04/11/2024
#1 of 100
The holidays are approaching again. The time when many people travel. It's a time set aside by many people to meet family and friends. It's also a time for businesses and individuals to take stock of how the proceeding year went and what to do differently in the succeeding year. Two questions play in my mind.
How do you travel safely without having car issues? It can be disturbing seeing especially children stranded on the road under the scorching heat of this period breathing thick dust because the car broke down in an isolated area.
Do you intend to go into farming of any type in the coming year? Oh yes, there is a loud noise about how farmers are smiling to the bank just because the prices of food stuff has gone beyond the top of the iroko tree. That will be a talk for another day, but you do not need to farm for money before you can farm. You can grow the things you eat.
So for 50 days, November 1 to December 20, 2024 we will be posting 100 tips on the little we know about these subjects here and on our pages;
Car car.
Building and appliances care.
Farming.
And just anything to make this period somewhat better.
You are invited to share your expert opinion and experiences on the subject.
Where do we start from.
ENGINE OILS
This is about the cheapest fluid in your car but plays about the most important role.
It contributes to fuel economy.
Cleans your engine interior.
It lubricates the moving parts and makes them move smoothly.
It cools your engine and help prevent overheating.
It adds to your engine and car longevity.
It is able to do all of these because it is specially formulated to meet very stringement requirements. However, it does not keep doing these at the same level forever. It is exposed to smoke, fuel v***r, micro filings from rotating parts and other impurities it helps clean from your engine. All of these degrade it's quality and at some time it has to be changed. Change it at the appropriate time and with the right fluid. So not delay.
WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO CHANGE IT?
5000 km of driving distance and 6 months since last change if you do not drive much to cover 5000km.
Some oil manufacturers claim to have oils that last over 100,000km. Do not follow this until you confirm other conditions attached to it, and that your car manufacturer recommends it.
DO NOT let the oil seat still in the engine for an extended period. Engine oils are reinforced with metal and hydrocarbon particles that float in it. If you allow the oil undisturbed for a long time, those particles will settle at the bottom and the oil becomes useless.
You can actually change your engine oil by yourself. We will make a video of how if you show the interest.
WHICH OIL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR ENGINE.
DO NOT take advice from the oil seller, he wants to sell. Do not completely trust your mechanic. Some of them do not know much, others want to make money off you.
Use only the oil your car manufacturer recommends. Your engine has been tested and certified with that oil. It is the best for it. It has nothing to do with brand name, model, or whether it is natural or synthetic oil. Two specifications always matter;
SAE that will be in the form of 5W-30, 20W-50 e. t.c
API in the form of CH, SJ, SM, SN.....C being for diesel engine and S for petrol engine. The second alphabet describes the time period the oil rating covers and the latter alphabets are newer oils, meets better standards, and usually better. The graph below shows the years each alphabet covers.
Finally, be careful where you buy it. Patronize only reliable outlets. Oils can be repackaged. Do not buy non branded opened oil.
