Engine Oil

[Grrr]

Electricity production is a lot more resource friendly than all of those millions of cars though.

[Tuberski]

Re: Engine Oil

Originally posted by Myrddin
What is the American fascination for changing engine oil in their vehicles?

Cars sold in Europe have recommnded service intervals of 20,000 miles but in the US it can be less than 5,000

Why?

Because Americans are lazy, we are told 3000 miles so we will actually get around to around 12000 miles.



ACK!

[axi]

My 10year old Toyota reccomends an oil change every 5000km, however this depends on the oil used. Last time I used oil fit for 7000km. The oil can last longer than that however, since when it is changed it has usually not totally blackened. The problem with old oil is that it loses it's viscosity and that can cause pittings in metallic surfaces. The quality of oil deteriorates both with use AND with time, so if your car has been kept idle for a long time, it's a good idea to change your oil.

[Zkribbler]

Re: Re: Engine Oil

Originally posted by Tuberski
Because Americans are lazy, we are told 3000 miles so we will actually get around to around 12000 miles.

Uh oh. Busted!

[Provost Harrison]

Originally posted by Asher

What's the engine like in an "Astra"?

Is it a 40hp 0.2L engine?

Engines in European cars tend to be a lot more refined rather than the huge chunks they stick in the American fuelguzzlers. My car is only 60bhp, but because it is only small it shifts fine, I can cruise on motorways at a steady 90mph thanks Are you going to tell us about 'your' car again Asher, even though it is your parents?

[Asher]

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
Engines in European cars tend to be a lot more refined rather than the huge chunks they stick in the American fuelguzzlers. My car is only 60bhp, but because it is only small it shifts fine, I can cruise on motorways at a steady 90mph thanks Are you going to tell us about 'your' car again Asher, even though it is your parents?

A 60bhp car is almost a road hazard here.

You wouldn't be able to accelerate fast enough to safely merge on freeways.

I don't get your refined comment. If by American cars, you mean the American automakers, then that's obvious. But the bestselling cars in the US are Japanese cars, Hondas and Toyotas, which are certainly more refined engines than Peugeot/Renault, and on-par with VW and the like.

There are lots of good Euro carmakers and there's lots of crap ones.

[Provost Harrison]

Excuse me Asher, but your argument about the acceleration is complete bullsh*t, I have no problem merging onto motorways or other such major roads. Do tell, what is the speed limit on your 'freeways'.

[Asher]

120km/h

But people can go +15km/h over the speed limit without having to pay for a ticket here.

[Provost Harrison]

Approximately the same here too, yet people generally drive at about 140-150km quite routinely. And I have no problem in my car, despite the fact it only has 60bhp. Don't underestimate little cars...

[Asher]

I'm sure if it's small enough it isn't a problem.

I wouldn't be caught dead driving a <1 tonne car in the winter here though.

[Provost Harrison]

If you're not careful driving in ice no matter what car you are driving you will end up dead...

[Asher]

No doubt, but it's also very hard for you to predict how everyone else is going to behave on the road.

I have faith in my own abilities but not that of most other people.

[red_jon]

Why not get a Reliant Robin? I'm sure they'll handle the icy roads of Canada terrifically.

[Dis]

changing oil is important. On navy ships we can run the oil through a purifier and filter. But of course automobiles don't have the ability to clean the oil. So regular changing is important to remove impurities from the oil.

[Provost Harrison]

Cars have oil filters Dissident Although the condition of them still means it has to be replaced, like on any engine.