This is a post I penned in 2010...but it's still relevant and interesting...I think... :-)
5W30? 10W40? Ever wondered what it meant? Even if you do know what it means… a few interesting facts may follow.
The 5W30 is a designation of the engine oil weight. To break down the information lets create a “formula”: “1st Number” “1st Letter” – “2nd Number”. The 1st Number and 1st Letter actually go together – the letter: W in our case indicates the temperature and the 1stNumber indicates the viscosity measured in centistokes (cSt). W means winter and would indicate that the temperature of the testing was 0 degrees C (32 degrees Farenheit). If there was no letter it would indicate that the temperature was 100 degrees C. Which is why the 2nd Number has no letter following it; It is the viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees C.
⁃
⁃ What exactly is viscosity? It’s basically how thick a fluid is. For example, compare water and molasses (at room temperature). Water is less viscous than molasses. Comparing these two fluids is a good example to compare the engine oil at two temperatures. Think of oil at 0 degrees C as molasses and oil at 100 degrees C as water; water would flow through the engine easier.
I’ve always taken for granted that there were 2 numbers and a letter for oils, but after doing a bit of research, I found that the 2 numbers actually means it’s a multi-weight oil that has had polymers added to it.
Engine Oil Numbers
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Engine coolant…
This is a post I penned in 2010...but it's still relevant and interesting...I think... :-)
Coolant, antifreeze, water, radiator fluid…whatever you call it – it still the same thing! The coolant system is a system that is not just used in the engine, but in parts of the rest of the car too. Engine coolant is typically a combination of water and ethylene glycol. Water has a freezing temperature of 0 degrees Celsius/32 degrees Farenheit, but adding the ethylene glycol actually lowers the point at which it freezes. Antifreeze typically refers to the ethylene glycol.
So what exactly does it do? It takes the heat of the engine (which is fire encased in a metal box) and transfers it to the air. The coolant system usually contains passages throughout the engine, a thermostat, a radiator and a degas-ing bottle.
Sidenote: The first time I saw the word “degas” I was pronouncing it like Vegas, but with a “d”. It made so much more sense when I realized how it was usually pronounced – dee-gas
The thermostat allows the coolant in the engine to flow to the radiator. The thermostat opens and closes depending on the temperature of the engine coolant. The radiator cools the coolant with the air. Although it may be a hot day, the air is still going to be cooler than the coolant! Unless you’re on Mars Mercury…
In addition to the thermostat, radiator and coolant through the engine, the other necessary component is the degas bottle. (Rolling the dice on coolant?!?!) The degas bottle does exactly what it is called – it removes the air from the coolant system. It does this by leaving a gap of air in the bottle, which absorbs any of the bubbles that might be in the coolant. Because of the degas bottles purpose – which is usually the container that you would pour coolant into – you never want to have coolant to the brim of this bottle.
A few sites to check out:
How Does Anti-freeze Work?
Video: How Does an Engine Coolant System Work
Coolant, antifreeze, water, radiator fluid…whatever you call it – it still the same thing! The coolant system is a system that is not just used in the engine, but in parts of the rest of the car too. Engine coolant is typically a combination of water and ethylene glycol. Water has a freezing temperature of 0 degrees Celsius/32 degrees Farenheit, but adding the ethylene glycol actually lowers the point at which it freezes. Antifreeze typically refers to the ethylene glycol.
So what exactly does it do? It takes the heat of the engine (which is fire encased in a metal box) and transfers it to the air. The coolant system usually contains passages throughout the engine, a thermostat, a radiator and a degas-ing bottle.
Sidenote: The first time I saw the word “degas” I was pronouncing it like Vegas, but with a “d”. It made so much more sense when I realized how it was usually pronounced – dee-gas
The thermostat allows the coolant in the engine to flow to the radiator. The thermostat opens and closes depending on the temperature of the engine coolant. The radiator cools the coolant with the air. Although it may be a hot day, the air is still going to be cooler than the coolant! Unless you’re on Mars Mercury…
In addition to the thermostat, radiator and coolant through the engine, the other necessary component is the degas bottle. (Rolling the dice on coolant?!?!) The degas bottle does exactly what it is called – it removes the air from the coolant system. It does this by leaving a gap of air in the bottle, which absorbs any of the bubbles that might be in the coolant. Because of the degas bottles purpose – which is usually the container that you would pour coolant into – you never want to have coolant to the brim of this bottle.
