How To Change Your Oil

One of the cornerstones of do-it-yourself car maintenance jobs is the home oil change. It's a simple process that requires few tools, and it's a sure way to save some money while you avoid the hassle of sitting in a dull waiting room somewhere reading outdated magazines. More than anything, the basic oil change is a great way to connect with your vehicle and take some control over its maintenance. The time you spend under the hood and under...

Changing your motor oil : Manual

Motor oil is a critical part of your car’s engine and should be regularly checked and changed to ensure your vehicle runs properly. However, there are a number of myths about motor oil and its use. Some of the myths might have been true in the distant past but no longer apply with modern cars and oils. To help clear up any confusion, here are some common motor oil myths that you can finally put to rest. Oil should be changed every three...

How often should I change my oil?

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the oil once a year or every 7,500 miles in passenger car and light truck gasoline engines. For diesel engines and turbocharged gasoline engines, the usual recommendation is every 3,000 miles or six months. If you read the fine print, however, you'll discover that the once a year, 7,500 mile oil change is for vehicles that are driven under ideal circumstances. What most of us think of as "normal"...

Semi-Synthetic vs Fully-Synthetic

There are two main types of base oil: mineral and fully synthetic. Engine oils labelled as “part-” or “semi-synthetic” or “synthetic technology” contain a mixture of these two types. Why synthetic is better than ‘natural’ Natural products are traditionally considered to be ‘better’ than synthetic ones. In the case of engine oil, however, Shell scientists have succeeded in developing a range of synthetic products with better...