FAQs
Engine Oil
1. What does engine oil actually do?
Motor oil is a vital element of your engine and prevents friction between the moving metal parts. This stops them from grinding together as they move which would cause a lot of damage and quickly destroy the engine. Engine oil is also one of the key ways in which heat is carried away from the combustion cycle. It cleans your engine by trapping and removing all the by-products from combustion (such as silicon oxide). Engine oil also protects the metal parts from exposure to oxygen and this helps to prevent corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. Motor oil really is an amazing product and can continue working even under intense heat and pressure.
2. What do the numbers on engine oil products mean?
Engine oil viscosity changes at different temperatures and this can affect its effectiveness at coating and protecting the engine. You can buy both single and multiply grade oils and these will be rated in terms of what weights (viscosities) they provide at different temperatures. When you see a ‘W’ this refers to the cold viscosity rating of the oil. Single grade oils will just have one number such as 10W and will not be suitable for most modern engines as they are not designed to work at hot temperatures (the oil gets too thin). Multi-grade oils will provide both cold start and hot running temperature protection. You will see the cold ‘W’ number followed by another number which indicates the hot viscosity rating such as 10W40. It is important to understand motor oil ratings so that you can buy the appropriate oil for your engine type.
3. Can I run my performance car on regular engine oil?
Performance engines are designed with special parts that are able to withstand much more demanding conditions than standard cars. This is because the heavy braking, sharp acceleration and high speed can generate extreme temperatures and load. You will also need a top quality motor oil that can continue to perform under the most intense conditions. Standard car oil may not be suitable for extreme temperatures and load so you should be looking at the more expensive top grade synthetic oil products that have been designed specifically for performance vehicles.
4. What is engine sludge?
Motor oil is exposed to some tough conditions and over time the chemical compounds will break down. If engine oil is not changed regularly then this process can become very advanced and the oil will oxidise and the oil additives will separate out and start to solidify. This causes a gelatinous, sticky mess to form inside the engine which is commonly referred to as ‘sludge’. As oil starts to break down it loses its ability to coat and protect the engine parts and so they will start to wear more quickly. By the time the oil has degraded to the point of forming sludge the engine can be irreversibly damaged and this will mean a huge garage bill. In some cases you may even need a whole new engine. This is why it is so important to check the oil regularly on your car and get it properly serviced once a year.
5. What happens if engine oil mixes with water?
Diluting engine oil is a not recommended as this will reduce its ability to protect your engine. When a head gasket starts to go, it will leak water into the engine oil system. You can see evidence of this by a whitish coloured sludge on the inside of the oil filler cap. You will need to get this head gasket seen to by a professional mechanic as soon as possible and the oil will need draining and completely replacing.
6. Why are there additives in engine oil?
Additives are a very important part of engine oil and are present in both synthetic and mineral oil products. Different additives are used (such as phosphorus and zinc) and these are designed to reduce friction and increase fuel economy. Ester is a common additive as it acts as a stabilizer for the oil and other compounds. Detergent additives are also used to help keep engines clean and free from harmful build ups resulting from the combustion process. Oil additives prevent excessive engine wear and ensure the oil lasts as long as possible.
7. What is the difference between synthetic oils and mineral oils?
Mineral oils are manufactured from refined crude oil and provide long lasting protection for your engine under most conditions. Mineral oil does contain carbon that can cause deposits to form on your engine but is one of the cheapest options. Synthetic oil is designed to withstand very high temperatures and load and so is ideal for modern combustion engines. This oil does not suffer from carbon deposit problems like mineral oil but does tend to be much more expensive. You can also get semi synthetic oil products and these are a good compromise between cost and performance. There are also some pure synthetic oils and these are mostly used for high load gearboxes. These pure synthetic products cannot be mixed with mineral oil.
8. Can I mix synthetic and mineral engine oil in my engine?
Most synthetic oils are actually derived from mineral oil and this is one of the reasons why it is possible to mix both synthetic and mineral oils together in the same engine. In the old days it was not recommended that you mixed these oils together as this could cause problems such as leaks in the gaskets and seals. However technology has come on a long way and now seals are designed to work with both types of oils. This means you can use both mineral and synthetic oils in your car.
9. Can I use diesel-rated oil in a petrol car?
Diesel-rated oils have different oil additives to standard petrol engine products, including a higher level of detergents. In the past many people used this type of oil to ‘flush out’ their non-diesel engines. However it is not actually a good thing to completely clean your engine and this can cause problems such as a loss of compression. Although you can run a car with diesel-rated oil it is best to use the type of oil recommended by the owner’s manual to avoid causing any unnecessary problems.
