The frequency at which you should change your transmission fluid varies depending on several factors such as the make and model of your vehicle, driving conditions, and the type of transmission fluid you are using. Generally, it is recommended to change the transmission fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to have your transmission fluid checked regularly by a qualified mechanic and to have it changed if it appears dirty or has a burnt odor.
What is viscosity?
Viscosity is a property of liquids that describes their resistance to flow. It is sometimes referred to as “thickness” or “internal friction”. The viscosity of a liquid determines how easily it can flow, with a low-viscosity liquid flowing more easily than a high-viscosity liquid.
In the context of lubricants such as transmission fluid, viscosity is an important characteristic that affects the fluid’s ability to lubricate moving parts in the transmission and provide sufficient fluid pressure to maintain proper transmission operation. Viscosity is typically expressed in terms of centistokes (cSt) or Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS), and is measured at a specific temperature.
Is synthetic any better than regular oil?
Synthetic oil and conventional oil are both used to lubricate engines, but synthetic oil is a specifically engineered product that has unique properties that can offer certain advantages over conventional oil.
Compared to conventional oil, synthetic oil typically has a more stable molecular structure that is less likely to break down under extreme conditions, such as high heat or cold temperatures. This can provide improved performance and protection for your engine, especially in demanding driving conditions. Synthetic oil is also designed to have a longer service life, meaning that it can be used for a longer period of time before being changed.