WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE OIL AND FILTER?

Normally, you should change the oil once a year. But if you make short trips, it is better to do it more often.

Change of oil and filter

• For vehicles made before 2000, every 7,500 to 15,000 km.
• For vehicles made after 2000, every 15,000 to 30,000 km.

WHEN SHOULD I CHECK THE OIL LEVEL IN MY CAR?

We recommend you check the oil level at least once a month, or every 1000 kilometres: to ensure it has not risen above the maximum level or fallen below the minimum. It is very important always to use the type of oil recommended by the manufacturer. If you follow these guidelines, you will avoid damage to the engine, premature wear, excess fuel consumption or damage to other parts.

WHY DO I HAVE TO CHANGE THE OIL?

• Improve your fuel efficiency of your car
• Extended Engine Life
• Less harmful Emissions being released into the air
• Clean oil keeps it clean and stops the build up of debris in your engine
• To help the performance of the car

EXPRESS MAINTENANCE PLAN

• Change of oil 10W40
• Oil filter
• Check levels
• Safety check: brakes, tyres, shock absorbers
• Vehicle inspection report

PREMIUM MAINTENANCE PLAN

• Everything included in the Express maintenance plan
• Air filter

EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE PLAN

• Everything included in the Premium maintenance plan
• Fuel filter

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT OIL FOR MY CAR?
The vehicle manual gives the type of oil your engine needs. Check with your First Stop specialist to help you choose the right oil.

CAN I MIX DIFFERENT BRANDS OF ENGINE OIL?

Yes, as long as the oils being mixed have the same SAE grade (viscosity performance as a function of temperature) and the same technical specifications. Make sure you comply with the minimum quality required by the manufacturer. It is also important to remember that an unsuitable oil or mixture of incompatible oils can cause premature wear in the engine.

WHAT DOES THE LABELLING ON OIL CANS MEAN?

The abbreviations on the label give important information about the type and quality of the oil. For example;

• Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 SAE

SAE is the Society of Automobile Engineers. This organisation classifies the oil according to the viscosity of the product. There are six types of oil for winter, and five for summer.

The letter W stands for Winter. The lower the number before the W, the thinner is the oil at low temperature. This means that it may be easier to start the engine when it is cold, but modern lubricants can be used in both seasons. The next number (no. 30 here) gives more information about the thickness of the oil when the engine is warm, very important in summer. In general, it can be said that the higher the SAE number, the greater the viscosity or thickness of the oil.

CAN I ADD OTHER ADDITIVES?

This is not recommended. Using a good quality oil means we can be sure it contains all the additives the engine needs. It may become much less effective if other additives are used.

IF I RARELY USE THE CAR, OR TAKE ONLY SHORT TRIPS, WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE OIL?

If a vehicle is unused, rarely used, or only for short journeys, it is advisable to change the oil less often.