10. What motor oil should I buy?
Many people get confused with all the motor oil ratings on the market. Basically check your owner’s manual for guidance on which oil you need for your car and buy an oil approved by one of the main governing bodies such as the API (American Petroleum Institute) or the ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles). This will ensure you have a quality product that will last a long time and protect your engine well
Air Filters
1. How will a performance air filter benefit my car?
Replacing the air filter is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to upgrade your car. It only takes a few minutes to add a new performance air filter and this will improve the air flow to your engine and help to boost the overall performance and mileage. Engines are fitted with standard paper filters straight from the factory in most cases. These are adequate for everyday use but they do not provide the efficient volume of air flow that specially designed performance air filter replacement products offer. The more clean air you can deliver to the engine the more efficient the combustion process will be and the more power (and more mileage) you can get out of your engine. You can find upgraded air filters for most models of modern cars these days for an affordable and easy engine enhancement.
2. What are the benefits of washable air filters?
Disposable paper filters are standard in most modern engines and these last a long time and are designed to be thrown away after use. Over time this filter will get very dirty and this can reduce the efficiency of the air intake restricting overall engine performance. The main benefit of washable air filters is that you will be able to remove them from the air box during a service and wash them thoroughly. This will restore the filter to ‘as new’ condition and ensure that you can continue to get maximum efficiency from it for as long as possible. Disposable paper filters are also not particularly environmentally friendly so you may want to consider using a washable air filters if you are trying to be a ‘greener’ driver.
3. Why do I need an air filter?
Air is required in combustion engines in order to ignite the fuel and power the engine. However the air being sucked into the engine from outside is not clean and can contain a number of foreign particles. Although these are very small they can build up and cause deposits in your engine that can wear the moving parts and cause problems. This is why it is very important to have clean, effective air filters in place to prevent these particles from getting into the engine in the first place. You can get both disposable and washable air filters and it is a good idea to check these every annual service (or every 5,000 miles) to ensure they are still in good condition.
4. Why are some air filters oiled?
Oil is an important part of the air filtration system. Air filter oil is very sticky and this helps to filter very fine particles out of the air that would otherwise by missed by the cloth/foam/paper material of the filter. If you have washable air filters then you will need to replace the air filter oil again after cleaning to ensure that the filter is still able to work effectively. You need to use special air filter oil for this purpose as other motor oil products are not sticky enough and if they are too runny this will contaminant the air intake system.
5. Are fabric performance filters better than paper filters?
You can buy both fabric and paper performance air filter replacement products. A good quality fabric filter will in most cases be more efficient at filtering large volumes of air than paper filters. This is why fabric filters are generally used on race-spec cars and big powerful road legal V8 Supercars. Studies have shown that high grade fabric filters can improve engine performance by as much as 4% alone, which is an impressive figure from such a basic and easy to replace engine part.
6. What is a cold air intake system?
Cold air intake systems work by relocating the air box to the outside of the engine compartment (typically near the upper wheel well, above the tire). This allows the air filter to suck in much cooler air. The benefit of this is that cooler air is denser with oxygen molecules and this provides a more efficient combustion process and can maximise the power (and mileage) from an engine. Cold air intake kits are widely available and straightforward to install and this is an important upgrade for any car owner who wants to significantly boost overall performance for the road or race track.
7. How often do you need to replace air filters?
Air filters are designed to last for a long time without needing cleaning or replacement but you should check them at least once or year or every 5,000 miles just to ensure they are still in good working condition. Washable air filters may need to be cleaned every 20,000 to 40,000 miles but this could be sooner if you regularly dry in very dusty or dirty conditions. Disposable paper filters are designed to last for 50,000+ miles but in reality they can start to get choked up with dirt much sooner than this. That is why it is a such as good idea to check the air filter regularly as if this is too dirty or worn then it could be reducing the overall performance and mileage of your engine.
8. How do you check the air filter?
Checking the air filter is a straightforward job and all you need to do is locate the air box and open it up to reveal the filter. Remove the filter and check to see how dirty it is and whether there are any signs of wear. You can then give washable air filters a clean if necessary or take the opportunity to replace the part with a higher grade performance filter.
9. How do you clean fabric or foam air filters?
Washable air filters are easy to clean and you can get some special kits that contain all the things you need including cleaning solution and air filter oil. You do need to be careful when cleaning your air filters to ensure you do not damage them as this could let dirt and grime slip past into the air intake pipe and so contaminate the engine causing excessive wear. You will need to remove the air filter to clean it and only use a cleaning fluid designed for this task as harsh detergents can damage the fibres. Make sure you rinse out all the cleaning fluid and then leave in a clean place to dry naturally. Never wring out or squeeze the filter as this can damage the filter parts and seals. Make sure you oil the filter again before you put it back in the air box.
