How's Your Engine Literacy?

(Page 2 of 2)

December/January 1996
By Mary Jackson 
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Whenever there is a problem anywhere in your car's electrical system, check first to see if there is a fuse for that accessory. If there is, examine it to see whether it is blown (the fuse's metal strip is broken or blackened) before you send for help. It is an all-toocommon occurrence today for cars to be towed into dealerships and service stations when the problem could have been remedied with an inexpensive fuse. Don't waste your time and money.

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Have your timing belt or chain inspected and changed whenever your manufacturer recommends it. If a timing belt breaks, it can act like a grenade inside an engine. In seconds it can severely damage valves and even pistons, resulting in expensive repairs to remedy the damage.

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The information printed on the oil container refers to the viscosity and grade of the oil. The letters API and SAE assure you that the oil meets the warranty standards set by the American Petroleum Institute and the Society of Automotive Engineers. Numbers such as 10W-30 refer to viscosity, the oil's ability to flow at different temperatures. The ability is measured on a scale from 5 through 50. The smaller the number, the thinner the oil. W means that the oil is suitable for use in the winter. Letters such as SF refer to the oil's quality. S means the oil is suitable for gasoline engines. C means it is suitable for diesel engines. Oil for high-power engines is indicated by a higher letter—SH has better antiwear additives than SG, for example. Energy Conserving means just that: this oil can help improve fuel economy.

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