A few sites to check out:
How Does Anti-freeze Work?
Video: How Does an Engine Coolant System Work
Changing your engine oil….Why? How?
This is a post I penned in 2010...but it's still relevant and interesting...I think... :-)
First, I’d like to address the how question. I have it done at a shop. I honestly see no reason not too! In the past, I had a boyfriend who changed his own oil and he offered to do mine too. I thought - awesome! We went to the auto parts store (names left out for the sake of anonymity) and got the oil and a new oil filter. The total came to around $25! It usually costs about $25-30 at the dealer- to have the oil changed for me! In addition to the negligible cost savings – there is the issue of disposing of the used oil. It’s not all that easy! It must be set aside and taken to proper recycling, where they may or may not charge you to dispose of it!
It was at that point that I realized there is no reason for me to do it myself! Plus, when I got my new car I had a few complimentary oil changes at the dealer – very nice!! Additionally, if I take my car to the dealer they can keep an eye on any recalls.
So next is why. Without getting into too much detail…the engine oil keeps the moving parts lubricated. The oil is circulating through the engine as the engine runs. Not only is it lubricating parts as it moves through the engine, it is also picking up debris in your engine – either from the manufacturing process or created while the engine is running. This causes the oil to accumulate debris and THIS is why your oil needs to be changed.
So another question is how often? While I can’t answer specifically – I would highly suggest reading through your owner’s manual and following their suggested intervals. When I go to the dealer to get my oil changed they put a little sticker on my windshield reminding me to get it changed in 3,000 miles. HOWEVER!! My owner’s manual suggests every 5,000 miles. Go with your owner’s manual! 3,000 miles is a default recommendation and also another way for the shop to get your money by changing your oil more often.
How could you more precisely determine how often to get your oil changed? The best way I know how is to get your oil periodically analyzed. Which would mean: 1) get samples and 2) send it in to get it analyzed and 3) compare it to generalized limits. Then you would need to estimate when your oil reaches the limit and change your oil accordingly.
Call me lazy…but I just follow what my owner’s manual says and take it in to get it done.
First, I’d like to address the how question. I have it done at a shop. I honestly see no reason not too! In the past, I had a boyfriend who changed his own oil and he offered to do mine too. I thought - awesome! We went to the auto parts store (names left out for the sake of anonymity) and got the oil and a new oil filter. The total came to around $25! It usually costs about $25-30 at the dealer- to have the oil changed for me! In addition to the negligible cost savings – there is the issue of disposing of the used oil. It’s not all that easy! It must be set aside and taken to proper recycling, where they may or may not charge you to dispose of it!
It was at that point that I realized there is no reason for me to do it myself! Plus, when I got my new car I had a few complimentary oil changes at the dealer – very nice!! Additionally, if I take my car to the dealer they can keep an eye on any recalls.
So next is why. Without getting into too much detail…the engine oil keeps the moving parts lubricated. The oil is circulating through the engine as the engine runs. Not only is it lubricating parts as it moves through the engine, it is also picking up debris in your engine – either from the manufacturing process or created while the engine is running. This causes the oil to accumulate debris and THIS is why your oil needs to be changed.
So another question is how often? While I can’t answer specifically – I would highly suggest reading through your owner’s manual and following their suggested intervals. When I go to the dealer to get my oil changed they put a little sticker on my windshield reminding me to get it changed in 3,000 miles. HOWEVER!! My owner’s manual suggests every 5,000 miles. Go with your owner’s manual! 3,000 miles is a default recommendation and also another way for the shop to get your money by changing your oil more often.
How could you more precisely determine how often to get your oil changed? The best way I know how is to get your oil periodically analyzed. Which would mean: 1) get samples and 2) send it in to get it analyzed and 3) compare it to generalized limits. Then you would need to estimate when your oil reaches the limit and change your oil accordingly.
