Is it safe to mix oil during an oil change? If this is your question, then this is the most suitable place to find credible answers. This is because Valvoline Brampton includes professionally trained technicians who can assist you, as a motorist, to understand which motor oil is appropriate to use on your vehicle.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Mixing Synthetic and Regular Oil
Although mixing these oils regularly is not advised, it is still possible to mix them whenever you desire to top it off until you check in for your scheduled maintenance.
It is also perceived that mixing motor oil will not harm your engine as long as the weight or viscosity is recommended in the manual.
Disadvantages Of Mixing Motor Oil
Unfortunately, mixing regular oil with a synthetic one is considered a short-term fix, in case you have to top off the oil to keep moving. Moreover, synthetic oils are costly, and mixing them with regular oil may result in a loss of money as the oil’s functions are diluted.
For a better understanding, you need to ask yourself this question – how does motor oil work?
Motor oil is designed to decrease friction and avoid overheating of various components. This happens when the oil goes around the motor, thereby lubricating any moving areas. Valvoline allows the motor to work smoothly, and the oil will filter out and eradicate contaminants and deposits.
Therefore, adding regular oil to synthetic oil consistently may dilute its benefits, thus resulting in engine failure.
The Basic Types Of Motor Oil
According to Valvoline Brampton, motor oils are divided into four main categories. Check them out below:
Conventional or Regular Oil
Being cheaper than synthetic oil by 10%, this motor is perfect for people with low budgets. Moreover, it is perfect for older cars with less than 75,000 miles or vehicles with simple designs of the engine.
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is more complex than regular oil, mainly because it is chemically modified to form uniform shapes and sizes of the existing molecules. Moreover, since synthetic oil is created with additives to encourage use in extreme temperatures, it is suitable to replace it with petroleum-refined oils.
High-Mileage Oil
Any vehicle with 75,000+ miles is ideal for using this oil since it helps decrease leakage and overheating.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
This is a blend of synthetic and regular oils, which is oxidation-resistant and suitable for use during wet or cold conditions.
Now that you understand the basic types of motor oils, it is clear that making a mixture of them will not increase the engine’s efficiency or accomplishments, and the same theory applies to the performance of the oil.
Switching and Mixing Motor Oils
It is also possible to mix oil brands without bringing destruction to your engine as long as the weight or viscosity is highlighted in the manual.
Furthermore, you can also replace the use of regular oil with synthetic oil without having to mix them. Again, ensure you use the recommended weight or viscosity in the manual. But if you do not have access to your manual, you can always ask for assistance from Valvolive Brampton.
In addition, to help maintain safety, you can acquire more information from a skilled technician before changing the oil. Some of the information will help you to:
Safely remove and eradicate old oil.
Ensure you replace the oil with the right one.
Safely eradicate a dirty or contaminated oil filter before applying a new and clean one.
Use essential fluids like washer fluid, transmission, and more.
Vacuum the inside of your vehicle and cleanse the exterior windows.
Conclusion
Even if it is possible to mix motor oil, it is recommended not to become habituated to it. Moreover, when you choose to use synthetic oil alone, it is believed that you may never go back and may later cause issues in case your budget decreases.
Safety is always a priority in driving. To do that, car parts need to be in perfect form to avoid accidents or unfortunate events. Windshields are among these parts you need to check. They are subjected to major damages that might cause problems while driving. Cracks, visibility issues, chipped parts or shattered glass are just some of the common issues car owners encounter in their windshields.
Some ignore simple damages. However, it can lead to bigger problems and worsen the safety of the car and the people riding it. Thus, repairing it as soon as possible is necessary.
Repair services provide the utmost care for windshields, ensuring that the owners can use them again. Valvoline Express Care caters to excellent quality repair services for windshields. It ensures that vehicles with damaged windshields will experience satisfying services. Assessments are made to identify problems and give adequate solutions. Services like this are important because car owners seek a trustworthy institution for their windshield problems.
Here are some of the assessments of the windshield that Valvoline Express Care does, as an auto glass repair service, to distinguish the damages:
Bull’s Eye Chip
This type of windshield damage is caused by rocks or stones hitting the car’s glass when travelling on the road. The crack that the bull’s eye makes can be characterized by a cone-shaped hole. It chips out the outer part of the windscreen of the car.
A repair is possible for this blemish when the size of the damage is less than or exactly an inch big. Also, there should be no debris clogged inside the hole to seal the chipped area properly. Another is that the crack should not be in the driver’s area. It’s because it will affect the visibility of the windshield that might jeopardize the vision while driving.
Star Chip
It is a blemish forming star-shaped holes on the windshield from the name itself. These cracks can only be suggested for repair if the sizes are just small. If they surpass the set diameter, they are most likely in need of replacement.
Surface chip
A surface chip definitely requires only repair. It can be observed in most damaged windshields. The damage is not too problematic, so it is easy to resolve. The chip does not push through the surface. Instead, tiny nicks can only be observed.
