Let’s say you’re taking a road trip. The car is full, the playlists are ready, and everyone is excited. But as soon as you get on the road, the car starts making an odd sound. Your engine light flashes all of a sudden. The car coughs, sputters, and stops running. And you’re in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to go.
Can you guess what this sad story doesn’t have? Yes, you got it. Good, old-fashioned motor oil is the blood of your car.
Let’s learn more about motor oil, or more specifically engine oil, and how it affects how well and how long your car runs.
How Engine Oil Keeps Things Running
The humble hero is motor oil. Even though we can’t see it, it works hard to keep your car running smoothly. The motor oil has a pretty hard job at the heart of your engine.
Engine oil works like a dedicated lifeguard to keep your engine from getting too hot by reducing friction between its parts. It works as a coolant and a lubricant, making it possible for parts to move over each other without breaking. Yes, it’s the best way to keep peace in your car’s engine.
In the same way that we need the right kind of blood to live, your car needs the right kind of engine oil. You might have heard of phrases like “5w30 engine oil.” Now, don’t be scared by all these technical words! “5w30” is just a grade of oil that tells you how thick it is. A thicker oil, like 5w-30 engine oil, can handle heat better and lubricate better, especially when it’s hot.
I remember a friend who loved to smooth out wood surfaces with a planer. He liked the way the planer went over the grain of the wood. But if you didn’t oil the plane’s blades, they would get dull and stop working. In the same way, if you don’t use the right engine oil, your engine parts can stop working as well, which can affect how well your car runs overall.
The Salvage Operation: Why it’s Important to Change the Oil Regularly
Just like your body wouldn’t work well if your blood was dirty and full of germs, your car’s engine won’t run well if the oil is dirty. This is why oil changes are so important.
At a shipyard, I once saw a salvage job being done. They were trying to save a ship that had sunk and was full of dirt and trash. But as soon as they got rid of the trash and cleaned the ship, it started to work again. The same goes for engine oil. Over time, it gets dirty with dust and loses its ability to do its job. Getting your oil changed on a regular basis is like a salvage operation for your engine. It gets rid of the old parts and puts in the new ones.
The Oil Intifada: Fight for the Health of Your Engine
“Why should I care so much about my engine oil?” you might ask. Think of it as an uprising for the health of your engine. In the same way that the intifada movements try to fight back against oppression, good engine oil helps your engine fight against wear and tear. It’s a fight to keep your car running for a long time.
Years ago, I heard of a mechanic who called oil changes the “intifada of the engine.” I completely agree. If you don’t change the oil in your car’s engine, it’s like putting down a rebellion: you’re just asking for more trouble.
You make the choice.
Motor oil is important, and getting the right kind, like 5w30, can make a big difference. Don’t forget that your car is more than just a machine; it’s your partner, your friend on road trips, and a safe place for your family. So, don’t you agree that it should have the best? Take care of the health of your car. Check and change the oil in your engine on a regular basis, because the longer the oil lasts, the longer your car lasts.
I promise your car will be glad you did. So, shouldn’t you check the oil?
Engine oil is the silent hero.
Do you remember how the planer didn’t work as well without oil? Let’s take the next step. Not only did the oil make the planer work better, but it also helped it last longer. The same rule holds true for your car. Engine oil is the unsung hero that keeps your car running longer and makes it less likely that it will break down or need expensive repairs.
Putting aside the stories, you might wonder how engine oil does this. Well, the magic is in how well it cleans your car’s engine. As it moves through your engine, it picks up dirt and deposits and cleans it away. Plus, it keeps the engine from rusting, which is important if you want it to last a long time.
But your engine oil’s effectiveness doesn’t last forever. Over time, the oil loses its ability to clean and protect, and its properties get worse. That’s why you need to change the oil often. Just like the salvage operation that brought the ship back to life, an oil change gives your engine a new lease on life and gets it ready for thousands of miles of driving.
Quality motor oil was at the heart of the rebellion.
Now, let’s go back to the “rebellion of the engine” for a moment. For your engine to fight the good fight and stand up to wear and tear, it needs a leader: a good motor oil. Whether your car needs 5w30 engine oil or another grade, the right oil is the first line of defense against this, keeping the engine healthy and, in turn, extending the life of your car.
Always make sure you get the right grade of oil for your car. Here, your owner’s manual will tell you what to do. If you ignore this part, you might be putting down the “engine’s intifada,” which could cause the engine to wear out faster and the vehicle to last less long.
In the end, your car is a warrior on the road, and its trusted weapon is the engine oil. And just like a warrior’s sword needs to stay sharp, your car’s engine oil needs to stay clean and up to date for it to run well and last as long as possible. Don’t forget to change your oil on a regular basis, and make sure you choose the right grade for your car. Keep the engine’s rebellion going for the sake of your car and your peace of mind.
Your car shows who you are, how you live, and what you like. By treating it with love and care, you not only make sure it works well for you, but you also extend its life, giving you more time to make memories and find new roads. Both you and your car deserve the best. So, how’s that oil check coming along? It’s time, don’t you agree?