Call me lazy…but I just follow what my owner’s manual says and take it in to get it done.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
How to check a car's ENGINE air filter
This is a post I penned in 2010...but it's still relevant and interesting...I think... :-)
-----------------------------------------------
Imagine this, a young(er) chick-engineer is sitting in one of her first training sessions post-college. The piece of paper saying you now have a college education is sitting at home, in the frame your parents bought, in a box...somewhere in her new apartment. Something is shared with her and it dawns on her, this is probably the first piece of useful/real-world information she has learned in the last 5 years - You CAN NOT tell if an engine's air filter needs to be changed by looking at it! But wait, she thinks, how many times has she seen or heard at the quickie-lube the technician come to the customer waiting room with a dirty air filter suggesting they replace it because it looks dirty?!?!
This is really beginning to frustrate me!! I even googled how to check your car's air filter and the same information is given - "hold up to the light". Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
Let's start at the beginning. I know of two types of air filters for a car - there is a cabin air filter (that cleans the air before going inside the car) and there is the engine air filter. The engine air filter is the functional one. Air is required for an engine, no matter what type of fuel it uses - diesel or gasoline. Clean air is also required, because you definitely don't want to get dirt into your engine! However, the time to replace an air filter is easily done by following the maintenance schedule in your car's owner's manual. OR it's done by knowing what restriction value will prevent proper flow to the air intake. However...that's not easily done for the average joe or jane!
(Interesting piece of knowledge: An air filter's efficiency - ability to trap dirt - actually increases with use! However...there is a point where it does become to clogged that air can not flow.)
Every time I go to get my oil changed, I specifically state that I do not want my air filter touched. Why? I've already established that, in my mind, the best way to change the air filter is according to the maintenance schedule - but why does it matter if it's touched?? Because! Because every time the seal is broken at the air filter housing there is a potential to get dirt into the engine. (Dirt in engine air supply = bad) So whenever the current air filter is removed and then reinstalled - there is a high chance that you will get dirt in the engine.
So a summary of what I'm sharing:
1) Looking through an air filter is NOT an accurate way of telling whether the air filter needs to be replaced.
2) Every time the used/current air filter is removed and re-installed the clean-dirty seal is broken and there is a good chance that dirt will get into the engine air supply. So if you remove the air filter - put in a new one!
So this is my plead: SAY NO TO AIR FILTER CHECKS during your OIL SERVICE!!
So what do you do? Simple! About every year (or more specifically the mileage that your car indicates, depending on if you live in dustier or "cleaner" conditions) go into your local auto parts store and have them help you find the air filter to replace in your car. It will probably cost you about $10-20. Then following the instructions in your owners manual or a helpful/knowledgeable person - replace your own air filter!!!
**PLEASE note: Most cars these days have 2 air filters - one is for the cabin (the air conditioning) and one is for the engine...I'm talking about the one for the engine!
-----------------------------------------------
Imagine this, a young(er) chick-engineer is sitting in one of her first training sessions post-college. The piece of paper saying you now have a college education is sitting at home, in the frame your parents bought, in a box...somewhere in her new apartment. Something is shared with her and it dawns on her, this is probably the first piece of useful/real-world information she has learned in the last 5 years - You CAN NOT tell if an engine's air filter needs to be changed by looking at it! But wait, she thinks, how many times has she seen or heard at the quickie-lube the technician come to the customer waiting room with a dirty air filter suggesting they replace it because it looks dirty?!?!
This is really beginning to frustrate me!! I even googled how to check your car's air filter and the same information is given - "hold up to the light". Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
Let's start at the beginning. I know of two types of air filters for a car - there is a cabin air filter (that cleans the air before going inside the car) and there is the engine air filter. The engine air filter is the functional one. Air is required for an engine, no matter what type of fuel it uses - diesel or gasoline. Clean air is also required, because you definitely don't want to get dirt into your engine! However, the time to replace an air filter is easily done by following the maintenance schedule in your car's owner's manual. OR it's done by knowing what restriction value will prevent proper flow to the air intake. However...that's not easily done for the average joe or jane!
(Interesting piece of knowledge: An air filter's efficiency - ability to trap dirt - actually increases with use! However...there is a point where it does become to clogged that air can not flow.)
Every time I go to get my oil changed, I specifically state that I do not want my air filter touched. Why? I've already established that, in my mind, the best way to change the air filter is according to the maintenance schedule - but why does it matter if it's touched?? Because! Because every time the seal is broken at the air filter housing there is a potential to get dirt into the engine. (Dirt in engine air supply = bad) So whenever the current air filter is removed and then reinstalled - there is a high chance that you will get dirt in the engine.
