Oil Change
Changing the engine oil at factory-recommended intervals is the lowest cost and most effective way to ensure maximum engine life, performance and fuel economy. Many vehicle manufacturers now specify two oil change intervals-regular and severe service. Unfortunately, the terms Regular and Severe Service are rather loosely defined. As a rule, engine operation in prolonged dusty, high-temperature conditions constitutes severe service. However, heavy stop-and-go traffic, driving in mountainous terrain and towing a trailer also fall into that category.
Vehicle manufacturers specify oil by its viscosity grade-a measure of how the oil flows under specific temperatures. In the past, viscosity was shown as a single number, such as a "30 weight oil"-the higher the number, the thicker the oil and the greater the resistance to flow. Multi-weight oils were developed as intervals between oil changes became longer and engine operating temperatures increased. Today's multi-viscosity oils work well in all seasons. Multi-weight oils have two codes: The first designates the lubricant's winter ("W") grade, and the second refers to viscosity at higher temperatures. For example, "5W-30" grade oil indicates the lubricant is a 5-weight winter-grade oil, and a 30-weight oil under high-temperature conditions.
There are two additional symbols to look for on the container label. These symbols, created by the American Petroleum Institute (API), are the "starburst" and "donut." The starburst symbol normally appears on the front of the container and indicates that the oil meets the requirements of domestic and Japanese vehicle manufacturers. These standards have been developed and approved by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). The most recently issued standard by this group is ILSAC GF-2, which will appear in the center of the starburst for all oils certified for use in gasoline engines.
The API donut, usually found on the back of the container, certifies that the lubricant meets the latest service category. The two-letter code describes the intended application and the performance rating. The first letter is either "S" for gasoline engines or "C" for diesel engines. The second letter designates the latest evolution level of performance. Oil for gasoline engines will bare the new "SJ" mark, signifying that it contains lower phosphorous levels for environmental protection.
The oil grade recommended for any given vehicle is listed in the owner's manual and most service manuals; make sure you use it.
Oil Filter Change
Although some carmakers recommend replacing the oil filter every other oil change, it's important to remember that a used, saturated filter can hold nearly a quart of oil. So if you don't replace the filter each time you change your customers' oil, you essentially add a quart of dirty oil to the new lubricant. Therefore, you may want to recommend that the filter be replaced with every oil change. But make sure you inform the customer that this is an additional item over and above the factory-recommended scheduled maintenance.
The oil filter is designed to protect the engine's internal mechanical parts from damaging abrasive contaminants such as dirt and metal shavings. Most vehicles use a full-flow type oil filter. Filters that meet or exceed OEM requirements must effectively capture various sizes of contaminant particles. They must also remove and hold a significant amount of dirt while still allowing oil flow. Finally, oil filters must create adequate resistance to flow to protect internal engine components from oil starvation.
Once you replace the oil filter, what should you do with it? Although most areas do not consider used oil "hazardous waste," tossing spent filters in the trash is potentially harmful to the environment. Used filters, if properly drained, can be recycled as scrap metal.
Many automotive equipment suppliers offer oil filter crushers that allow you to turn properly drained oil filters into scrap metal for recycling. As a rule, drain used oil filters into a collection pan for at least 24 hours before crushing them.
When it comes to disposing of your used oil filters, think "green." Consider participating in a recycling program.
