Engine oil changes
Discussion
1. It's all in the mind. Like noisy exhausts which may sound faster but often reduce a car's performance.
2. No point putting thicker oil in a car IMO. Doesn't do any harm to burn a bit of oil. You retain correct grade lubrication and the top-ups help the engine by introducing some fresh oil into the sump.
2. No point putting thicker oil in a car IMO. Doesn't do any harm to burn a bit of oil. You retain correct grade lubrication and the top-ups help the engine by introducing some fresh oil into the sump.
161BMW said:
What's the point in changing the oil if u can't feel any difference ?
Seriously? 
I'd like to say I can feel a difference but I think it's all in the mind.
But as long as you THINK you can feel a difference then that's a good thing. The fact that new fluids are good for your car is a nice bonus.
To this end I had all the fluids changed on my Mondeo a few months ago, including the gearbox oil which my mech said is actually for the life of the car. I had it done anyway as it's a nice feeling knowing the car is running on brand new fluids, regardless of whether I could PHYSICALLY feel any difference. (Although I swear it was smoother and quieter!).
Yes I know it looks black etc
But I would have thoughts changing something like engine oil there would be a very small difference in responsiveness or smoothness unless you change the oil every 3000 miles. There will be hardly any difference there compared to say a 15000 mile oil change ?
But I would have thoughts changing something like engine oil there would be a very small difference in responsiveness or smoothness unless you change the oil every 3000 miles. There will be hardly any difference there compared to say a 15000 mile oil change ?
Although oil can be considered a "performance" part, it's not the same as a mechanical tweak where you would quite rightly be expecting a noticeable difference.
Look at it this way; if you were an engine, you would most definately notice the difference an oil change makes.
You're actually right in that there are improvements in responsiveness and smoothness, it's just that they're so microscopically small that you can't feel them. Changing oil is not about those tiny improvements though; it's about ensuring the oilways etc don't get clogged up with teeny bits of crap which eventually will make a very definite difference to how your engine feels!
Look at it this way; if you were an engine, you would most definately notice the difference an oil change makes.
You're actually right in that there are improvements in responsiveness and smoothness, it's just that they're so microscopically small that you can't feel them. Changing oil is not about those tiny improvements though; it's about ensuring the oilways etc don't get clogged up with teeny bits of crap which eventually will make a very definite difference to how your engine feels!
Edited by Centurion07 on Sunday 23 February 13:29
Centurion07 said:
Although oil can be considered a "performance" part, it's not the same as a mechanical tweak where you would quite rightly be expecting a noticeable difference.
Look at it this way; if you were an engine, you would most definately notice the difference an oil change makes.
You're actually right in that there are improvements in responsiveness and smoothness, it's just that they're so microscopically small that you can't feel them. Changing oil is not about those tiny improvements though; it's about ensuring the oilways etc don't get clogged up with teeny bits of crap which eventually will make a very definite difference to how your engine feels!
Good post :-)Look at it this way; if you were an engine, you would most definately notice the difference an oil change makes.
You're actually right in that there are improvements in responsiveness and smoothness, it's just that they're so microscopically small that you can't feel them. Changing oil is not about those tiny improvements though; it's about ensuring the oilways etc don't get clogged up with teeny bits of crap which eventually will make a very definite difference to how your engine feels!
Edited by Centurion07 on Sunday 23 February 13:29
I understand it better now thanks :-)
The only time I really noticed any difference was on my ex wifes Citroen ZX 1.9D. It hadn't had an oil change for so long when i drained it out it was like thick dirty black syrup.
Put some Forte oil flush in and changed the oil for some Mobil semi synthetic and the difference was ridiculous. It could actually rev afterwards and was noticably quicker. Extreme case but transformed the car.
Put some Forte oil flush in and changed the oil for some Mobil semi synthetic and the difference was ridiculous. It could actually rev afterwards and was noticably quicker. Extreme case but transformed the car.
*Al* said:
Fresh oil of the same grade shouldn't 'feel' any different but changing to a higher or lower grader you might. Use the correct grade oil and if changed as per service schedule oil should never become black in colour (contaminated).
I'd be changing the oil every 250 miles in the Saab in that case 
Black oil doesn't mean that it's no longer doing its job and needs changing. Different oils and different engines will darken the oil at different rates and the condition of the oil can't be judged on its colour.
It's been said already, ultimately about prolonging the life of the engine by keeping it cleaned and thoroughly lubricated all round. Why do you think old oil is black and new stuff golden/transparent?
The only car I could feel the difference in was my XR3i, only because the hydraulic tappers were tired. New stuff, never felt any different.
The only car I could feel the difference in was my XR3i, only because the hydraulic tappers were tired. New stuff, never felt any different.
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