To replace sooner than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. To change or not?
To replace sooner. Do I need to take IT often
How often to change the oil in the engine? Whether to change the oil in the gearbox at all? How often you need to comprehensive? These and other questions of the most common can be seen on automotive Internet forums, comments on websites, automobile magazines and mail editors avoidany.
Sorry, clearly and fully to these questions you can’t answer no auto expert. The fact that sometimes it is enough to follow the recommendations of the manufacturers, but sometimes to replace oil and other fluids and some automobile components have much more than recommended by the manufacturer and dealership.
But where, then, to take accurate advice on car maintenance? Well, first, you can contact a mechanic who is familiar with a certain brand and model of the car. You can also find information on Internet forums or simply common sense, having carefully studied the service schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is mandatory.
Carefully read the table!
The majority of car owners, in deciding the frequency of maintenance of the car in the first place examine the service book and a manual to the machine where, typically, there is a table of required and recommended works on a particular run.
Usually many of us that and stop believing that table, as a history textbook. But you should know that the manufacturer gives its recommendations generally. Meaning you don’t have to strictly observe the time limit prescribed in the service book. Especially if your car is operated under severe conditions.
By the way, many car companies warn about this directly, pointing out in the service book that the number when using the machine in difficult conditions should be more. But what is meant when talking about extreme conditions? Riding on Mars? In fact, everything is easier.
For example, did you know that urban vehicle use is often have difficult conditions for the car? Especially if we are talking about a big city with traffic, which is located in the Northern part of the country where winter recorded sub-zero temperatures and snowfalls.
In particular, you should know that heavy usage conditions of the vehicle include driving with a trailer, and a dynamic drive (when drivers like imbedded). Because of these high loads the engine oil twice quickly loses its properties. That’s why in severe operating conditions of the machine you should change the oil twice as often. This is especially true of those every day not to warm up the engine by operating the machine short distances in the winter.
And it is logical that in a dusty, dirty city in addition to more frequent oil changes also need often to change the air filter, which under such conditions becomes clogged much faster.
This, incidentally, applies to those, who often goes only to the country. You should know that frequent trip on a dusty field is also twice as fast will clog the air filter of your car.
Including in severe conditions you should also frequently change the oil in the gearbox and transmission fluid in bridges. Although, of course, this kind of liquids can last much longer without loss of properties compared to engine oil.
And, of course, you have to keep in mind that all the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance procedures apply to fully functional car. If one of the components began to fail, it is a sign that you need to go to the service outside of the service interval. And, as a rule, in this case, often recommended along with the fixation to hold an extraordinary FACT. However, it all depends on the type of failure.
The picture is a Mandatory condition factory warranty car is the observance of the rules being designed by the vehicle manufacturer and specified in the service book or in the manual to the car. That is, if you arrive at IT later than recommended by the manufacturer, your car can be removed from the guarantee. But no one forbids you to hold IT more often than recommended in the service book!
The responsibility ends with the warranty
Why manufacturers oblige car owners to strictly observe the recommendations on maintenance of the car at a certain mileage? Because modern cars are hardy enough and have a decent life. Remember that the manufacturer is responsible for issued and sold you the car basically for the entire warranty period, which usually is 2-3 years (some brands give 5 years guarantee).
If during the term of the factory warranty, for example, the engine in your car begins to “eat oil” or fails, then … you’re in luck. Your free engine change in the official dealer center.
Naturally, to obtain such protection, car owners have to comply with the regulations. Unfortunately, each company has different warranty. However, all warranty is strictly regulated by Russian legislation. But there are pitfalls. With all the car companies they own.
For example, did you know that not all components fall under a free replacement and free repair in case of failure under the factory warranty? So I advise you to carefully read the warranty car company.
Also keep in mind that when finished the factory warranty, in principle, is mainly the responsibility of the automaker to the consumer ends. But not completely. Don’t forget that there is also a guaranteed lifetime of the vehicle, as well as the warranty on the through corrosion of the body, which, of course, more than the standard factory warranty.
In particular there is still the possibility to extend the standard factory warranty. But this is irrelevant to the car manufacturer. Things like that are already engaged, as a rule, the dealership (service), which offers the owners to extend the warranty by signing a special contract of insurance. But that’s another story.
Oil … in the engine
The most frequent disputes motorists raise the question: “do I Need to change often the oil in the engine?”. In the end, the owners have divided into two camps. Some, for example, argue that the manufacturer recommends to change oil every 15,000 miles, then why should I change the oil more often? According to the camp owners, the modern design of engines, electronics and modern engine oils do allow no harm to the engine to change the oil very often.
Others like to prove conspiracy theories, claiming that the manufacturer is interested in the fact that the engines did not serve long. This side typically insists that the engine oil must be changed twice as often than recommended in the rules. Where is the truth?
And she, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. Plus all depends, as we have said, from the conditions of the vehicle. Plus we must not forget that all recommendations to replace the oil the manufacturer gives for a new car. So it is unlikely that the manufacturer has considered the properties of engine oil with high mileage.
