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This thorough guide will take you on a trip through the world of passenger car lubrication, explaining its function, benefits, types, and related environmental effects. With this knowledge, you can increase the longevity and performance of your cars while making a responsible contribution to environmental preservation. Read more.
Lubricants improve performance of your vehicle, extend its lifespan, and reduce costly repairs. Some of the lubricants essential to car performance are engine oils, coolants, brake fluids, transmission fluids, power steering fluids, and windshield washer fluids. To learn more about the technology, applications, and benefits of your vehicle’s essential fluids, read this guide.
Motor oil is the most essential fluid in your vehicle. It lubricates engine parts, minimizes friction, and reduces wear and tear. It also has advanced cooling and detergent properties. That is why choosing a quality lubricant for your engine is essential. There are many factors you should consider when choosing engine oil for your vehicle. Not sure where to start? We have compiled a brief list of factors you should consider when selecting engine oil.
Each engine is created differently and requires the right oil formula to operate as expected. That includes a specific oil viscosity, temperature stability, and compatibility with its sealing materials. One of the major factors you should consider when choosing the right lubricant for your engine is OEM specifications and approvals. What does that mean? Let’s find out!
Of course, we have extensive and comprehensive mechanical books, factory-provided repair guides, and university materials to learn from as mechanics. However, since we live in an age when any information is just a Google search away, there are websites that all mechanics need to keep somewhere in their bookmarks. No matter if you are a seasoned mechanic who wants to stay up-to-date with the newest tech, an aspiring mechanic still learning about the trade or even just a civilian looking to do some simple repairs on their car over the weekend, these websites below will be very helpful. So let us take a look at some of the best websites for mechanics in 2024.
As each engine oil type has its own set of properties, it is important to select the one that fits your vehicle’s unique needs. However, what if you make a mistake and pour the wrong type of oil into the engine? Let’s take a look at factors to consider when selecting the right lubricant, the consequences of using the inappropriate one, as well as the steps you should take to fix the problem.
With engines becoming more advanced and the variety of motor oils expanding, it is more crucial than ever to separate fact from fiction. This exploration is not just about quenching the thirst of curious minds; by distinguishing between myths and facts, vehicle owners can make informed decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and ensure their engines remain in peak condition.
The world of automotive and marine transport is fast in all senses, and maintenance trends and requirements move and change just as fast as the vehicles they are running. In this industry, careful management of used lubricants is not just a technical necessity but a pivotal responsibility. Lubricants such as diesel engine oil, marine oil, and the rest of synthetic lubricants are not an optional part of maintenance, and all mechanics know that these fluids need regular change. However, once they have fulfilled their purpose, these oils can become a significant liability if they are not handled properly.
By measuring oil consumption, you can tell the engine's health. Excessive oil burning is often the consequence of severe engine performance issues. We cannot easily specify the point at which motor oil consumption becomes excessive. That depends on numerous factors, including the engine manufacturer. Let's find out more about the causes and symptoms of excessive oil consumption in this article.
Starting to use high-mileage oil for your high-mileage vehicle is among the critical aspects to keep your car’s engine healthy for longer periods of time. These oils are different than regular oils as they contain seal enhancers and special additives capable of minimizing internal and external engine oil leaks. Many experts recommend using high-mileage oils after 75,000+ miles, but there are also other factors to consider.
Engine parts should never touch, and that is why high mileage lubrication is so important both for personal vehicles and commercial ones. And we are here to learn everything about it in an easy and quick way. Let us dive into the work of high mileage lubricants.
Many car owners decide to idle their vehicles for some time for multiple reasons. However, when your car is parked for months, it may experience a multitude of safety and performance problems. In this article, we cover the most common issues that may happen to your car when you do not drive it regularly and provide tips on how to restart it successfully.
Keeping the car on the road longer is all about taking good care of it. Only that way can you increase its performance, reliability, and efficiency. To help you, we made a brief list of easy steps you should take to extend the lifespan of your car, maintain its performance, and keep it safe as the kilometers keep adding up.
Engine flush keeps the engine running smoothly by eliminating harmful deposits from it. This prolongs the life of the engine and minimizes the risk of expensive repairs down the road. Additionally, a clean engine runs more efficiently, which leads to better fuel economy and a notable reduction in emissions. So, what is engine flush? What are its benefits? How is it performed? This brief guide answers these questions for you.
