Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Mikes1670 on 03 April 2010, 09:24:05

Title: Short runs versus long runs.
Post by: Mikes1670 on 03 April 2010, 09:24:05

Hi all, why is it that maintenance manuals recommend more frequent servicing when a vehicle is used for short runs?  Whether a car is used for a short run or long run it still goes through the same start up, warm up, optimum operating condition and cool down sequence.  Only difference is the car doing the longer run gets more wear as it is in use longer.

 :-?

Title: Re: Short runs versus long runs.
Post by: MutantCav on 03 April 2010, 09:30:11

Because the first 10 minutes you run a car before it gets up to temp the oil is running cold and not lubricating the car properly...most wear is in this 10 minutes...

Title: Re: Short runs versus long runs.
Post by: TheBoy on 03 April 2010, 09:32:10

Also, condesation gets in oil on shorter runs (doesn't warm up enough to burn off - similar to exhausts constantly failing on short journeys), which blocks up breathers (if left unchecked), and (temporarily) makes a mess of the oil

Title: Re: Short runs versus long runs.
Post by: lightfj on 03 April 2010, 09:38:28

An engine is at its best when operating at its normal temperature. Starting from cold generates a lot of unburnt fuel etc which the oil has to wrap up to prevent damage. So if you do a lot of start , run for a bit, stop, go cold, start again driving -change the oil and filter more often. Thats what I was brought up on and still believe to be correct. However, with fully synthetic oils available today I think you can push oil changes a little further.
At the end of the day I still believe that an engine (particularly a diesel) will go on forever if you change the oil and filter frequently ( tailored to how the car is used)

Lightj - Easter away in Belgium - no car Eurostar!!!