Many novice motorists are faced with the problem of topping up and changing oil. Often, you do not need to go to a car service to top up the lubricant in power unit. In this article, we will consider specifications and methods for adding lubricant to the motor.
Where to put oil in the engine
The most frequently asked questions - how to add oil to the engine, topping up interval and where to fill engine oil. Knowing a little the design features of the power units, you can immediately guess that filling and topping up the engine lubricant is carried out through the filler neck located on the cylinder head cover.
As you know, during the operation of the power unit, the oil gradually leaves. There can be various reasons for this: leakage, combustion of lubricant, and others. The average recommended consumption of engine lubricating fluid is 100-200 grams for every 1000 km of run. This figure may vary depending on design features engine.
How to add oil to the engine correctly? First you need to determine the amount of lubricant in the motor. For this, there is a special device called a probe. If we consider it in more detail, then on its surface you can find marks - a minimum and a maximum. The lubricant level must be between these marks.
If the amount is rapidly approaching the minimum mark, then it is recommended to top up the oil. It should be noted that adding motor fluid you need the one that is filled in the motor. If you add another, then this can affect the operation of the power unit, as well as increase the wear of the motor components.
Many vehicle owners are interested in whether it is possible to add oil to the engine in other ways. The answer is clearly no. The car manufacturer has provided a procedure for adding oil to the engine and must be followed.
Reasons for changing engine oils
Any engine oil has its own expiration date when used inside the engine. internal combustion. So, the loss of physical and technical qualities motor lubricant leads to increased wear of the power unit of the motor. Let's take a look at how different technical indicators oil for the operation of the power unit.
Loss of physical properties
The loss of the physical properties of the lubricating fluid means the loss of lubricating qualities. When engine oil has lost such properties, increased wear of parts begins, which leads to abrasion of the cylinder walls, as well as the accumulation of metal dust. This contributes to the loss of the chemical qualities of the oil.
Loss of chemical properties
Engine oil, in addition to acting as a lubricant, also acts as a heat sink and protection structural elements. With the loss of chemical properties, the oil is very hot, but does not remove the generated heat to the walls of the cylinder block, which does not provide additional cooling.
After the loss of chemical properties, the protection of the walls of the cylinder block disappears and scratches form on it, and the protection also disappears. crankshaft, which causes increased wear of the necks.
The process of changing the lubricant
It is recommended to change the oil after 10-15 thousand kilometers, depending on the type and design of the engine. An important role in the interval for changing the lubricant is also played by the recommendation of the manufacturer. How much oil to fill in the engine is also indicated by the manufacturer, and for each engine model, the indicator will be different.
Can oil be poured hot? Possible, but not safe for humans. Pour engine lubricating fluid in the power unit can not be hot engine as you may get burned. Automotive craftsmen strongly recommend changing the oil to a cooled engine.
Basic engine oil change processes
Changing the oil in a car engine is one of the easiest maintenance operations. vehicle. As practice shows, many motorists carry out the process on their own.
Consider the basic procedures for changing the lubricant:
- Let the power unit cool down.
- We dismantle the engine protection, if any.
- Unscrew the fill plug.
- We are waiting for the lubricant to escape.
- We change the oil filter.
- We twist drain plug and install the motor protection back.
- We unscrew the filler neck and fill in the oil, in the required amount.
- We begin to operate the car, until the next maintenance.
Conclusion
Changing and topping up the oil must be done on time, in accordance with the regulations for the maintenance of the power unit. Yes, untimely Maintenance will lead to increased wear of individual parts and assemblies of the power unit. It is recommended to carry out maintenance according to technical charts to a specific motor.
What is coolant for, inexperienced drivers will ask? But for what: antifreeze is necessary to cool the motor, and in general, the entire cooling system supplies and circulates the coolant in the motor of the machine.
In order for the cooling system car engine worked fine, every motorist should know how to properly and correctly top up and fill in antifreeze. This topic will be comprehensively covered in this article.
So, we know that without the correct operation of the SOD, the engine can overheat, in addition, with poor-quality cooling, corrosion processes can occur. Antifreeze or antifreeze is recommended to be replaced every 40 thousand kilometers, but according to experts, such a replacement must be done annually
High quality antifreeze avoids corrosive processes, it is softer in structure and has many additives, its characteristics differ markedly from cheap liquids in a number of ways.
There is a lot of information about antifreeze or antifreeze and how they act in the engine system too. However, not many people understand how they are properly topped up or filled, and the condition of the engine and, in general, the entire operation of your car depends on this.