Engine rust is often hard to detect and takes time to develop. Corrosion degrades the useful properties of materials, harming the overall engine performance. Fortunately, with the right car maintenance tactics and products, you can battle corrosion. To help you, we put together this brief guide to rust prevention. Let's deep dive into the topic!
Engine oil leaks are one of the most common causes of engine damage. They cause rapid deterioration of the engine and result in expensive repairs. Worse yet, engine oil leaks pose a safety threat. They may lead to the loss of control of the vehicle while driving. Precisely because of that, it is essential to determine the main engine oil leak causes and take action to fix them. Let’s get started.
The term "engine sludge" often strikes fear into the hearts of vehicle owners. This troublesome substance, a byproduct of engine oil oxidation, can be the silent destroyer of engines, lurking unseen until it is too late. This article will delve into the sinister nature of engine sludge, uncovering its origins, impact, and preventive measures.
We are always saying “Safety first” but do we really mean that? And when we use such statement, what do we mean exactly? Car safety is more critical than ever in a time when automobile technology is developing at an insane rate. To safeguard both drivers and passengers as well as pedestrians, manufacturers are implementing a wide range of advanced safety measures. We are here to learn a little bit about the most important safety features found in contemporary cars, as well as how advances in car maintenance—like those offered by Valvoline—help to make these improvements in safety.
Let us talk oil—every mechanic's constant companion and challenge. Managing used oil effectively is not just about keeping the shop tidy– we also need to embrace sustainability in our daily grind. With some clever practices and a dash of ingenuity, courtesy of Valvoline's innovative solutions, we can turn what used to be a disposal headache into an eco-friendly routine. Dive with us into oil management, learning how to make the most out of every drop not only keeps our operations slick but also guards our planet.
Poor lubricant selection leads to a wide range of engine performance issues. One of them is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI). LSPI occurs in modern turbocharged gasoline direct injection technology. This phenomenon may result in fatal engine damage when you least expect it. What is low-speed pre-ignition? What are its causes? How can you prevent it? Here is everything you should know!
Engine manufacturers are striving to reduce their environmental impact by innovating fuel formulas and improving after-treatment technology. That is exactly where a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) enters the scene, as one of the most critical after-treatment devices in your vehicle. What is DPF and why is it that important? Let’s find out!
The air-fuel ratio needs to be optimal to ensure uninterrupted combustion and enhanced engine performance. In the past, a carburetor was the only device that controlled the combination of air and fuel, but the invention of Engine Control Units (ECUs), significantly changed the game. ECUs use Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors to measure airflow. Let’s find out more about MAF sensors and their importance!
Vehicle manufacturers need to comply with many environmental regulations. Rolled out in 2015, Euro 6 is a set of regulations that aims to minimize nitrogen-oxide emissions. The regulation applies to all Euro 6-compliant diesel vehicles registered after 2015. These cars need to use a special fluid that reduces nitrogen oxide levels. Its name is AdBlue®. What is it and why is it important to your diesel vehicle? Let’s discover!
There are two types of small engines – 2-stroke and 4-stroke. While containing similar components, these engines go through different processes and have contrasting uses. Understanding how they work is essential to choosing the right engine oil, as both have certain advantages and disadvantages. What are 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines? What is the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oil? Let’s find out!
Vehicles speak their own language. They use sounds like squeaking, screeching, roaring, knocking, and squealing to warn us there is something wrong with them. Detecting and diagnosing the background noise your car is making is crucial. Not sure how to comprehend your vehicle’s language? This is the reason we compiled a brief guide to car noises and what they mean.
The engine coolant, in some geolocations better known as antifreeze, protects engines from overheating. In this article, we address the purpose and benefits of using engine coolant, and answer some of the most common questions, including: What does engine coolant do? How long can you run an engine without coolant? How does the cooling work? Let’s begin!
Here at Valvoline, we have already discussed engine coolants in depth. We wrote about the importance and application of these specialty fluids. If you are still not sure which types of coolants there are and how to pick the right one, do not fret. Valvoline has got your back. We compiled the ultimate guide to choosing the right coolant for your car.
Brakes are a car part that controls your car’s ability to slow down and stop. As such, they are essential for your own safety and the safety of every other traffic participant. Although the majority of traffic accidents happen due to human error, there are some that will occur due to a malfunction within the vehicle itself. Brake issues are at the very top of the list. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Brake fluid selection is a particularly important task of vehicle maintenance. Different types of brake fluids match the requirements of specific braking systems. The most common ones used today are DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1 brake fluids. Are all brake fluids the same? If not, what is the difference between these specialty fluids? Here’s what you need to know.
