Maintenance
Engine Oil Standards, Tire Sizing & Pre-Trip Checks
Check SAE J300 viscosity grades (0W-20 vs 5W-30), verify tire rolling diameter tolerances, and decode OBD-II fuel trims before a long drive.
| Full Synthetic Engine Oil (Normal Highway) | 12,000–15,000 km (7,500–10,000 mi) / 12 months |
|---|---|
| Full Synthetic Engine Oil (Urban / Severe) | 7,500–10,000 km (5,000–6,000 mi) / 6–12 months |
| Brake Fluid (DOT 4 / DOT 4 LV / DOT 5.1) | Every 24 months / 40,000 km (wet boiling point protection) |
| Automatic / CVT / Wet-DCT Fluid | Every 60,000 km (37,500 mi) |
| Engine Coolant (Si-OAT / P-OAT / OAT) | 100,000 km (60,000 mi) / 5 years |
| Spark Plugs (Iridium / Platinum OEM) | 60,000–100,000 km (37,500–60,000 mi) |
Calculators
Fuel Consumption & Road Trip Cost Calculator
Calculate total fuel volume (L and US gallons), trip cost, cost per passenger, and convert L/100 km to US & UK MPG.
Tire Size, Rolling Diameter & Speedometer Error Calculator
Compare stock vs alternative ISO metric tire sizes (e.g. 205/55 R16 vs 225/45 R17), ride height change, and speedometer error.
Engine Oil Viscosity & OEM Specification Reference Tool
Cross-reference SAE J300 viscosity grades, API SP / ILSAC GF-6A standards, and European ACEA C2/C3/C5 sequences by make and engine type.
Scheduled Maintenance & Severe-Service Interval Calculator
Adjust engine oil, brake fluid, ATF/CVT/DCT fluid, and coolant intervals based on annual mileage and urban/severe operating conditions.
Guides
Engine Oil Viscosity & Standards Explained: SAE J300, API SP, ILSAC GF-6, and ACEA Sequences
How to match cold-cranking viscosity (0W/5W), HTHS shear stability, Low-SAPS ash limits (ACEA C2/C3/C5), and LSPI protection (API SP) to your engine.
Complete Automotive Fluid & Belt Replacement Schedule (15,000 to 120,000 km)
Preventive replacement intervals for engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid, ATF/CVT/DCT transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs, and timing belts.
How to Read Tire Sidewall Markings: Size, Load Index, Speed Rating, DOT Age & 3PMSF
Complete engineering reference for ISO metric tire sizing (e.g., 225/45 R17 94W XL), DOT manufacture week/year, and winter 3PMSF homologation.
Understanding OBD-II Fuel Trims (STFT & LTFT): Diagnosing Vacuum Leaks, MAF & Injector Faults
Using Short-Term (STFT) and Long-Term Fuel Trim (LTFT) percentages at idle vs 2,500 RPM to pinpoint air/fuel ratio faults without guessing parts.
12V Battery (Flooded, EFB, AGM) & Alternator Testing: Cold Cranking Amps and Voltage Reference
Open-circuit resting voltage vs State of Charge (SoC), minimum cranking voltage drop, smart alternator charging ranges, and AGM/EFB replacement rules.
Torque Converter Automatic (AT), CVT, and Dual-Clutch (DCT/DSG): Fluid Specs & Longevity Rules
Engineering differences between planetary automatics, steel push-belt CVTs, and wet/dry dual-clutch gearboxes — plus exact fluid service intervals.
Engine Coolant Chemistry Reference: IAT, OAT, Si-OAT (G12evo/G13), and Asian P-OAT Standards
Why coolant dye color is not a specification, how silicate vs phosphate corrosion inhibitors protect aluminum blocks, and refractometer freeze-point testing.
Long-Distance Highway & Mountain Road Trip Checklist: Tires, Spare Wheel, Fluids & Emergency Kit
Pre-departure inspection points 48 hours before a long highway journey: full-load tire pressures, spare tire inflation, brake pad thickness, and mandatory road safety gear.