The more the mileage, the greater the development of its internal components. Accordingly, the engine oil in the old engine loses its properties faster. And take into account whether the manufacturer that the engines with high mileage, the fuel may get into the oil, thereby diluting it and reducing the lubricating properties? And take into account whether the automobile that the car owner was able to translate the car to gas? It is unlikely. You have to remember that the working conditions of the engine deteriorate with the passing of kilometers and rarely, when the car achieves great mileage, everything works 100%.
Substitutes for original spare parts in practice
The car leaves the factory with original parts. In case of machine failure during the warranty period for repair at the dealer on the car set original spare part. But when the car loses its warranty, many car owners in the repair and I prefer to save money by purchasing analog parts that are much cheaper than the original.
On the market currently presents a huge selection of aftermarket auto parts, many of which are quite good quality. But, unfortunately, not all analog components are the same. Among them there are a lot of candid Chinese counterfeit, the quality of which leaves much to be desired.
You should know that the most high-quality aftermarket auto parts are components the production of the same manufacturers that supply auto parts to car manufacturers to build new cars.
The only difference these parts from original is the absence of logos of car brands and of course the price tag. Such analog parts, in fact, are the original and most preferred as an alternative to expensive dealer parts. But you should not illusions. Even such parts of the first line do not necessarily have the same quality as the original.
And, of course, there are cheaper analog parts from different manufacturers that compete with major suppliers of car factories. Most often the competition is selling cheaper analogues compared to the original. But, unfortunately, in most cases, non-genuine car components of the second row can boast the same quality that have original spare parts. Often many aftermarket parts do not even have the correct sizes.
Also do not forget about the blatant fakes on the market that littered our country. Today to run into counterfeit parts very easily. So, buying aftermarket auto part, you have to carefully choose the provider. And, of course, no illusions about the fact that the analog part is the same as the original. Do not believe those who say that the aftermarket Cam free pass is exactly the same as the original. The probability of this is small. More risks. However, we have nothing against aftermarket parts. If you want to save money on car maintenance is the best solution.
Accordingly, if you are using for repair and OEM parts according to the maintenance schedule you should increase the amount, within which the master must check all vehicle systems.
Cunning manufacturers
Car company, considering the frequency of exchange of fluids and consumables, taking into account the period of service provided for the entire car. For example, if the manufacturer knows that the lifetime of the vehicle is small (for example, they know that car max will travel 300 000 km), what is the point to take care of the transmission, encouraging customers to frequently change her oil. It’s called the Western approach to business.
In our market it certainly sounds crazy. Nevertheless, our market is gradually starting to play by Western rules. If the machine has a short time service, it is easy to replace motor with a new one. If soon after fly transmission, it is also offered to just replace as a unit to a new. Under such a policy, some companies actually like to claim that their drivetrain is maintenance-free.
But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to change the oil in the gearbox. In any case, if you want to extend the service life of the transmission, it is necessary to periodically change the oil in it. And the more the better. And no matter served in your machine box or not. In any transmission to change the oil. Technology today is complete. No, of course we are not saying that automakers should not be trusted. Just trust, but verify.
On what mileage to change in the car?
Now let us see when that change in the car, based on our examples. To make it more interesting and visually below the recommended interval between the EU countries for many cars. We also show you how often the recommended service interval in Russia.
Well, we forgot to specify recommendations for replacement of certain components during operation of the vehicle in the city on the example of Moscow, which is located in the Northern part of Russia, where it is often winter, recorded a low temperature or sudden changes that significantly affects the wear of automotive components of the vehicle.
Replace the engine oil
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe 30 thousand km or 2 years
Recommended by the manufacturer in Russia with 15-20 thousand miles or every year
When it is desirable actually: 8000-10000 km or every year
According to auto mechanics, today’s change intervals for engine oils, set by automakers, is too long. And the fault here, of course, is not new technology and improving the quality of the oil. It all began long ago, when automakers started the race for the title of who can make the biggest service interval.
But really this is pure marketing, the victims become the consumers. As a result, today in Europe, you can often hear that the oil must be changed no earlier than every 30 000 km In Russia in recent years, more and more manufacturers in the service books recommend changing the oil every 15 000 km.
But in many cars today, the computer decides when it’s time. In the end, the vehicle sends the vehicle owner for oil change, usually much faster. But still an average of about 12 000 km 00-13 Usually the computer analyzes it on the basis of certain algorithms, based on the number of start-up, engine speed, etc.
Mechanics say that you can’t trust computer recommendations, since it ignores many other factors that affect the properties of motor oil in operation. In the end, only more simple in design motor oil can vary in urban environments every 12 000-1 5,000 km In a more complex, engine oil should be changed every 10,000 km or every year. Ideally, of course, is better more often.
Turned the car on gas? Then also forget the manufacturer’s recommended regulations on the oil change. In this case, reduce the mileage between replace at least 25 percent. If we are talking about tough conditions, the gasoline and diesel oil change every 10,000 km and if the car runs on gas every 7 500-8 000 km.
