• WHAT IS THE API SERVICE SYMBOL?
API 's Service Symbol and Certification Mark identify quality engine oils for gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.
Oils displaying one or both of these marks meet performance requirements set by U.S. and international vehicle and engine manufacturers and the lubricant industry. More than 500 companies worldwide participate in this voluntary programme, which is backed by a marketplace sampling and testing programme.
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• HOW CAN I GET MORE PERFORMANCE FROM MY OIL?
- Refer to your owner's manual for type of oil to use.
- Follow manufacturer's oil change recommendations.
- Use only the recommended API category: "S" for gasoline engines; "C" for diesel engines.
- Select the proper SAE oil viscosity.
- Although not generally recommended, If you find it necessary to mix brands of oil, use the,same viscosity grade and API service category to maintain performance.
- Properly dispose of used oil.
- Contact your local service station or recycling center for assistance.
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• CAN I USE UNLEADED GASOLINE IF MY CAR WAS DESIGNED TO RUN ON LEADED GASOLINE?
The answer to the question is yes. The main issue has been for the possibility of exhaust valve recession or valve-seat wear when these engines are operated on unleaded gasoline. As always the recommendations included in Owner's manual should be followed for guidance in choosing a proper octane fuel.
Passenger Cars and Light-Duty Trucks:
There has been a concern whether older vehicles can suffer from valve seat wear, especially in pre-1980 model cars. In general all typical passenger car and light-duty truck engines are safe from valve recession when operated on unleaded gasoline. Most post 1980 vehicles are equipped with induction hardened valve seats, in addition the operational service in Trinidad and Tobago is generally too mild to cause problems. Problems tend to occur only in older engines when operating under sustained high speeds and loads, i.e. in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Two-stroke and four-stroke cycle engines (motorcycle, small utility:
In general, two-stroke cycle will operate without problems on unleaded gasoline. There is the additional benefit of reduced deposits in spark and combustion chambers.
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• WHAT CAUSES EXCESSIVE SMOKE IN DIESEL FUELED VEHICLES?
Blue Smoke: Engine oil being burned or atomized
- Engine oil level too high
- Worn piston rings, valves or cylinders
White Smoke: Indicates that the engine is running lean (too little fuel in relation to the air)
- Poor fuel injection pump calibration
- Clogged fuel filters
- Dirty fuel injectors
White Smoke: Low engine temperature (usually occurs during engine start-up)
Black or Gray Smoke: Incomplete fuel combustion
- Faulty injection system
- Clogged air filter
- Wrong grade of fuel
- Incorrect timing
- Engine overheating
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• WHAT IS THE COST OF AN LPG CYLINDER AND ACCESSORIES ?
Deposit for use of cylinders is $174.00 plus VAT. A special deposit price of $20.00 is granted for one cylinder for a first time homeowner purchasing a new stove. To qualify for this you need to satisfy NP that you have purchased a new stove for use in your home. (confirm with customer services)
HOW DOES MY CAR WORK?
The following links are provided for you to find out more about how your vehicle functions:
How Car Engines Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine1.htm
How Diesel Engines Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/diesel.htm
How Two-stroke Engines Work
http://www.howstuffworks.com/two-stroke.htm
How Rotary Engines Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rotary-engine.htm
How Manual Transmissions Work http://auto.howstuffworks.com/transmission.htm
How Automatic Transmissions Work
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automatic-transmission.htm
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