MOTOR OIL IS YOUR VEHICLES THIRD COOLING SYSTEM
Theres the air-conditioning system and the familiar engine cooling system composed of water pump, radiator and liquid coolant. But many motorists might be surprised to learn that oil also plays an important role in keeping their vehicle cool.
Heat that builds up in moving parts is reduced as oil makes its routine journey through the engine. The air passing under the vehicle as it is driven cools the oil in its pan before re-circulation.
When the oil level is low, the remaining oil has to work harder and hotter. Keeping the level at the full mark ensures proper lubrication and better cooling. Low oil levels are a contributing cause of engine overheating that occurs in millions of vehicles each summer.
Inspecting the oil level in a vehicle engine is easy. Simply remove the engines oil dipstick when the engine is off and has not been running for an extended period. Next, check to see if oil is coating the dipstick up to the full level. Oil needs to be added or changed if the oil coating is below this level.
In the more familiar cooling system, the same mixture that prevents freeze-ups in winter will prevent corrosion build-up in the summera major cause of radiator plugging and overheating. The amount of liquid in the cooling system can be checked by inspecting the cooling system overflow bottle. The proper 50-50 mixture of ethylene glycol and water, commonly called antifreeze, can be checked with a simple test device available at auto part stores
