Driving enthusiasts know that winter poses significant challenges for vehicles. Just as people wear thick clothes to keep warm, vehicles also need special care, especially their engines. During vehicle maintenance, there are several misconceptions that, if not corrected, can lead to counterproductive results. Using a road wrecker as an example, let’s discuss some common misconceptions about maintaining specialized vehicles.
1. “The more expensive the engine oil, the better”
Many people assume that pricier engine oil is always superior. This is a misconception. High-quality engine oil typically has a thinner oil film, offering better protection. It excels in cleaning, sealing, enhancing power, reducing noise, and ensuring smooth start-ups. However, the tolerances of engine components vary among different vehicle models, especially older engines that might suffer from issues like oil burning and power loss.
2. “The more engine oil, the better”
Some believe that adding more engine oil is beneficial. In reality, excessive engine oil increases the frictional resistance of engine parts, leading to power loss. Excess oil can enter the combustion chamber, causing the engine to burn oil, emit blue smoke, increase oil consumption, and lead to carbon buildup. This can result in pre-ignition, knocking, or even cylinder damage, severely harming the engine. Conversely, too little oil means parts like camshafts and valves won’t get enough lubrication. It’s best to follow the recommended oil quantity and check the oil level before each drive to ensure it’s neither too much nor too little.
Easy-to-Ignore Points
Adding oil when the engine is cold:Avoid changing the oil when the engine is cold, especially in winter. Cold oil has poor fluidity, leaving more residue in the engine, making it difficult to drain old oil completely. Change the oil after warming up the engine and letting it cool for a moment, as warm oil flows better and drains more thoroughly.
Regular cleaning of the engine oil pan:During engine operation, impurities in the combustion chamber enter the oil pan through the piston-cylinder wall gap, mixing with metal particles from part wear to form sludge. Small amounts of sludge can suspend in the oil, but larger amounts can clog filters and oil passages, making lubrication difficult and accelerating engine wear, increasing oil consumption, and reducing power. In severe cases, it can cause piston ring seizure and cylinder damage.
Magnetic drain plug: Metal debris from engine wear flows to the oil pan with the oil. A magnetic drain plug attracts and holds these metal particles, greatly protecting the engine. Therefore, when changing the oil, also clean the magnetic drain plug.
To ensure that your road wrecker operates efficiently in winter, thorough and meticulous maintenance is essential. Paying attention to the correct amount and type of engine oil is crucial for optimal performance.