What you need to know when topping up antifreeze
It should be reminded of this important rule: Do not mix refrigerants with different specifications. When mixing such a cocktail, as a rule, a precipitate falls out that will not evaporate in the air and will not disappear, but will systematically settle on thin radiator tubes and other parts of the SOD and coke in the delicate parts and mechanisms of the system. That is why manufacturers recommend the use of those antifreezes that are suitable for your car, and those that are approved and initially fill the car's cooling system.
Many motorists are wondering if it is possible to add water to antifreeze? The question is quite interesting, in small quantities and observing the correct proportions, such a method is possible, but on condition that it is distilled water, and not tap water with various impurities in the form of chlorine, sodium, potassium and other chemical elements.
You should not focus on the color of the coolant, it will only confuse you completely. The quality and composition of antifreeze does not depend on the color of antifreeze. Sometimes, liquids of the same shade can be completely different. chemical composition, and vice versa, multi-colored antifreezes will be compatible with both structure, additives, and base. Therefore, when buying, you should pay attention not to the color of the coolant, but to its composition and main characteristics.
How to fill antifreeze in SOD
Modern cars require an attentive attitude, not only because they are quite expensive, but also because they are equipped with complex innovative mechanisms and systems. Today, antifreeze is mainly used to fill the engine, and we will take it as an example when analyzing this issue.
Important! The main mistake of motorists is pouring antifreeze into the radiator bell. Only those models that are disassembled have a special hole.
But initially, the integral radiator system is not intended for pouring coolant into it. It is necessary to pour in liquid through an expanded tank, which allows it to be evenly distributed over all nodes of the cooling system.
When the coolant is completely replaced with a new one, it is necessary to free all collapsible parts from the old antifreeze by removing liquid residues from them, and its residues must drain through an additional plug, which is located on the bottom of the radiator.
Of course, each hotel car has its own modification of the cooling system, so the owner should have an instruction manual to help. For example, English brands have non-standard drains and special holes for pouring liquid. In general, the antifreeze filling procedure is not complicated, and each car owner can carry it out independently.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the coolant
Buying antifreeze
First you need to purchase an antifreeze that is suitable in all respects. As a hint, you can use the car's operating instructions, which necessarily contain the appropriate recommendations.
We start the car
Drain the old antifreeze
The next step is to drain the old antifreeze from all parts of the cooling system. Here the important point is the correct setting of the car - the front should be slightly lower than the rear. This will allow the liquid to actively drain from all parts.
Next, we listen to the plug of the expansion tank to remove excess pressure. The coolant cools down pretty quickly, so you won't run the risk of getting burned, but you should be careful when opening the plug. Then the outlet for draining in the radiator opens, of course, into containers specially placed under it, which must subsequently be disposed of.
We flush the system
After completely getting rid of the old coolant, a complete flushing of the system is performed. Such an event is held if you switch to using new brands of antifreeze or when the cooling system requires urgent maintenance, as it has not been carried out for a long time. With the help of distilled water, corrosive deposits are washed off and traces of scale are removed.
Particularly difficult contaminants are removed using a special flush. Water allows you to get rid of dirt on the nodes of the system in 10 minutes of washing, if this is not enough, you can repeat the procedure several times. At the same time, parts are checked for wear. If they require replacement, this is the best time to check the gaskets, pipes, fittings.
Pour in new antifreeze
After the final cleaning of all parts of the system, a new working fluid is poured into the radiator neck or expansion tank. Attention is required here, especially for those motorists who perform such an action for the first time: it is important not to confuse the holes and instead of the expansion tank, do not pour antifreeze into the washer tank, they are nearby and similar appearance. There is no need to rush, but do not make stops either, since if air enters the system, a long pumping of the engine will be required.
Note! Fluid level matters a lot. In the radiator, this is the mark at the bottom, it shows the maximum value (risks). In the drain tank, this is the maximum mark, there the liquid diverges into different parts of the system and therefore the volumetric indicators will decrease.
Bleeding excess air
After pumping antifreeze, remove air from the cooling system. Air can be bled using a screw located in the engine block. When the first drops of antifreeze appear, you can be sure that all the air is bled. The faucet is turned back up to the stop.
We start the car
After completing all the manipulations, you need to start the engine and leave it in working condition, while every five minutes it is necessary to do gassing with a return to its previous state. Then the engine is turned off and the level of antifreeze in the tank is checked. If necessary, the liquid must be topped up to a normal level. It is recommended to check the level daily after complete replacement liquids. At this time, it is possible to identify hidden problems in the system that were not previously known.
