Regular oil changes are essential for the efficient running and long, reliable service life of your
vehicle’s engine. Oil serves as the lubricant for your engines moving parts and
prevents wear and corrosion that would otherwise occur with even the toughest
materials. In normal everyday operation, an engine experiences extreme forces
and loads which are transferred through precision machined bearing surfaces to
produce the rotary forces that drive the rest of the drivetrain.[1]
Over time in operation, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with particulates, unburned
fuel and microscopic metallic particles from normal wear. These contaminants
reduce the film strength and lubricity and dilute the oil which in turn
increases engine wear, introducing more oil contamination and further engine
wear in a cycle that is only stopped by each oil change. [2] Even new, sealed
oil is only guaranteed for 3 years in the packaging due to oxidation and molecular
breakdown over time. This is where James
S Graham & Co comes in.
James S Graham & Co has over 60 years of experience in all forms of engineering and
understand that attention to detail matters. Our team of experienced engineers
understand the importance of regular servicing and have many vehicles between ourselves
and our customers that have each covered over 150,000 miles with no signs of
slowing down. We have researched and tested the best methods to reduce wear,
maintain efficiency and increase engine life and while oil chemistry has advanced
significantly with innovation and development that is genuinely improving
operating wear and emissions, long oil change intervals have been designed by
vehicle manufacturers to meet customer convenience.
We understand that an oil change, or any other service without your vehicle is an inconvenience,
but we strongly recommend that all vehicles, regardless of age or suggested
service interval, have a flush and oil + filter change every 6,000 miles or
once a year (whichever is sooner).
One of the main benefits of regular oil changes is maintaining long-term engine performance.
Flushing the engine and removing the old oil also removes dissolved contaminants
that may not reach the filter. By changing the oil every 6,000 miles, sludge
buildup is significantly reduced, keeping the piston rings and cylinders clean
and preventing the cause of oil consumption. Low oil consumption in turn
reduces emissions, eliminates inconvenient and expensive oil top ups while
reducing wear ensures your engine runs as smooth as possible with equal
and stable compression.[3] By staying on top of oil changes, you can enjoy a
more reliable, confident driving experience with a vehicle you feel you can
trust.
Equally as important as the need for oil changes is the requirement for the correct oil.
It is a long-standing myth that all oils are basically the same. While most older vehicles relied almost purely on the SAE
viscosity (5W-30, 10W-40, etc) [4], modern vehicles require oils which provide
more specific technical properties defined by ACEA (European Automobile
Manufacturers Association) specifications. Most notable are vehicles with
diesel and petrol particulate filters which require low-SAPS (sulphated ash,
phosphorus, and sulphur) oils which when combusted, produce fewer contaminants
that would otherwise damage and clog exhaust aftertreatment systems.[5]
Whatever your vehicle may be, our engineers select only the highest
quality oils, with the latest additives that match the exact specifications set
out by the vehicle manufacturer. We firmly believe regular, affordable oil
changes are the easiest way to keep your vehicle running at its best for every
mile to come.
Overall, regular oil changes are essential for maintaining
the health and performance of your vehicle. By entrusting your vehicle to James
S Graham & Co, you can rest assured that it will receive the care it needs
to keep running reliably for years to come. Don’t wait until it’s too late –
schedule your next oil change today at www.jamessgraham.com
and experience the benefits for yourself.
[1]: Liqui Moly Tasks of Engine Oil:
https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/gb/service/everything-that-moves-you/tasks-of-the-motor-oil.html
[2]: Liqui Moly Importance of oil changes: https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/gb/workshop-services/oil-change.html
[3]: Valvoline What is sludge: https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-eur/what-is-engine-sludge/
[4]: Ford Importance of correct oil specifications https://www.ford.co.uk/support/how-tos/oil-change/oil-change-information/which-engine-oil-should-i-use
[5]: Valvoline Guide to Low-SAPS: https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-eur/low-saps-lubricants/
For more information visit:
James S Graham & Co | vehicle engineer | Kingston upon Thames, UK
https://www.jamessgraham.com/
Acre Road 73
For over 60 years, James S Graham & Co has been specialising in all forms of precision engineering , vehicle restoration and servicing. Our experts can advise and repair a wide range of issues covering most manufacturers and models, from general servicing to restoration and complete rebuilds covering south west London and Surrey. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and one of our team will work with you to keep your vehicle running at its best.
