Choosing The Right Motor Oil

Motor oil is one of those items that most drivers take for granted. Everyone realizes that their cars need it to operate properly, but few know the differences between oil types. And fewer still understand viscosity ratings. The type you put into your car will have a long-term impact on the performance of the engine and can prevent it from experiencing excess wear and tear. In today’s column, you’ll learn about viscosity ratings, “straight weights,” and synthetics. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a good understanding of which type of motor oil your car needs.

Viscosity Ratings

At its most basic level, viscosity means thickness. The higher the rating, the thicker the substance. For example, water is a low-viscous fluid while syrup is highly viscous. To understand what this means for your car and the engine, consider what happens when you start your car. The oil circulates through the car parts, reaches the valvetrain, and lubricates everything. High-viscosities (for example, 20W-40) won’t circulate as quickly as those with a lower rating (for example, 5W-30).

In cold weather, thinner solutions are more appropriate. They make starting your car engine easier, causing less wear and tear. That said, thicker viscosities are usually better for engines that operate at higher temperatures. For example, a tow truck with a V-8 that operates in extremely hot weather will be better served with a thicker lubricant because it provides extra temperature protection.

What Are “Straight Weights?”

Straight weights are single-viscosity oils. They’re not used very often in cars that are sold to consumers, but a lot of vintage car owners prefer them. Straight weights don’t have the temperature range that multi-viscosities do. If you insist on using them (and there aren’t many reasons why you should), keep a close watch on your engine’s temperature. Straight weights include 10W, 20W, 30W, 40W, and 50W. The latter two are generally used for heavy equipment, so don’t use them in your car.

Synthetics

The best type of motor oil to use are synthetics. They provide more protection from higher temperatures than straight weights or multi-viscosities and your engine will generally perform better. The only downside is the cost: synthetics are priced at nearly triple the cost of the others. But, if your budget can withstand the hit, they’ll provide a significant advantage over straight and multi-weights.

So, which type should you use? 5W-30 is appropriate for most new cars because it’s thin and circulates easier on a cold start. However, if you’re doing a lot of your driving on the freeway (high speeds equal high temperatures), use a 10W-30. And if you’re operating a performance car, synthetics are definitely the way to go.

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Car Repair: Basics Of A Valve Job

If you put a lot of miles on your car, or you’ve purchased a used vehicle that already has a lot of mileage, you’ll eventually need a valve job. The valves open and close, controlling how much air and fuel reach your engine’s cylinders. When there’s a problem, it can have an impact on your engine’s power. Cars usually need to have the valves looked at after reaching 80,000 miles. If neglected, you’ll likely notice the performance of your car declining. Below, I’ll describe a few reasons to have a mechanic look at your car’s intake valves. I’ll also provide a brief overview of a valve job.

Reasons To Have A Valve Job

A lot of older model cars that have a lot of mileage can experience problems with the intake valve. Because the valve plays a key role in allowing air and fuel into your car’s engine (through the cylinders), a problem can slowly deteriorate the power of your engine. Also, if a crack occurs in the cylinder head, coolant can reach the combustion chamber. When that happens, it can damage your engine’s cylinders. Finally, if your car has a burned intake valve, the engine may begin burning oil (you’ll likely be able to smell it). If you continue to drive with a faulty valve, you’ll notice a reduction in horsepower and even smoke billowing from your car’s exhaust.

What Is Involved?

A car technician will start by taking apart the cylinder head. He’ll want to check for tiny cracks or any signs of warping. If he finds any cracks - even small ones - he might be able to repair them through welding if the head is aluminum. If the cylinder head is made from cast iron, he may be able to fix the cracks with pinning (i.e. threading pins to seal the cracks). If he’s unable to repair them, the head will need to be replaced.

Once the cracks in the cylinder head have been repaired, it will usually be pressure tested for any leaks. Then, the technician will test the head for flatness to ensure it fits seamlessly with the head gasket. The valves and seats are then examined to check whether they need to be replaced or relined. A lot of repair shops will simply replace the valves instead of repairing them. Doing so helps to prevent failure due to overheating. Also, if the head’s seats are worn too badly, they’ll be replaced, as well.

Finally, the technician will look at the valve springs, including the retainers, to ensure they can provide sufficient pressure. If they’re damaged in any way, they’ll be replaced. Once all of the parts have been inspected, repaired, or replaced, the components are reassembled and the valves are “shimmed” to make sure they’re the right height.

Some drivers aspire to doing their own valve jobs. While it’s certainly possible with the proper equipment, it’s time-intensive and requires precision. Unless you’re unusually familiar with your car’s engine and cylinder head, you should have a trained mechanic perform the job.

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