It would seem that the process is quite complicated, but in fact it is quite affordable for any car owner. It is worth doing such manipulations once, as the whole sequence of actions will be clear. For the first time, it is better to use the help of experienced drivers. But if you are afraid to replace the antifreeze yourself, in any car service you will be provided with this service by specialists for a certain amount of money.
How to add antifreeze yourself
It is necessary to add coolant to the car engine only through the appropriate hole located on expansion tank. What exactly needs to be done:
Remove the cap and check for fluid. If the level is at the minimum mark, this is a reason to be wary. At the maximum level, there is also a fear of a system failure. The best option is the golden mean.
Usually, topping up antifreeze occurs more often in winter, since the liquid is lost when the engine cools and heats up during machine downtime and idling. Do not be upset that the antifreeze decreases - this is a normal process in the winter. But if the liquid decreases too quickly, then you should think about checking the system or replacing the refrigerant with a more stable one. You need to choose an antifreeze with a different formula that can withstand freezing and expansion.
Conclusion
- If you act in accordance with the instructions, then replacing antifreeze or topping it up will not cause difficulties even for the most inexperienced driver. But that doesn't mean that this process requires a highly independent approach. Auto repair shops provide a similar service and therefore, in case of any doubt, you can use the services of specialists.
- You can not mix antifreezes of different brands, you should not focus on their color. The selection of coolant must be done exclusively in accordance with the brand recommended for the car.
The main unit of any vehicle is its internal combustion engine (ICE), gasoline or diesel. How well it works will determine the reliability of your car while traveling. BUT good job power plant ensured by the presence of high-quality motor lubrication in the required volume. Every motorist must know how to add oil to the engine if its level is below the minimum required.
Why motor oil is so important for the engine
The lubricant composition performs several essential functions, without which the motor will not work. In this case, one should take into account the fact that the engine lubrication is under very heavy loads. Temperature fluctuations inside the internal combustion engine sometimes reach several hundred degrees. It should be taken into account that such conditions should not affect the basic functional properties of the lubricant mixture. What are the benefits of motor oil to the engine?
Lubrication performs many functions to save the power unit. That is why it is necessary to periodically add a certain amount of oil to the engine so that its level is never below the minimum.
Consequences of excess and deficiency
The rule says that the number oily liquid when the engine is warm, it should be at the middle level of the probe, between the min and max marks. How to measure it correctly? It is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature by making a short trip. Then stop the car on level ground, turn off the engine and wait 15–20 minutes until the oil composition drains into the crankcase. After that, open the hood, remove the dipstick and wipe it dry with a rag. Then it is inserted again, and the level is measured, which is already clearly visible along the edge of the oil strip. If this edge is located between the min and max marks, you can not worry while continuing to operate the car. But if he goes beyond this zone, there can be serious trouble.
overflow
It seems to many novice motorists that the more lubricant in the motor, the better it works. Some try to fill the liquid exactly to the max mark and above, believing that "you can't spoil the porridge with oil." Is it possible to add oil to this level? The answer will be unequivocal - no. The first symptom is a deterioration in the cranking of the power unit. The oil mixture has a certain viscosity, and its excess amount further increases the resistance to any movement. Therefore, it appears increased consumption fuel. This is far from the most unpleasant phenomenon. Other consequences are starting to show.
Expansion of the oil liquid at high temperatures creates pressure on gaskets, oil seals, as well as other sealing parts, above the norm. Gradually, they begin to squeeze out, as a result of which lubricant will flow. This is especially true for crankshaft oil seals, to the bearings of which grease is supplied under pressure. Everything ends up getting dirty. engine compartment and seals will need to be replaced. Other symptoms:
- difficult starting of the engine in frosty weather;
- the formation of an excess amount of soot, the appearance of coke inside the cylinder-piston group, the "occurrence" of the rings;
- foaming of the composition, the result of which will be oil starvation of engine parts.
As you can see, the consequences of overflow can be catastrophic.
underfilling
Lack of enough lubricant also adversely affects the power unit. There is an oil starvation of parts. Lubrication either does not come at all, then they work “dry”, or comes in completely insufficient quantities, unable to form a high-quality oil film between the contacting surfaces.
Another consequence is education. air locks inside the lubrication system, which will run through the channels. The crankshaft will start to rotate without lubrication, chips will form, which will definitely fall into the oil. The crankshaft counterweights will not be able to scoop up and spray grease on the cylinder walls, so the pistons will jam sooner or later. That is why it is necessary to regularly check the level of the lubricant, and then top up if necessary.
How to add lubricant inside the engine
How to add oil to the engine if its level is below the minimum? Let's start with the fact that in the trunk of a car there should always be a liter canister with exactly the same oil that is inside the engine.