Transmission, either manual or automatic, is susceptible to wear and tear. Since transmission repairs and replacements can be complex and expensive, it is vital to detect any unusual activities or performance issues early. What are the most common causes of transmission damage, and how to recognize them? Can you prevent transmission breakdown? Find the answers to these questions in our brief guide!
The level of the car transmission fluid needs to be inspected regularly. Depending on the model you own, automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, but there are cases when this needs to be done more often. If you’re willing to learn to do it and save some money along the way, here is how you can check and replace transmission fluid, in case you are sure you can do it safely.
The power transmission process requires continuous friction between the moving metal parts of the transmission system. That causes the deterioration of its components and results in expensive repairs. That is why using transmission oil is crucial. Choosing the transmission fluid depends on various factors, including the car manufacturer and the transmission type. Here is what you need to know about it.
Hybrid vehicles are a step up when in terms of environmental impact, fuel economy, and overall engine wear and tear, but they do require a bit of extra care when choosing engine oil. The frequent stop-start cycles put the engine under a significant strain, while lower temperatures can cause oil degradation. To deal with these issues, the use of lubricants specifically tailored for these hybrid vehicles is recommended.
As we move further into a new era of eco-friendly driving, it is important to understand the complex dance of mechanics and electronics that happens inside every hybrid electric vehicle. Let us see what makes HEVs not only cars of the present but also cars of the future, and learn more about these innovative vehicles.
Lately, we have gained several types of environmentally friendly vehicles. From hybrids and plug-ins (both of which have both a petrol engine and electric batteries) to fully electric vehicles, today we have a lot of green transportation options to choose from. So let us examine each of these three categories and learn about their individual pros and cons.
The public is getting increasingly familiar with the concept of electric and hybrid vehicles. The average consumer of today doesn’t perhaps know exactly how the hybrid engine works (explained in this article), but they are surely aware that it is much better for the environment than legacy vehicles that use internal combustion engines only. Let's discover why!
It is evident that, from all sides and all industries, the support for a greener planet is getting stronger and stronger. Valvoline stands at this crossroads, steering the legacy of automotive care into a future where green is the new black. Automotive products are keeping engines running smoothly, but also ensuring that they do not completely destroy the earth beneath the wheels. Yet still, there are many misconceptions that prevent users from opting for eco-friendly options. Luckily, Valvoline is here to debunk these false claims, promote green lubricants and automotive products, and push the science forward. Together, we can be the trigger of change, so now, let us get educated.
It seems that summers in Europe are getting warmer and warmer by the year. And just like we feel this smoldering heat, our cars also struggle under the relentless sun. This is the reason we gathered here Valvoline’s top tips on how to prepare your car for hot temperatures and ensure the health of your ride throughout the summer. Read more in our latest article.
Cold winter days put stress on passenger cars. That is why you should not neglect the importance of winter car maintenance. Only by having your car thoroughly serviced and prepared for winter driving conditions can you ensure it is up for the challenge. Regular car maintenance in the winter increases driving safety and extends the life of your vehicle. Read on to learn how to prepare your car for tricky winter rides.
Cold weather can have a detrimental effect on your vehicle. It causes a myriad of engine issues and battery problems, and negatively impacts the overall vehicle reliability. However, there’s no reason you should dread winter once your car is fully prepared to combat low temperatures. We created a list of essential automotive fluids you should use during the winter months to ensure that your car is winter-ready and in top-notch operating condition.
Winter is on the horizon, and that means it is time to ensure your vehicle is in top-notch condition. When the temperatures plunge, the vehicle’s cooling system needs to be effective to prevent the engine from freezing. In this short guide, we will delve into cooling system troubleshooting with a focus on engine coolant, a critical fluid for your vehicle. Read more.
The history of automotive lubrication, from the earliest days of crude oils to the modern era of advanced synthetic lubricants, is a tale of technological progress and plays a significant role in the development of the vehicle. Come along as we examine the intriguing development of automotive lubricants and learn about their vital role in vehicle innovation and performance.
There is something very special about classic cars. Aside from captivating the attention of every passerby, they manage to win over the heart of every car enthusiast. It is hard not to appreciate the old design, engineering and mechanical work that went into these beauties. And no one knows the appeal of these old-timers better than collectors and restorers. This hobby (or side job) can be very rewarding and even lucrative, but just as long as you know the basics of preserving classic cars. To ensure that these cars continue to impress future generations, it is important to start with an awareness of the fundamentals.
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