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Cars
today can cover substantial distances before requiring oil-changes.
However even if the oil does not wear out, it could become contaminated
(with the by- products of the combustion process and with the metallic
debris worn from the moving parts) or even drain out due to an external
leakage. Insufficient lubrication results in greater friction between
metal parts and could lead over-heating and eventual seizure. Hence
neither the oil-change nor frequent dipstick checks must be neglected.
Lubrication is required mainly for the engine and the transmission
and the oil specifications should be strictly as indicated by the
manufacturer.
Replacement of the engine oil is required every 5000-8000 kms. The
oil-indicator on the dashboard should be checked make sure that
oil-level has not depleted due to leakage. The oil-filter should
be replaced every 10,000 kms.
The transmission oil need not be changed as often as the engine
oil, and replacement is required once every 20,000 kms. Special
gear-oils need to be used for automatic transmissions.
Indications
that your transmission oil needs change are:
- Gear is sticky and not moving smoothly
- Grinding sound while shifting gears.
The oil inspection should always be carried out with the car on
level ground. The oil should never be checked directly after a drive,
but either before starting the car or a few minutes after the engine
has been turned off.
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