Opinion: Why an oil changes are even more important for hybrids

LIQUI MOLY head of research and development, David Kaiser talks hybrid vehicles and skincare

Opinion: Why an oil changes are even more important for hybrids

If a hybrid vehicle is often driven on electric power, car owners often neglect to change the oil.

After all, the combustion engine was rarely used.

Garages should ensure that the oil change intervals specified by the manufacturer are actually adhered to.

There is a good reason why the oil-change intervals are not only determined by mileage but also based on the time that has passed: even if a car is not driven much, or is mainly used in electric mode if it is a hybrid, the oil in the engine ages as the days go by. It gradually oxidises and becomes less effective.

There is another problem with hybrid vehicles, too.

Condensation water and fuel residues accumulate in the oil circuit due to the fact the combustion engine undergoes frequent cold starts and short periods of use.

In a pure combustion engine this is not an issue, because as soon as the engine oil has reached its operating temperature, the water and petrol vaporise in the oil.

In hybrid vehicles, the engine oil rarely reaches the operating temperature, so more water and petrol can accumulate in the oil circuit. This increases wear and tear – and it is conducive to corrosion, too.

So it’s important not just to change the oil but also to thoroughly clean the oil circuit at the same time.

This can be done using LIQUI MOLY Engine Flush.

Just before changing the oil, the additive is added to the engine oil and the engine is then run at idling speed for ten minutes.

During this time the active ingredients remove any deposits and debris, which is then simply drained out together with the used oil.

The fresh oil then goes into a clean engine, so it can achieve maximum performance.

There is another problem caused by frequent cold starts in hybrid vehicles: on each occasion, it takes several seconds for the oil to reach every part of the engine, depending on the ambient temperature.

Until that happens, metal rubs against metal – pure wear and tear. In the case of pure combustion engines, cold starts are not much of a factor overall.

The situation with hybrid vehicles is very different: here it is a good idea to add LIQUI MOLY Cera Tec to the oil.

This is a wear-and-tear protection additive that provides dual protection for the engine.

Firstly, there is physical protection by means of tiny ceramic particles that spread out on the metal surfaces to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact.

Secondly, chemical protection is provided by so-called friction modifiers which smooth the metal surfaces and prevent friction.

The use of Cera Tec significantly reduces wear and tear during the cold start phase.

When we think of an oil change, we tend to think of the method used and less about the technician doing the job.

Yet daily handling of oils and greases, brake cleaners and other chemical substances is not without is problems for the skin.

It can dry out and become cracked – allergies can even develop in those who are sensitive.

Preventing this is not only in the interests of the individual mechanic, it is also the responsibility of the garage manager.

LIQUI MOLY offers not just a simple cleaner but an entire skin protection programme.

It starts with the invisible hand protection.

When applied before starting work, this breathable paste ensures that dirt does not stick to the skin so easily.

This means that washing your hands afterwards is easier and faster.

You can choose between three products, depending on the level of soiling: the hand cleaner for low levels of soiling, the liquid hand wash paste for high levels of soiling and the classic hand wash paste for stubborn cases.

They are also available in bulk containers.

After this, the hand care cream lubricates the stressed skin, preventing it from drying out and becoming cracked.

So you finish your working day in the same clean, well-groomed state as you started it in.

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