Those who use the car to tow a trailer or caravan should pay extra attention to engine maintenance. It is subjected to additional stress, so the wear is greater. Here’s how many miles should you change the oil on a car that has a tow bar and that you use constantly for towing activities?
The role of engine oil is to ensure correct and efficient operation of the engine. It lubricates the metal components inside the engine to avoid premature wear and destruction due to friction and very high temperatures.
It is also recommended to change the oil filter, which has the role of retaining particles that can damage the engine.
How often is the engine oil changed?
All car manufacturers recommend in the car book how many kilometers the oil should be changed.
But lubricant degradation depends on many factors, not just the number of kilometers a car has driven.
In general, oil and filters are changed at least every 10,000 kilometers or once a year if the car has not covered these kilometers. However, there are lubricants that do not last more than 5,000 kilometers, and others reach more than 20,000 kilometers.
So, the quality of the oil used is very important. Also, the age of the car and the way it is driven influence the rate of oil degradation.
Factors influencing oil change frequency
How often you should change your engine oil and filters is determined by several factors.
The main factors that influence the frequency of oil change are:
- road conditions;
- the distance traveled;
- the type of oil used;
- driving style.
There are other elements that must be taken into account, such as the type of engine, its age and any problems it has.
How many KM do you change the oil on a car that has a towbar?
If the car is routinely used to tow a trailer or caravan then extra attention should be paid to the engine.
„The engine of a car that is constantly towed works at a higher intensity. That’s why it’s good to check the degree of oil wear every 2,000-3,000 kilometers. And my recommendation is that it be completely replaced within 6,000 kilometers. It may seem like a waste of money, but consider that these motors are always running on overload. Even though they are strong and designed to provide high torque, maintenance must be done in relation to the activity for which they are used”, mechanic Robert Marin explained to ProMotor.
So, in a car that has a tow hitch and is regularly used for such activities, the oil change should be done sooner than usual.
Source: www.promotor.ro