Straight Line Chip
This type of damage happens due to two reasons. It can be a result of an impact or because of great pressure. If an impact causes it, it can be solved through a repair, given that it is small and superficial. When the chip results from pressure, replacement is more likely to be applied.
Half-moon Chip
A half-moon chip can be compared to a bull’s eye chip. But, the difference is that in a half-moon chip, the damage is only half in relation to the bull’s eye, which is circular. It is also acquired when stones hit the windshield. Similarly, the repair is conducted if the chip is only small and does not affect the windshield in front of the car where the driver sits.
Angel Wings Chip
Also known as a combination crack, this type of windshield damage can be identified through the rays of cracks in an outward direction. It can be repaired if the cracks are 2 inches or less.
Final Words
Valvoline Express Care gives importance to these types of damages as it aims to provide the best service for the customers. The assessments that they do can give ideas whether the damage will need only windshield repair or windshield replacement. Once assessments are made, it would be easier for them to solve the issues and secure the safety of the owner and the passengers.
The technological advancements in automotive industries have made it possible for one to travel long distances without the need to change oil frequently.
However, this will be based on a few factors. Check them out below:
1. What is the model of your car?
The type of car you use can affect how long you can stay before performing an oil change since every model has diverse requirements. Normally, the period is found in the vehicle’s manual, or you can ask for help from Valvolive Brampton technicians in case you lost or misplaced it.
2. What is your style of driving?
Some people ignore the fact that their style of driving can affect motor oil changes mainly due to a lack of knowledge in recognizing the difference between normal driving and severe driving. For normal driving, the change interval may be around 5,000 more depending on the model of your vehicle and while severe driving requires an oil change after only 3,000 miles. This may also vary depending on the type of oil used.
In addition, if you frequently get stuck in traffic and use your car each day to perform numerous rapid errands, it may result in more oil changes.
3. What is the age of your car?
Since most of today’s vehicles include numerous advancements in technology, it is logical to experience more oil changes for older vehicles. Moreover, if you have had your car for a longer period, the same result will appear due to wear and tear.
How Long Your Vehicle Will Run Over an Oil Change
If you are thinking about how many miles you can go without an oil change, then you will be disappointed to know that taking numerous miles without an oil change can lead to various damages including, engine harm, corrosion, leakage, overheating, and accumulation of sludge.
Now, let’s assume that you want to save some money or you have no time to perform oil changes. From the above effects, you risk experiencing various damages, thereby making you lose even more cash and time.
Using motor oil is essential since it helps maintain the state of your vehicle and keep it in good shape for a long period. This is possible since motor oil decreases friction, maintains a cool and clean engine, and lubricates moving areas.
Oil Indicator Lights and Messages
In most cases, the oil Indicator light turns on due to decreased levels of oil pressure, which can easily cause harm to the engine. Therefore, it is recommended to get an oil change sooner, mostly before reaching 100 miles after the light has been illuminated.
However, this does not mean that you should always wait for the indicator lights/messages to turn on so that you can have an oil change. Instead, you should strictly observe the manufacturer’s manual which provides you with the appropriate time to change the oil.
Importance Of Performing Oil Changes On Time
Changing your vehicle’s oil takes only 20-45 minutes so this should not be a big hassle for you. Moreover, it is recommended that you inspect the oil at least every month to check for any oil leakages or burning.
The following are some of the benefits of changing your oil sooner:
Maintains a clean engine since dirt, debris, and sludge can accumulate and cause harm.
Provides good gas mileage by decreasing friction and making the engine operate effectively.
Protects the environment by preventing harmful hydrocarbon emissions.
Protects engine parts, thereby enhancing their performance.
Improves the lifespan of your engine.
Conclusion
To allow your vehicle to run longer without resulting in frequent issues, it is advised to perform regular maintenance procedures, which include performing oil changes whenever required. Moreover, you can inquire from Valvolive technicians who will help inspect and provide maintenance service for smooth driving.
Recently, people have become more familiar with hybrid vehicles. Even though most of them don’t know how exactly a hybrid vehicle works, they are aware that these vehicles are better for the environment compared to those that run on internal combustion engines.
It was in 1999 when the first mass production of hybrid vehicles occurred in the US. Though these vehicles still have a long way to go before it replaces non-hybrid vehicles, their benefits cannot be ignored.
How hybrid vehicles work and why they’re efficient
Hybrid vehicles use two different propulsion energy sources. These are electric and internal combustion systems. There is less dependency on fossil fuels because they utilize electricity. Therefore, there are more miles for every gallon of performance and fewer emissions.
An internal combustion engine, a battery pack, and an electric motor are the units used by new hybrid vehicles.
Put simply, hybrid vehicles work with their electric motor and combustion engine. Aside from storing energy, the engine’s battery gets its energy through the internal combustion engine and regenerative braking.
This additional power coming from the motor makes it possible to reduce the engine idling when the car doesn’t work and operate auxiliary loads. Because of these, hybrid vehicles can save you more on fuel without compromising performance.