So a summary of what I'm sharing:
1) Looking through an air filter is NOT an accurate way of telling whether the air filter needs to be replaced.
2) Every time the used/current air filter is removed and re-installed the clean-dirty seal is broken and there is a good chance that dirt will get into the engine air supply. So if you remove the air filter - put in a new one!
So this is my plead: SAY NO TO AIR FILTER CHECKS during your OIL SERVICE!!
So what do you do? Simple! About every year (or more specifically the mileage that your car indicates, depending on if you live in dustier or "cleaner" conditions) go into your local auto parts store and have them help you find the air filter to replace in your car. It will probably cost you about $10-20. Then following the instructions in your owners manual or a helpful/knowledgeable person - replace your own air filter!!!
**PLEASE note: Most cars these days have 2 air filters - one is for the cabin (the air conditioning) and one is for the engine...I'm talking about the one for the engine!
Visiting...Chicago - Part 2: What to Do?
So you're in Chicago-area...now what to do?!!? Well I guess it all depends on what you want to do and what you can get to :-) Chicago-Chicago (the city, not the suburbs) is fairly easy to get around with public transit and cabs. I personally enjoy doing the touristy things - and some of those things are fairly close to each other...even cooler?? In the summer there is a free trolley to take that goes from major attractions to other major attractions...however - what do you do if you're not fighting the crowds in the summer?? Hoof it or rail it...mostly.
If you've never been - a few key points:
(1) Sears/Willis Tower - Now the tallest building in the US. Has a really cool feature on the sky deck - "The Ledge"
OR
The John Hancock Building - Not quite as tall, but still ridiculously tall and you have a great view of the city...Bonus?? You can actually go - almost to the top - for free practically! Check out the Signature Room at the 95th Floor! It doesn't cost to go up to the top...but the prices for food aren't great...but if you just wanna grab a drink? Check out the lounge on the 96th floor...and you seriously HAVE to go to the bathroom (at least the women do..) there is a GREAT VIEW!!
(2) Don't like heights, but still want a view of the city? Well the city is pretty darn flat...so it's not like there is a hill you can "climb" and get a great view...but check out the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
(3) Wanna hit a museum?
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
(4) Wanna do a tour...google "Chicago tours" - the Segwey tour has always looked pretty cool...as do the architectural river tours...but I'm not sure if they run all season..??
(5) MUST! MUST! eat pizza while in Chicago...I don't care whether you go to Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, The original Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno's (the one downtown)...if you've never had Chicago deep dish pizza - you're in for a treat! You'll have locals who say that "this place" is the best or "this place" is way better...but in my mind - if you've never had it before..how are you going to compare?!?! But just go to a place that is actually known for pizza...
(6) Other ideas...see a show. I've only been to NYC once, but Chicago is a decent alternative that offer some Broadway shows, some Off-Broadway, etc. And if you're a fan of comedy, as I am - you MUST check out Second City! This is the birthplace of many SNL fav's...Tina Fey talks a bit about it in Bossy Pants. If you're an architectural fan - check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour's/attractions in Oak Park.
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO in Chicago!! The hardest part will be narrowing it down...
Where to go out?
Ways to get good deals? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a deal - so check out groupon before you go (and maybe even while you're there)...or look into City Pass if you're going to do multiple tourist attractions...or just google discount "thing you want to do"..never hurts to try!!
Happy Traveling!! (And as always...feel free to add your comments and suggestions!)
If you've never been - a few key points:
(1) Sears/Willis Tower - Now the tallest building in the US. Has a really cool feature on the sky deck - "The Ledge"
OR
The John Hancock Building - Not quite as tall, but still ridiculously tall and you have a great view of the city...Bonus?? You can actually go - almost to the top - for free practically! Check out the Signature Room at the 95th Floor! It doesn't cost to go up to the top...but the prices for food aren't great...but if you just wanna grab a drink? Check out the lounge on the 96th floor...and you seriously HAVE to go to the bathroom (at least the women do..) there is a GREAT VIEW!!
(2) Don't like heights, but still want a view of the city? Well the city is pretty darn flat...so it's not like there is a hill you can "climb" and get a great view...but check out the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.
(3) Wanna hit a museum?
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Museum of Science and Industry
(4) Wanna do a tour...google "Chicago tours" - the Segwey tour has always looked pretty cool...as do the architectural river tours...but I'm not sure if they run all season..??