10. What air filters do they use on Formula 1 cars?
Air intake is a critical issue for high performance engines such as those on Formula 1 cars. Only the best filters are used and these are complex multi-layered thick designs (such as Sauber C24 air filters) that provide large surfaces areas and are highly effective at trapping even the smallest particles of dirt without restricting air flow to the engine.
Nismo Competition Parts
1. How can I upgrade my exhaust system without spending too much money?
If you want to make your exhaust system look and sound like a high performance option then you can buy affordable custom exhaust tips. These replace the standard factory fit tip on your exhaust system and add a touch of high performance class to your car. The great thing about tips is that they cost just a fraction of a whole replacement performance exhaust system and are very easy to mount to your car (both clamp-on or weld-on options). Once installed the tip will not only look great but will also add a sporty note to your exhaust sound.
2. What performance parts do Nismo manufacture?
Nismo performance parts are the culmination of years of Nissan motorsport history. Many advancements made out on the track are introduced to the street through aftermarket Nismo performance car parts and you can use these to upgrade your car into something very special. There are a number of Nismo R&D parts available and you can get race-spec brakes, clutches, exhaust systems and more.
3. Do I need performance brakes?
If you want to upgrade your car and increase engine power then you are going to need better brakes. Brakes on performance cars are exposed some intense heat and load and you will need to be sure that you have the best quality brake systems in place to deal with these demanding conditions. The Nismo aftermarket performance car parts range includes some top quality brake systems which will cope with the additional demands of sharp and repetitive braking. These brakes are designed from the advanced technologies harvested from years of top Nissan motorsport history and can perform on both track and road conditions. Nismo brake kits include large 355 diameter disc rotors, superior gold coated Brembo callipers and Nismo R-tune brake pads (designed specifically for circuit driving).
4. Will air intakes increase my engine performance?
Engines rely on a balanced mixture of fuel and air for combustion. The standard air intake systems are designed to be quiet and efficient for everyday use but will not be able to meet demands for high performance from your engine. Therefore one of the quickest ways you can increase engine performance is to upgrade your air intake system using aftermarket performance car parts. Performance air intake kits are available for a wide range of cars and will replace the intake tube with a wider, straighter pipe to provide faster, higher volume air delivery to the engine. They will also contain new performance air filters and all of this will help to improve the flow of air to your engine and ensure maximum power. A typical high performance air intake kit could increase your engine output by anywhere from 2 to 10hp.
5. Will a performance air intake kit ruin my fuel economy?
Air intake kits can boost engine performance significantly and you may think that this will come at the expense of fuel economy. However because the performance air intake systems improve the flow of air to the engine you are actually getting more power out of the combustion process and this means your engine will use less fuel. Most people find that their fuel economy actually increases by around 1 to 2mpgs with a performance air intake kit, although this will of course also depend on your driving style and car usage.
6. Will the horsepower and torque from different performance parts cancel each other out?
If you want to seriously upgrade your car to obtain the optimum performance then you will need to invest in a lot of different performance parts to replace the factory fit options. You should not upgrade the engine without also upgrading brakes and suspension and the best thing is that all the horsepower and torque you gain from each performance part will actually start to stack up. Although this will not be a straight forward calculation (10hp from a new air intake and 20hp from new performance programmer will not make a total increase of 30hp) the effects are cumulative. As long as the performance car parts do not conflict with each other then you should be able to gain some serious power optimization from adding performance parts. The best way to check to see if each performance part is adding to the overall enhancement of your car is to test it on the dynamometer before and after each upgrade.
7. Are performance suspension kits any good?
Suspension is the vital link between the power produced by your engine and the road surface. The suspension transforms horsepower into forward momentum and if this part of your vehicle is not strong enough it will reduce the overall performance. Upgrade suspension kits will provide you with the control and precision you need to apply the power from your engine to the road so it is well worth investing in these performance car parts if you want to maximise the potential of your car.
8. Will lowering my car make it faster?
There are some significant benefits to lowering cars when it comes to performance. By lowering your car you will be dropping the centre of gravity and tightening up your traction and cornering abilities. This in turn increases the responsiveness of your car and allows you to maximise performance. However if you do lower your car remember that the ride comfort can be reduced (because the suspension will hard) and you will not be able to travel easily over rougher road conditions.
9. Should I upgrade my car with twin-tube or monotube shocks?
You can get both twin-tube and monotube aftermarket performance car parts to replace your standard factory fit options. The monotube shocks are in general better for off-road conditions as they have a longer travel range and are more resistant to shock fade. Twin-tube shocks are versatile and provide a smooth ride for both road and race track conditions.
