Oil and Filter Change

oil-and-filter-change-services

Oil to your car engine is like the blood flowing in your veins. Just as your blood carries the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts like the cholesterol, the primary purpose of the oil is stopping the metal surfaces in your engine from gritting and tearing themselves from friction during heat transfer at combustion time.

Engine oil holds all the nasty combustion by-product like silica and acids. Think of oil as a cleaning agent that rids your engine of the chemical build-ups by keeping the moving parts lubricated. Another major role oil plays in the longevity of your engine is the prevention of oxidation at higher temperatures by limiting the exposure of the engine’s inner parts to oxygen.

Questions & Answers

1. What does the number before and after the “W” mean when classifying engine oil?
2. What is the difference between mineral and synthetic oil?
3. What is SLUDGE and what causes it?
4. Can SLUDGE be cured?
5. What different levels of oil service do you offer at your shop?
6. What does your Signature Oil change Service include?
7. Do I need to make an appointment for my oil and filter change?

1. What does the number before and after the “W” mean when classifying engine oil?

The number before the “W” is the viscosity of the oil when it is cold, and the number after the “W” is the viscosity when it is hot. Viscosity is the resistance to the flow-ability of the oil. The thicker an oil, the higher its viscosity. For example, a 5W40 oil is one which has a viscosity of 5 when cold, and 40 when hot. “W” stands for winter number. The lower the ‘winter’ number or “W”, the easier the engine will turn over when starting in cold climates.

2. What is the difference between mineral and synthetic oil?

In layman’s terms, mineral is natural and synthetic is prepared in a lab. Mineral oils are obtained from dug up from the earth after which they are refined. Synthetic oils are entirely prepared by chemists in oil laboratories. The third oils type is the semi-synthetic, sometimes which is a mix of the two. It is safe to mix the different types, but it’s wiser to switch completely to a new type rather than mixing.

3. What is SLUDGE and what causes it?

With the prolonged exposure to high temperatures and poor maintenance habits, the chemical compounds in engine oils break down with time resulting in the additives being separated from the oil and solidifying. The result is gelatinous oil deposit called SLUDGE. The most common factor in sludge buildup is mineral oils combined with poor maintenance by the car owner. Harsh driving conditions do contribute to SLUDGE as well.

4. Can SLUDGE be cured?

Flushing the engine may be the only solution but it can also come at a cost: It can cause bits of sludge getting lodged where they can do more damage. In general, using additives with regular oil is the main culprit of SLUDGE since the chemical composition of the additives isn’t as neutral as some companies claim. When combined with particular types of oil and high-stress driving, additives can cause oil breakdown and sludge to appear. The bottom line is: Don’t use any additives.

5. What different levels of oil service do you offer at your shop?

We offer four levels:

  • Regular: uses regular motor oil to extend the life of your vehicle’s engine.
  • Synthetic Blend: uses a combination of regular and synthetic motor oil for added fuel economy and performance.
  • Synthetic: uses synthetic motor oil for maximum fuel economy and performance.
  • High Mileage Performance Boost: uses a combination of regular and synthetic motor oil that is specifically formulated for higher mileage vehicles to increase fuel economy and compression, while reducing oil consumption, wear and oil burn-off.

6. What does your Signature Oil Change Service include?

Our Signature Oil change Service covers the following:

  • Change up to 5 quarts of quality motor oil.
  • Replace oil filter.
  • Perform visual inspection of the following: Antifreeze/coolant levels, engine air filter, timing belts, brake fluid level, wiper blades, exterior lights.
  • Lubricate the chassis (when applicable)
  • Check tire air pressure.
  • Top off the following fluids: Transmission, power steering, and windshield washer.

7. Do I need to make an appointment for my oil and filter change?

In order to better assist you, Ario’s Auto Repair requires that you call 425.774.4646 or click here to make an appointment. We pride ourselves in being the top auto mechanic shop in the Lynnwood, Seattle area.