maximize the lifetime of your engine

1. Check engine oil at every other fill-up
   For an accurate reading of the engine’s oil level:

Run or drive your car for about quarter-hour to warm the oil; then park the car during a level place.
Turn off the engine and wait quarter-hour to permit the oil within the engine to empty back to the oil pan.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a towel or rag.
Reinsert the dipstick, being bound to push it altogether the way, then pull it out again to see the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick.
Add the sort and amount of oil as laid out in your owner’s manual, if necessary.

2. Change the oil frequently
   While owner’s manuals for today’s cars recommend increasingly longer intervals between oil changes, the very fact remains — frequent changes flush abrasive dirt and metal particles out of the engine, prolonging its life.

Most owner’s manuals recommend a more frequent interval for “severe conditions”.
To maximize the lifetime of your engine, follow the severe conditions interval recommendations, especially if you drive regularly in stop-and-go traffic.

3. Avoid overfilling your crankcase with oil
   Don’t overfill your engine crankcase with oil. It can rise into the crankshaft, where air bubbles will get churned into the oil.

Your pump can’t do an honest job of circulating oil with air bubbles.
The result are often overheating and stress on engine components.
Overfilling also can foul your spark plugs. In fact, overfilling may be a bad idea with all automotive fluids.

4. Wipe the oil pan plug clean
   If you are doing your own oil changes, clean the drain plug and washer with rags before reinstalling your oil pan.

Some plugs are magnetized to trap metal particles.

5. Consider adding oil coolers
   If you propose to try to to tons of towing and your vehicle isn’t already equipped with coolers, consider having them added.

Aftermarket engine oil and transmission fluid coolers are simple, low-cost add-ons that operate an equivalent principle as your car’s radiator.
The fluid flows through them, and lots of small fins absorb and dissipate heat.
Cooler operating temperatures of engine oil and transmission fluid can add significantly to the lifetime of your engine and transmission.

6. Synthetic oil is best
   Use synthetic lubricant once you change your engine oil. It’s costlier , but your engine will many thanks .

Synthetic oils last longer, get up to high heat and extreme conditions, and have better flow rates when cold than regular oils.
Take care, however, to not void your warranty.
Follow the schedule for oil changes laid out in your manual – a minimum of through the warranty period.

7. Heavier isn’t always better
   Use the oil viscosity grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the approaching season.

Lighter grades (lower viscosity, like SAE 5W-30), often specified for today’s smaller car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved mileage throughout the year, because of less internal engine friction.
Do not use an important grade of oil in cold winter climates otherwise you will risk damage to your engine.