Engine and Drivetrain

Engines have the heaviest workload in a car. They need proper care and support if they’re going to provide years of reliable service.

The drivetrain is the series of components that transfers the power from the engine and delivers it to the wheels. ­

Engine Oil Change

Neglecting routine oil changes increases the risk of harm to engine components. For this reason, motor oil should be changed regularly:

1. Motor oil cushions moving parts. The oil thickness is reduced by extreme temperatures that can occur even during normal use.

2. Motor oil also becomes acidic over time due to oxidation and, as a result, can be less effective at fighting corrosion.

3. Oil filters capture unwanted and harmful debris and byproducts of the combustion process.

4. Changing an oil filter at every oil change will help ensure that your engine is circulating clean oil.

5. Check the owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on oil grades and oil change intervals. 

Types of Oil

Motor oils consist of base oil + various additive compounds, each with a unique benefit for the engine. The additive compounds become depleted as the oil ages. The base oil can be conventional or synthetic. Conventional is typically refined petroleum. Synthetic is oil that has been refined even more than conventional oil. The additive packages provide friction modification, enhanced wear protection, detergency and other benefits.

SYNTHETIC 

Provides super lubrications, withstands extreme heat,  and extends oil change intervals.

SYNTHETIC BLEND

Cleaner than conventional oil, resists high heat, cheaper than full synthetic.

HIGH MILEAGE

Contains additives that condition seals to help stop minor oil leaks.

CONVENTIONAL

Provides good lubrications, cleaning additives, and less expensive than synthetic oil.

Oil Additives

Oil additives can be added to enhance the additive package in the oil or modify the oil properties.

HIGH ANTI-WEAR

Ingredients coat engine surfaces to help reduce friction, heat and wear. ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate) is an excellent anti-wear compound, but the amount is limited in the latest motor oil specifications. Additional ZDDP can be provided by oil additives. Older vehicles have more metal-to-metal sliding contact than newer vehicles; therefore, additives like ZDDP are very important in older cars.

VISCOSITY INDEX IMPROVERS

Change the viscosity, particularly at higher temperatures, to provide thicker lubricant layers and reduce wear. Increasing the high-temperature viscosity can also reduce the leakage of oil into the combustion chamber, and therefore reduce oil consumption and smoke generation. 

CORROSION INHIBITORS

Help protect the engine from water and acids formed from combustion gases in the crankcase.

DETERGENTS

Keep the fine contaminant particles (soot) suspended in the oil so they can be removed by the filter and not coat the engine parts.

STOP-LEAK 

Seal swell ingredients rejuvenate seals and gaskets to help stop minor oil leaks. 

SMOKE TREATMENT

Specifically designed to reduce oil burning and exhaust smoke when motor oil enters the combustion chamber and is burned along with fuel. This condition, known as oil blow-by, often results when friction and metal-to-metal contact have worn parts and created gaps between the cylinder walls, piston rings and valve guide seals. 

Not sure which oil or oil additive to use?

The STP^® brand has different oil solutions to fit your vehicle’s need.

STP^® Full Synthetic Motor Oil helps:

STP^® Engine Stop Leak helps:

• Stop minor oil leaks

• Lubricates moving engine parts

• Fortifies oil with viscosity enhancer

STP^® Smoke Treatment helps 

• Reduce oil burning

• Fights metal-to-metal contact

• Helps quiet noisy valves and filters

How to change your oil:

1. Park your car on a level surface and apply parking brake.

PRO TIP: Run your engine for 5 minutes before draining oil, as warm oil drains faster than cold. Do NOT drain oil that is at full operating temperature. It will be way too hot!

2. Locate the oil drain plug and place the drain pan below. Then, loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Make sure that the drain pan is large enough to hold 4 to 5 quarts of oil or more. The oil drains at an angle, so position your pan to catch it. Some vehicles may be required to be jacked up and have jack stands placed under the vehicle.

3. Unscrew the plug by hand and drain all oil.

PRO TIP: To speed up the draining process, remove the filter cap located on the top of the engine and allow air to enter from the top.

4. Replace oil plug. Tighten the oil plug by hand so that it is not cross-threaded. Once the plug is tight, finish tightening with a wrench or by hand.

5. Remove existing oil filter. Some oil filters require a special tool to remove. Place the oil pan underneath the old filter to catch any remaining oil while unscrewing it, using an oil filter wrench. Use a rag to clean the mounting surface. Make sure that the sealing O-ring from the old filter is not stuck to the mounting surface on the engine.

6. Lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter with fresh oil. Lubricate new filter and screw into place by hand. It’s usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the wrench. 

7. Clean the oil filter neck and pour in the new oil using a funnel. Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil, but check your manual for your vehicle’s oil capacity. Then replace the cap.         

8. Run the engine for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks. Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for any leaks. If you notice a leak, shut the engine off immediately and correct it or them. Check the dipstick afterward, and add more oil if necessary.

9.  Dispose of the used oil properly.