Mixing different oil formulations is highly undesirable. This can be done only as a last resort, when there is no other way out, and then immediately drain the cocktail and fill the engine with a normal fresh composition.
If the engine fluid being poured is heavily consumed by waste - for example, 1 liter per 1000 kilometers, you should think about increasing the high-temperature viscosity of the lubricant. Some manufacturers, such as KIA, offer a low-viscosity 0W20 oil composition for their new cars. For some time, its consumption will be normal, fuel consumption will be minimal. But as the run progresses, the gap between the parts will increase, which will lead to an exorbitant waste of lubricant. Therefore, it will be necessary to switch to a higher viscosity. For example, an alternative would be a fluid with a viscosity of 5W30.
Topping up the oil inside the motor is very simple. Open the hood and locate the grease filler neck. Usually it is located above the cylinder-piston block of the engine. It may have an inscription indicating the desired viscosity of the lubricant mixture - for example, 5W-30. Or such an inscription: Oil Fill. After detection, the neck must be opened by unscrewing the lid. Next, you need to insert a funnel so as not to splash liquid on the engine. It is necessary to add oil in small portions, periodically measuring with a dipstick after each such action. Top up to a level that will be in the middle between the minimum and maximum marks - this is the best indicator.
The question: “How to add oil to the engine?”, Arises when the level of the engine mixture drops below the “minimum” mark on the dipstick. At the same time, it is important to do it by topping up the oil correctly so that the liquid does not exceed the permissible norm.
Before adding engine oil to the engine, you need to find out what kind of fluid is in the power unit. If you have just purchased a car, check this information with the previous owner of the car. Then buy oil of the same brand and viscosity. We recommend that you look at the book on the operation of the car and find out the viscosity of the motor fluid necessary for normal operation the powertrain of your vehicle. Before buying a mixture, read the labeling of motor oils - this will help you buy quality products, not a fake.
It is necessary to add engine fluid if its level is below the “minimum” mark on the dipstick. Keep in mind that when the drive is hot, the oil is inside it, and when the power unit is not warmed up, the engine mixture flows to the sump. The oil level immediately after driving will be lower, because the oil expands and flows through all the components of the motor, for more reliable measurements, it is worth letting the engine stand for 15-20 minutes after it stops - this time is enough for the power unit to cool and drain the liquid to the sump.
How to add oil to the engine - video
How to add oil to the power unit?
It is necessary to fill in the engine mixture correctly, trying not to overfill the liquid above the norm, so follow this sequence:
Add oil to the drive consciously, a significant excess of fluid above the norm can lead to increased pressure inside the motor - this is the way to overhaul engine.
During the operation of the machine, the density of the coolant poured into the engine decreases, which leads to the loss of its frost-resistant properties, and, as a result, sooner or later the moment comes when it needs to be replaced. There are two points of view as to when replace antifreeze: someone says that the procedure should be done every 45,000-50,000 ways, and someone thinks that the coolant should be replaced once a year. However, technological progress does not stand still, and some manufacturers claim that there are antifreezes that are ready to take care of a car for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. However, there is one "BUT": it should be filled only in clean system, otherwise, when mixing old and new liquid, the latter will lose its properties.
How do you determine if you need to replacement of antifreeze? The most common way is to dip a special test strip into the liquid. The procedure is extremely simple, everyone once did this in chemistry lessons. Such strips are offered by almost all antifreeze manufacturers. Upon contact with liquid, the indicator changes color, by which, using a special scale, you can determine the state of antifreeze and decide whether replacement is necessary.
If the test nevertheless showed that you need to change the fluid, do not rush to run to the service center and give money. The procedure can be done independently. At the same time, safety is very important - the substance is toxic. After you have found something to do for your child and dog, go to the car and find the radiator cap under the hood. Yes, and one more important point: Antifreeze should be replaced only on a cold engine, it is extremely dangerous to do this on a hot one. After removing the radiator cap, find another cap - this time the drain cap. Place the bucket down and open the lid. Antifreeze will pour. At the end of the process, check all hoses for integrity.
Before filling in new fluid, the system must be flushed to get rid of rust and deposits that ordinary water cannot remove. Need to fill a bottle special means into the radiator and add distilled water to the brim. Covers must be closed. Then start the engine and let it warm up. Then turn it off and, after waiting for it to cool, drain the liquid.
Fill with new antifreeze according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The concentration of the substance in the system should not exceed 70%, and the optimal ratio is 50% antifreeze and 50% water. After filling, turn on the engine and the heating in the cabin to the maximum so that the antifreeze is evenly distributed throughout the system and air bubbles come out of the cooling system.