19/10/2020 News

WHY STOWING YOUR CAR IS BAD FOR ENGINE OIL

Engine oil plays an important role for your vehicle. Not only its lubrication properties reduce friction between the mental components in your engine, but it also keeps the engine clean.

To make sure you always enjoy this protective benefit, it’s essential that oil is replaced regularly as recommended. This may not be a new information, but car owners can overlook the importance of checking oil condition from time to time.

Another key information to note is that engine oil will only work as intended when your car is regularly in use. When a car is left parked for a while, oil will not be distributed around the engine. Instead of lubricating your engine, now the oil just sits and over time may oxidize.

And it’s oxidation that causes oil’s molecules to join with carbon, metal particles, fuel, gas, and water – creating sludge or even gel-like consistency.

Oil needs a certain level of viscosity to protect even the smallest part of your engine. When it solidifies, it will clog instead of protecting your engine. Sludge oil has no benefit; in fact, it can harm your engine. It can cause engine damage or cause the car to break down when driven.

You may notice some symptoms as the result, such as compromised engine performance, damaged engine components, noisy engine, clogged oil pumps, or sudden jump in fuel consumption.

To avoid this from happening, always check oil condition from time to time, especially if your car has been parked for too long. You can simply use an oil dipstick to assess oil volume level and consistency. If sludge has been formed, you can use a special engine flush product to clean any deposit.

Also, even if your car is not regularly driven, warm it up at least once a week. Ideally, you take it for a drive even if it’s just a short trip around the neighbourhood.

Lastly, don’t forget to change your oil and oil filter as recommended by your car’s manufacturer and always choose the right engine oil.

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