1. Topping up the oil: we recommend that if you have this habit, stop right now. When you top up the oil, the product you added mixes with the old product and the consequence is: contamination. That's right. This practice forms a third product, which is nothing more than a mixture of different oils that lost their characteristics when added to the car. The result of this is that your vehicle's engine will lose efficiency and performance. The correct thing to do is always change the entire crankcase oil. 2. When changing the oil, mixing lubricants from different brands: it is very common, in rush situations or even emergencies, for this practice to occur. However, serious damage can occur, in addition to those mentioned in the item above. Poor lubrication, with mixtures of different bases, causes serious damage to the engine. It is only possible to mix different brands if they have the same viscosity, API and SAE grade and the same base (i.e. synthetic, mineral or semi-synthetic) – but even then, this practice is not recommended. Avoid it. 3. Driving with the oil level not adjusted: If you drive with the oil above the recommended level, the product may overflow and leak into inappropriate places. If you drive with the oil below the minimum recommended level, the parts will suffer friction due to the lack of lubrication, which can lead to engine components being damaged. And the result of an unlubricated engine is excessive heat or even engine melting and/or the vehicle losing power immediately. Therefore, always keep an eye on the oil level and always change it at the right time. 4. Not changing the oil filter: The oil filter should be changed together with the oil, because residues from old products that have already oxidized accumulate inside it. This accumulation of residues pollutes the new oil and causes it to age more quickly, in addition to introducing impurities into the engine. 5. Splashing oil into the engine: When you splash oil into the engine, it causes serious damage. This bad practice damages areas such as the combustion chamber, catalytic converter and spark plugs. And if one of these components is affected, you can be sure that you will feel an increase in fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, as well as in your pocket. Avoid headaches by not dripping oil into the engine. 6. Cleaning the dipstick with rags: the consequence of this is that the residue from the previous oil, left by the rag, will contaminate the new lubricant. That is why we recommend that, when you change the lubricating oil, you prefer to clean the dipstick with absorbent paper. This practice will avoid unnecessary damage to your vehicle and, as a bonus, save you money. 7. Closing the drain plug screw improperly: this item needs to be closed very well, otherwise there will be leaks. Therefore, always choose a professional you trust to perform the oil change, closing the plug properly - neither leaving it too loose nor too tight. 8. Not changing the oil on time: if you have any doubts about this, consult the Owner's Manual, which will have the answer there, and should be followed. Generally, the oil change period is 5 to 10 thousand kilometers, but always make sure that it is the ideal period for your vehicle. If you do not change the oil on time, residue (sludge) will form and, due to the friction and wear generated, the lubrication capacity of the engine's internal parts will be compromised. Pay attention to the oil change period and never let it go too long after the recommended time. 9. Choosing based solely on price: Here we have to think carefully, because the classic saying goes: cheap can be expensive. There are oils of different prices and qualities, and it is not necessarily the rule that cheap is bad, however, it is always best to choose brands that have proven efficiency and that are recommended by professionals you trust. 10. Not paying attention to the quality of the oil: well, here we have the crucial point for you to have your vehicle running in the long term, without problems, losses and headaches. We have to say that efficient lubrication leaves your car ready to run and perform well, while poor lubrication will cause a lot of damage. Inefficient lubrication can occur through incorrect application and even due to your choice at the time of purchase. That's right, your choice can be decisive for the future of your vehicle. You need to choose oils that follow the manufacturer's specifications and be sure that the quality of the lubricant is really good and that it will offer greater protection to your car. Always make sure about the origin of the oils and the brand of the oil and drive with peace of mind and safety! ✅ River Auto Peças e Auto Center: 📍 Av. Cel. Joaquim de Oliveira Prata, 574/630. 📞 (34) 2103-0800. 📸 https://instagr.am/riverautopecas​ 👍 https://fb.me/riverautocenter​ 🌐 https://www.riverautopecas.com.br