What Oil Change Mistakes Ruin Your Engine?

TL;DR

Avoiding common oil change mistakes is crucial for engine health. Simple errors like draining cold oil, double gasketing, and reusing the drain plug washer can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. Prioritize quality oil and proper procedures to keep your engine running smoothly.

Transcript

Did you know that nearly one in four engine failures are due to stupid mistakes drivers make? And over half of these are caused by poor oil changing habits. That's why we're breaking down 19 oil change mistakes that can wreck your engine. Stick around for the last one because we've all been guilty of it and it's a $4,000 doozy. Let's go. Mistake nu... Read More

Key Insights

• Draining cold oil leaves behind contaminants that can reduce engine life by 30%, so always warm the engine slightly before draining.
• Double gasketing occurs when an old O-ring sticks to the engine block, leading to oil leaks and potential engine failure.
• Reusing the drain plug washer can lead to oil leaks, risking engine starvation and costly repairs up to $7,000.
• Overfilling oil causes foaming, leading to poor lubrication and potential engine damage due to excessive pressure.
• Forgetting to check the oil level after a change can result in low oil levels and engine damage due to poor lubrication.
• Overtightening the drain pan bolt can strip threads or crack the oil pan, leading to expensive repairs.
• Using low-quality filters allows contaminants to circulate, causing wear and potential engine failure.
• Adding new oil without draining old oil results in a contaminated mix that hinders lubrication and causes long-term damage.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the risk of draining cold oil during an oil change?

Draining cold oil leaves behind up to 40% of dirty oil, including heavy contaminants like metal shavings and carbon sludge. These contaminants can settle at the bottom of the oil pan, leading to sludge buildup, which reduces engine life by 30%. Therefore, it's crucial to slightly warm the engine before draining the oil.

Q: Why is double gasketing a dangerous mistake?

Double gasketing occurs when the old rubber O-ring from the oil filter sticks to the engine block and is not removed before installing a new filter. This results in two gaskets being stacked together, preventing a solid seal. The gap created can cause oil to spray out under pressure, leading to a dry, overheating engine.

Q: What are the consequences of reusing the drain plug washer?

Reusing the drain plug washer can lead to improper sealing, causing slow leaks. Over time, this can result in oil starvation, damaging the engine. The washer is designed to create a pressure barrier, and using a deformed washer compromises this function, potentially leading to costly repairs up to $7,000.

Q: How does overfilling oil affect the engine?

Overfilling oil floods the oil pan, causing the crankshaft to whip the oil into foam. Foamy oil cannot lubricate properly, leading to metal grinding, heat buildup, and potential engine damage. Excess oil also creates pressure that seals can't handle, resulting in leaks and costly repairs.

Q: What mistake can lead to inaccurate oil level readings after a change?

Forgetting to check the oil level after an oil change can lead to inaccurate readings. New oil hasn't yet moved through the filter or engine components, so it's essential to run the engine briefly, let it settle, and then recheck the dipstick to ensure proper oil levels, preventing engine damage from low lubrication.

Q: What damage can overtightening the drain pan bolt cause?

Overtightening the drain pan bolt can strip the threads, snap the bolt, or crack the oil pan, especially if it's aluminum. This can lead to oil leaks and costly repairs. It's important to use the correct torque specification or tighten the bolt snugly to avoid damaging the oil pan.

Q: Why is using low-quality filters detrimental to engine health?

Low-quality filters wear out quickly, tear under pressure, and clog too soon, allowing metal bits and sludge to flow into the engine. This causes wear on pistons, bearings, and other components, potentially leading to engine failure. It's crucial to use filters that meet or exceed OEM specifications.

Q: What happens if you add new oil without draining the old oil?

Adding new oil without draining the old oil creates a contaminated mix, diluting the good oil with old, dirty oil full of burn particles, moisture, and sludge. This hinders lubrication, causes parts to grind, heat to build, and leads to long-term engine damage. Always drain old oil before adding new.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video outlines 19 common oil change mistakes that can lead to severe engine damage. These include draining cold oil, double gasketing, and reusing the drain plug washer, among others. Each mistake can result in costly repairs, emphasizing the importance of proper oil change procedures.

• Avoiding these mistakes requires attention to detail, such as ensuring the old O-ring is removed, using new washers, and checking oil levels after a change. Overfilling and overtightening are also highlighted as errors leading to potential engine damage.

• The video stresses the importance of using high-quality oil and filters, as well as following proper procedures to prevent mistakes like mixing old and new oil or checking oil levels on uneven ground. These practices are crucial for maintaining engine health and avoiding costly repairs.