Clean oil

Remember the TV commercial where the mechanic tells his customer: "You can pay me now or pay me later?" The message was, spend a few dollars for an oil and filter change now or you might have to come back later for serious repairs.

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The Car Care Council warns that dirty oil does more than accelerate wear of precision engine parts. It also can turn to thick sludge, clogging oil passages and preventing lubrication from reaching bearings, pistons and valve guides. An engine under stress, such as one required towing a trailer, needs clean oil for lubrication and for cooling.

Oil also acts as a cleaning agent, but when it's dirty and its filter is loaded with contaminants, it can't lubricate, clean or cool the engine properly. Dirty oil is one reason you'll hear a tapping sound from an engine. It could be a hydraulic a valve lifter, either worn by dirty or insufficient oil or hampered by fine particles of grit in its microscopic passages.

The Council reminds you that oil changing intervals vary, depending on your driving habits and needs. Check your owner's manual for recommendations.

For more information on oil changes and other automotive maintenance, log on www.carcarecouncil.