The importance of using the appropriate hybrid oil
The hybrid engine usually operates at a lower temperature because the electric motor reduces the work from the IC (internal combustion) engine. So, it doesn’t reach the peak operating temperature needed to boil the water that condenses in the engine oil. Hybrid engines typically can’t lubricate the engine parts properly since the oil in hybrid engines works at lower temperatures.
There’s less wear and tear when you utilize the appropriate hybrid oil when getting an oil change for your vehicle. It also extends your engine’s lifespan and lessens sludge formation.
Engine oil or regular Oil: What to use for your hybrid vehicles
There’s a tiny difference between an engine and regular oil. Though the IC engines in hybrid vehicles have traditional combustion engines, you can use regular oils.
Manufacturers give the same specs for regular and hybrid oil. So, most oils that are approved for vehicles with IC engines are also good for hybrid vehicles. But there’s a small difference that can be significant as time passes by.
The combustion engines of hybrid cars don’t operate 24/7 since the electric motor provides a large amount of power and the temperature of the IC engine to work is often lower compared to traditional vehicles. There can be a lot of engine cold starts when the IC to the electric motor switches constantly. This is the primary reason why it’s best to utilize hybrid oils when doing oil changes.
The ideal time to perform an oil change for hybrid vehicles
Similar to traditional vehicles that utilize internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles need consistent and regular hybrid oil changes. But the oil change isn’t as frequent as the oil change with vehicles that have IC engines. This is truer when you drive your hybrid vehicle at a low speed in your area.
Hybrid vehicles don’t put much pressure on the IC engines when moving at lower speeds. The electric engine is the one that does most of the heavy lifting. When the hybrid vehicle moves at higher speeds, this is the time the IC engine is at full power.
But it’s still best to change the hybrid oil as per the owner’s manual. This is the same as traditional vehicles. This is to ensure the good health of your hybrid car’s engine.
Conclusion
Finally, you understand the option you have for hybrid car lubricants. Hybrid vehicles have gained more and more attention in the past years.
Since there’s a difference in the engine between conventional and hybrid vehicles, there’s also a difference in the lubricants used. It’s important to understand these since it affects the performance and other characteristics of your vehicle.
It doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle you have since engine or motor oil is vital in keeping the engine working. It also ensures that your vehicle is in good condition.
Since not all engine oils have the same properties, it’s important that you know how to pick the one your car needs. Now, you might be wondering what would happen if you poured the wrong oil into your engine.
Continue reading to understand better how to get the right oil when do get the next oil change. What could happen if you choose the wrong one, and how can you deal with it?
What Engine Oil Does
Engine oil is a special lubricant for various engine parts. It reduces friction, ensures maximum performance, lessens corrosion, protects your vehicle from wear and tear, and absorbs heat.
Because of the many things engine oil can do, it can prolong your engine’s life, help you save money from repair costs, and lessen fuel use. But each engine has special features. That means you can’t use just any engine oil for it. Picking inappropriate motor oil can result in serious damage to your car.
The Type of Engine Oil Needed
There are certain things you have to check when you pick the right engine oil. Some of these are specifications, type of oil, and viscosity grade for your vehicle, standards, and driving environment.
It’s recommended to go through your vehicle’s manual and check the manufacturer’s recommendation if you’re unsure about the type of oil your car needs.
What Happens When You Pick the Wrong Engine Oil
The safest way to prevent choosing inappropriate engine oil is to use the one recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual. That’s because all types of engine oils are different. If you accidentally pour the wrong engine oil, here are some of the signs you might see right away:
Burning Oil Smell
When you start your engine, the smell is one of the first things you’ll notice. Engine oils have reduced viscosity grades when the weather is hot outside. This results in a thinner consistency and losing stability. When it’s not stable, it can’t lubricate the engine properly. As a result, there’s more friction in the parts, overheating of the engine, and emitting a burning odour.
Having Difficulty Starting the Car When It’s Cold
Engine oils with low viscosity are not good in hot weather, and engine oils with high viscosity are not good in cold weather. That’s because viscous oils become thicker in cold weather which stops the flow and prevents the engine from getting lubricated. You’ll find yourself having a hard time starting the engine, or you hear the noise in the engine when it starts working.
Leaking Oil
When you park, you might see oil leaking below if your car has high mileage and uses synthetic oil or an older model that utilises mineral engine oils. That’s because the flow of synthetic oil can get through tight areas such as gaskets and leaks.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
When you use engine oil that’s of higher viscosity than what’s recommended for your vehicle, it can result in reduced fuel economy. Viscous oils make the moving parts of your engine, such as pistons, more resistant. So, your engine has to burn more fuel to reduce the resistance.
What to Do to Resolve This
Even though you can still drive your car with the wrong engine oil, you’re putting it and its parts at risk for damage if you continue doing so. As a result, it becomes less dependable and has a shorter lifespan. It’s best to visit the nearest oil change shop so they can make sure there is no further damage to the vehicle.
Conclusion
It is important to choose the correct engine oil to maximise your vehicle’s performance, make sure it works properly, and prolong its lifespan. What you need to remember is to follow the recommended oil by your car manufacturer and get a professional oil change shop to change the oil in your vehicle.
