How To Change The Engine Oil And Filter On A Peugeot 205 Diesel Part One
Posted by in Engine oil on October 18, 2011
The Peugeot 205 is a great little car. The original ‘hot-hatch’ – they were immensely popular from the moment they were introduced back in 1983, due to their styling, performance, and nimble handling. The reliability of the diesel versions is the stuff of legend, and there are still plenty of well-maintained examples on the road today.
The cost of running a car has increased enormously over the last decade, and even owners of an economical car like the diesel 205 need to cut unnecessary spending wherever possible. One simple way to achieve this is to do your own oil changes.
The 205 diesel engine has a reputation for being virtually unbreakable, but only if the engine oil and filter are replaced every 6000 miles. This is an easy job to do and will only take around half an hour. Oils and filters can be bought cheaply at any motor factor or car-parts shop. I recommend that you use semi-synthetic oil, as it is more durable than ordinary mineral oil and only a little more expensive.
Before you start, be sure to assemble all the things you will need. These are:
1) 5 litres of semi-synthetic oil for diesel engines
2) New oil filter (FRAM part No. PH5566A)
3) New 16mm copper washer for the sump plug
4) Old washing-up bowl
5) Latex gloves
6) Newspaper
7) Kitchen paper
Tool for sump plug (17mm socket, or 8mm square for turbo engine)
9) Oil filter removal strap
I also like to flatten out a cardboard box to kneel on.
First, the car should be parked on a flat and level surface ideally in a garage, but if not pick a day when the wind isn’t blowing. Start the engine and allow it to reach near normal operating temperature then switch it off. This is because the old oil will drain out more quickly when it is warm. Next, put on your gloves, open the bonnet, and release the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It is orange, has two spring-clips holding it on, and the dip-stick goes down through the middle of it. The filler cap is located at the highest part of the engine. Now spread out the newspaper under the car to catch any drips and place the washing-up bowl under the sump plug. This is located at the lowest part of the engine. If you are fortunate enough to own the turbo version, use the 8mm square tool held in a socket to turn the sump plug anti-clockwise, otherwise, you need a 17mm ring spanner or socket. BE VERY CAREFUL HERE. The oil may be hot enough to burn you and will gush out very quickly when you remove the plug. The oil will stop dripping in a few minutes. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Smart Fuel Saving Tips
Posted by in Saving fuel on October 18, 2011
It is true that some cars are not as efficient as others in terms of fuel consumption, but that does not mean you have to spend a fortune on gasoline. If you want to save money on gas, follow the five tips below:
1. Reduce your speed
The higher the speed, the higher the fuel consumption. Even when you are driving on a highway, you should try to slow down a little. You can save up to 50% on fuel when you reduce your speed from 200 km/h to 160 km/h.
2. Fill your car with low-octane gas
If your car does not require premium gasoline, filling it with high-octane fuel will only be a waste of money as the fuel will neither enhance your car’s performance nor improve its fuel economy. Instead, you should buy the lowest grade gas that is appropriate for your vehicle. Consult your owner’s manual to find out which octane rating works best for your car. Low-octane fuel is safe as long as your engine does not knock or ping. In addition, it will also help you save hundreds of dollars per year.
3. Turn off the air conditioning
Air conditioning requires gas and that is common knowledge. So, instead of using it, you should turn it off and roll down your window. By doing this, you can save 10 to 20% on fuel. However, you should also note that some modern cars which run at higher speeds are designed to consume less gas with the AC on instead of with the AC off and windows down.
4. Do not burden your car
Some people carry tons of stuff inside their cars. As a matter of fact, this will only worsen your car’s fuel economy since the heavier the car, the higher the fuel consumption. You should go through your car periodically and take away unnecessary things that will only weigh it down.
5. Change the air filter
An air filter which is clogged by dust, dirt, and even bugs will only reduce the engine’s performance. When your engine has to work harder, it will consume more fuel. You can save up to 10% on fuel when you replace a clogged air filter with a new one. Have the filter checked every time you get an oil change. You should do this once every three months or every 3,000 miles, or check your owner’s manual for a more detailed information. Read the rest of this entry »
Best Fuel-Efficient Cars
Posted by in Economical Car on September 6, 2011
Over the last few years, the world has witnessed an emergence of numerous car models. It won’t be wrong to say that today the level of competition has been increased and the market has got bombarded with different car models. Every new model being introduced in the auto market contains new features. Perhaps, today every car is acting as a luxury sedan and contains magnificent features that make it difficult for buyers to make a proper selection. However, the fuel efficiency has been one key feature that has always played a vital role in making the proper selection of a good car.
Today there are still many people who are looking for more economical and fuel efficient cars. In fact, if we carefully study the current scenario, the average person merely can’t manage to pay for a vehicle that consumes to much fuel. Ultimately, the money spent in purchasing a car is more like an investment, and no body likes to make a wrong decision. That fact remains that along with the environment; there is one key factor that drives people to shop for cars that are not just environment friendly, but fuel efficient that in turn affects the budget as well. It doesn’t matter whether you are purchasing a car for your daily commuting or excursions, you should have a car that suits your lifestyle and consumes less fuel. If you are planning to buy a fuel efficient car, here are some of the best models you can look for:
Honda Civic- EPA city/highway mileage: 26/34 (manual), 25/36 (automatic), 40/45 (hybrid)
For years, Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars admired in Australia. Without doubt, today its popularity can be attributed to its steady high level of finish and luxury, but its fuel efficiency element cannot be ignored. In fact, when it comes to squeezing every last inch of motion out of a drop of gasoline, there cannot be any comparison. The current model is the best and the most fuel-efficient. If that isn’t enough, there is another model of Honda, a hybrid version of the Civic as well as the super-green Civic GX, which can run on natural gas and requires no gasoline at all.
Ford Focus- EPA city/highway mileage: 24/35 (manual), 24/33 (automatic)
In terms of fuel efficiency and performance there cannot be any comparison to the Ford Focus. Designed by Ford’s European division, this car model fuel economy trails a bit compared to Japanese compacts, but it’s cheap to buy, and pleasing to drive. It is easy on your pocketbook when it comes to keeping the gas tank filled. A 13.5 gallon fuel tank usually allows you to travel almost 325 miles non-stop.
Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC- EPA city/highway mileage: 23/32
There are very few cars in the world that can match the fuel efficiency of Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC in terms of diesel powered cars. This model is the best answer who always thinks – a diesel car always consumes more fuel. In fact, if you get the chance to test-drive a Mercedes E320 BLUETEC then you must go for it. Its key feature of 3-liter V6 power plant offers an impressive power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a compact sedan. Read the rest of this entry »