(5) MUST! MUST! eat pizza while in Chicago...I don't care whether you go to Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, The original Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno's (the one downtown)...if you've never had Chicago deep dish pizza - you're in for a treat! You'll have locals who say that "this place" is the best or "this place" is way better...but in my mind - if you've never had it before..how are you going to compare?!?! But just go to a place that is actually known for pizza...
(6) Other ideas...see a show. I've only been to NYC once, but Chicago is a decent alternative that offer some Broadway shows, some Off-Broadway, etc. And if you're a fan of comedy, as I am - you MUST check out Second City! This is the birthplace of many SNL fav's...Tina Fey talks a bit about it in Bossy Pants. If you're an architectural fan - check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Tour's/attractions in Oak Park.
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO in Chicago!! The hardest part will be narrowing it down...
Where to go out?
- If it's Baseball season - and the Cubs are in town...Wrigleyville is always packed and lots to do!
- Areas near Northwestern are good too (Evanston), as are the gold coast, lincoln park bars...it depends on what you want - do you want to club...then search for that - do you want to go somewhere and relax?? Then google "chill pub" or whatnot.
- A few places that are pretty well-known Chicago bars: Goose Island Brew Pub, The Cubby Bear, John Barleycorns (there are a few locations), House of Blues Chicago...to name a few.
- Wanna see what is going on while you're in town? Do a search on festivals for the dates or check out metromix - it may not be what's going on in the underground scene...but it's a good place to start!
Ways to get good deals? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE a deal - so check out groupon before you go (and maybe even while you're there)...or look into City Pass if you're going to do multiple tourist attractions...or just google discount "thing you want to do"..never hurts to try!!
Happy Traveling!! (And as always...feel free to add your comments and suggestions!)
Visiting...Chicago - Part 1: Where to Stay
Chicago is a great place to visit...pretty easy to get around...but DEFINITELY bring money!! Very few things are free!
I am, by no means an expert, but here are a few suggestions while visiting the windy city.
(1) Check out the typical weather!
(2) Find a place to stay that is close to transportation - and don't even bother with renting a car! Driving in the Chi-town area = not fun!
There are 2 major airports in Chicago: O'Hare and Midway.
What to do?!?! Well that could be the subject for... another blog post...entirely...
I am, by no means an expert, but here are a few suggestions while visiting the windy city.
(1) Check out the typical weather!
(2) Find a place to stay that is close to transportation - and don't even bother with renting a car! Driving in the Chi-town area = not fun!
There are 2 major airports in Chicago: O'Hare and Midway.
- Flying into O'Hare?? If you're budget conscious- Easy! Stay at hotel around O'Hare that is near the blue line. (Riding the El (aka CTA) is a Chicago-must-have experience.)
- Or if you have a bit more money...stay at a hotel north of "the loop" or on Michigan Ave. (The loop is the area where the El literally makes a loop in downtown - it's where a LOT of the skyscrapers are...and it is really dead on the weekends...I've had trouble finding places to eat that are open on noon on a Saturday/Sunday!!)
- Flying into Midway?? There isn't a lot of commerce around Midway...but it IS usually a little less busier than O'Hare - and it's the only place to fly Southwest into Chicago. ++Southwest = 2 free checked bags per passenger!! --But no assigned seating means you may get seperated from your party :-( I digress...The orange line (CTA/El) ends in Midway - take it to the city when you come and take it back when you leave - super convenient! And you will NOT be the only one on the train going to and from the airport with tons of luggage..!
What to do?!?! Well that could be the subject for... another blog post...entirely...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The sound...
...of thinking out loud. I have been asking myself - what should I do? What should I do?!?! Meanwhile I think of all kinds of ideas...I think my husband gets a little tired of my ideas...or at least he probably isn't surprised to hear me say I had an idea!!
So i thought...I wanna start a place where people can think out loud (where thinking is allowed aloud?!) and I can respond...as well as others.
I've always been very good at coming up with ideas to a problem...and also at finding out answers...!
So let's get things rollin! What's in your mind???
So i thought...I wanna start a place where people can think out loud (where thinking is allowed aloud?!) and I can respond...as well as others.
I've always been very good at coming up with ideas to a problem...and also at finding out answers...!
So let's get things rollin! What's in your mind???
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