The fuel filter in a diesel engine
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe: 60 thousand km or 4 years
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 30-40 thousand miles or every 2-3 years
When it is desirable actually: 15-20 000 km or every year
The throttling of the engine, difficult starting, lack of power – these symptoms often accompany a diesel car both in winter and summer and can cause clogged fuel filter. Therefore, not only to guarantee a smooth launch, but also to protect the nozzles from damage should change the filter at least every 15-20 thousand miles or once a year – preferably before winter. To save money, you can buy aftermarket filter is the first line (i.e. from the manufacturer, which also supplies filters to the manufacturer).
Timing belt
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe: 60-240 million km, or 6-12 years
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 30-120 thousand km, or every 3-6 years
When it is desirable actually: 15-60 km or every 3 years
Timely replacement of the timing belt is very important – the gap belt often leads to serious engine damage and high repair costs. Is it worth to reduce your mileage and time when you need to change the belt, which the automaker recommends?
A lot depends on make, model, engine design, etc. for Example, there are cars where the manufacturer recommends to change the timing belt every 100 thousand km But despite this, there are many cases when the straps was torn on the smaller mileage. And, unfortunately, these cars a lot.
But regardless of the car you should not forget about the timing belt for a long time. It is recommended from time to time to still check it a lot sooner than advised by the factory. First, the belt may eventually be damaged (e.g. weakened stretch). In the result there is the risk of a cliff before you have a scheduled timing belt replacement.
In this case, do not forget that in many engines the valves can meet pistons, which will inevitably lead to serious damage to the unit, which may not be even repaired. So don’t be lazy and don’t get greedy – check and change the timing belt more often. Especially if your car is used in town, and often idling.
Please note that the above recommendations deal with the timing belt, not chain. If your car has a timing chain, no need to change it more often. The circuit changes if there is increased noise or disturbance to the engine operation.
Air filters
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe: 30-90 thousand km or 4 years
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 15-45 thousand km or every 2 years
When it is desirable actually: 10-30 thousand miles or every year
Dirty air filter will definitely depend on the driving conditions of the vehicle. In the West, many of the streets in the cities are much cleaner than in Russia, it is not surprising that manufacturers recommend on many cars travelling in Europe, to change the air filter every 90 000 km or 4 years. We like impossible. Often in the European Union if IT does not check the condition of the air filter and washed it.
We rarely air filter can last so long. Those conditions are not. We therefore suggest to change this filter more often than recommended automakers selling cars in Russia. Especially if you often drive on dusty roads. Fortunately, air filters are a bit and simply change. So it is better to change as often as possible. So you can be sure that the engine of your car normally breathes.
Replacement coolant
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe for an indefinite period (some manufacturers even dare to write that the antifreeze poured on the whole life of the car)
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 100 thousand miles or every 5 years (every 3 years)
When it is desirable actually: every 50-80 thousand km or every 2-3 years
Control the freezing point of the fluid is insufficient to determine satisfactorily whether it performs its function. An important task of the antifreeze is, for example, protecting the engine components from corrosion.
Manufacturers are saying about the 5-year period of “usefulness” of the coolant (the most popular liquid, old, type, IAT, have a 2-year durability, the latter, on the basis of propylene alcohol, – 7 years), after which it should be replaced by a new one. In fact, you should change the coolant more often.
The oil in the manual transmission
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe: most often on lifetime
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 80-100 thousand km
When it is desirable actually: 40-60 thousand miles or every 3 years
The oil in the manual transmission also loses its properties with increasing mileage. Car owners with manual transmission is not very reliable, such as the Corolla, Fiat and Opel (M32), certainly know about the need to change the oil in the transmission. A regular oil change can protect the bearings from damage and breakage. Worse, when the manufacturer prevents the replacement of oil in gearbox, for example, without installing the necessary drain plug. But it doesn’t matter. The oil in the manual gearbox can be replaced always.
Good opportunity for this is, for example, replacing the clutch, when the oil can be drained by turning the box.
The oil in the “machine”
Recommended by the manufacturer in Europe: most often on lifetime
The manufacturer recommends in Russia: 80-100 thousand km
When it is desirable actually: 40-60 thousand miles or every 3 years
Automatic transmission is a complex structure, which also requires a quality gear oil. Unfortunately, problems with transmission hard to diagnose and expensive to repair. But to avoid this, you should regularly change the oil in the machine. Mechanics have no doubt that a regular oil change of the automatic transmission extends box life. Especially because (at least in the classic box of the Converter, but also in the DSG, for example) the oil is also responsible for the shifting.
Please note that most the oil in the automatic transmission changes along with the filter. As with the manual transmission, many “machines” are no drain plugs. Thus, automakers are trying to make it so that you have not changed the oil in the box. Especially in those machines where in the service book or manual to the car manufacturer stated that the automatic transmission is maintenance-free and oil-flooded it for the whole life.
Sometimesiamanasshole знатьЗаконодательствоТехосмотрЛайфхак
Knowledge base