10. Are performance parts suitable for road cars?
You can find a number of excellent aftermarket performance car parts that are designed specifically for installation on a wide range of different road cars. These provide you with a way to fine tune your vehicle and make it more suitable to your driving style. You don’t have to completely overhaul your car with performance parts in order to benefit from these upgrade options. You can improve your car’s performance and make it feel more responsive by upgrading just a few basic parts such as the brake pads and air filters with aftermarket parts.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
1. Why is tire pressure so important?
Tyres are the direct link between the road and your engine. Tire pressure is key to providing you with precision and control for your vehicle and is also an important factor in mileage and fuel consumption. Over-inflated and under-inflated tyres can both affect the performance of your car and tyre wear so it is important that you regularly check tire pressure and ensure it meets the manufacturer’s correct tyre pressure operating guidelines.
2. How can I check my tyre pressure?
To accurately check tyre pressure it is a good idea to invest in a good quality pressure device such as a TPMS sensor. This will make it easy for you to take accurate readings of your tyre pressure so that you can ensure optimum performance and mileage from your car. You must always check inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. This means you will have to leave the car for at least one hour after it has been used. Always check cold tyre pressure before you go on a long journey and at least once every two months as part of your ongoing vehicle maintenance checks. Don’t forget to also check the spare tyre so that it is ready to use when you need to replace a flat or damaged tyre. It is unsafe to travel in your car with tyres that are over or under-inflated as this will reduce your control over the vehicle and can affect acceleration, steering and braking accuracy.
3. Where do I find out the correct pressure guidelines for my tyres?
You can find out the correct tyre pressure from looking in your owner’s manual or from the instructions provided by the tyre manufacturer. For some models of car the tyre pressure will also be stamped on the inside pillar of the front car doors.
4. Can under-inflated tyres affect braking?
Under-inflation is one of the most common problems affecting tyres and will have a negative impact on the overall suspension of the car making it more difficult for you to brake effectively. This can increase braking distances and make it more likely for you to skid or slide (particularly in wet conditions). Under-inflated tyres will also reduce fuel efficiency, ride quality and tyre life. You can feel when tyres are under-inflated as the steering will seem less responsive and the ride will feel very bumpy and uncomfortable even when you are on roads in fairly good condition.
5. How can I make sure my tyres are properly inflated?
If you are concerned about tyre pressure safety and you don’t want to have to check your tyres every few weeks then you could invest in a wireless pressure monitoring kit. This is a useful safety device that will alert you if your tyre pressure is outside of the recommended guidelines. These wireless pressure monitoring kits are easy to use and ideal for busy people that use their cars a lot for work or leisure.
6. How to you change your tyre pressure?
You can buy pumps to use at home to enable you to inflate your tyres to the correct pressure. Manual foot pumps can be tricky and time consuming to use so it is a good idea to invest in a good quality electrical pump. This will make short work of maintaining safe tyre pressure. Pumps will have in-built digital or analogue gauges that will also read the tyre pressure for you or you can invest in a separate tyre pressure gauge. Also petrol stations and garages have air pumps that are free to use in most cases and this will allow you to quickly and easily adjust tyre pressure without having to buy any new equipment. Remember though the air pumps at petrol stations do see some heavy usage so they may not be quite as accurate as a good quality electrical pump that is well looked after at home.
7. What are tyre sensors?
Tyre sensors are a practical and easy way to keep track of the air pressure in your tyres. These sensors feature a sensitive gauge that can be permanently fitted to the tyres inlet valve. This will constantly monitor tyre pressure and will display the reading on the cap which makes it easy for you to see the tyre pressure at just a quick glance. These tyre sensors are ideal for anyone who is worried about taking accurate tyre pressures readings or who is going on a long trip and wants to ensure tyre safety along the way.
8. Is it better to measure in BAR and PSI when reading tyre pressure?
In some countries tyre pressure is measured in PSI (for example
9. Can tyre pressure affect tyre life?
If your tyre is under-inflated then the outer parts of the tyre will start to see excessive wear and this can reduce overall tyre life. Studies have shown that a tyre that is just 30% under-inflated can have serious affects on the performance of a vehicle and will reduce tyre life by as much as 50%. This can make running your car much more expensive so it does pay to make sure you maintain the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle at all times. It is difficult to detect visually if a tyre is under-inflated and it may not significantly affect the ‘feel’ of the car until it has reached a certain stage of under-inflation so make sure you check tyre pressure regularly using a good quality tyre pressure device such as a TPMS sensor.
10. Should I increase tyre pressure if I am travelling off-road?
Off-road conditions can be challenging on tyres and you will need different levels of traction and grip to deal with the varying conditions such as hard rutted tracks, loose dirt and slippery mud. You cannot simply increase tyre pressure on street tyres to allow for off-road conditions. This will not provide you with the grip and additional durability you need. If you are going to be travelling off-road then you need some proper off-road tyres fitted to your vehicle which should be set at the safe tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
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