Oil changes are one of the more inexpensive services when it comes to routine maintenance. Oil changes are definitely cheaper compared to a repair bill for repairs related to maintenance neglect.
Engine oil plays three vital roles in a modern internal combustion engine. First off it helps keep engine components lubricated and working smoothly together. Secondly, motor oil helps draw heat away from the combustion chamber where thousands of detonations are happening every minute. Lastly, engine oil helps prevent carbon and varnish from building up in the engine.
In today’s world, there are several different options when it comes to oil types. There are conventional oils, part synthetic oils, and full synthetic oils. While the majority of German vehicles require full synthetic oil, your owner’s manual will tell you what the correct type of oil is to be used in your vehicle.
The most confusing part of buying oil for a customer is usually the weight of the oil. All oil containers will present a weight in the form of something along the lines of “5w30”. The “w” stands for winter, not weight or watt. The first number, in this case the “5w” simply means that the oil has a certain viscosity or flow at low temperatures. The second number “30” simply means that the oil has a certain viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius. In both cases the lower the number the thinner the oil. The viscosity of oil is the measure of how much resistance a fluid has to flowing. Your owner’s manual will tell you the correct viscosity of oil to put in the vehicle. Also the viscosity is often stamped on the oil reservoir cap.
Customers are also sometimes confused by certification marks on the oil bottle. The American Petroleum Institute certifies oils based on performance criteria determined by automakers, engine builders, and oil producers. Oil that meets these criteria will possess an API certification mark.
The repercussions of not changing your oil or checking your oil levels correctly are very expensive. Old or low oil can cause several issues. The first problem is that oil will buildup in the cooler parts of the engine such as the crankcase and around the camshafts. This could result in an expensive bill for engine cleaning or replacement of worn out piston rings. An even worse situation is that the engine’s pistons could eventually seize or the camshafts could be damaged. These repairs easily exceed $1,500.00.
Bavarian’s technician would be more than happy to provide you with quick oil change services but you can also measure and monitor your oil on your own. First, pull out the dipstick and clean the dipstick off using a lint free rag. Next, insert the dip stick back into the dip stick pipe. Sometimes you have to turn the dipstick and apply a little pressure; the dipstick pipe is curved and the dipstick will bend so do not fear breaking the dipstick. Next, pull the dipstick out again and look at the film of oil on the end of the stick. The film should lie in the middle of the add and full lines. If it is below the add line add small amounts of oil at a time and check after you add each amount. Once the correct level is achieved, put the dipstick back into the pipe and you are done