Dispelling 10 Common Engine Myths! Can the Missus stump the CAR WIZARD?

[@chrisharris6384]

RX8 Owners: I check my fuel every time I fill up with oil

[@paisis123]

RX8 Milage: 15 MPG CITY AND HIGHWAY

[@Prestiged_peck]

@@paisis123 15mpg? Shiit I'm lucky to get 8 on my 90s bbf truck

[@CRAPO2011]

Apex seals

[@CAepicreviews]

Yeah this is actually how it is. It's a 3 stroke engine and it should be mixed.

[@j0lel666]

@@CAepicreviews 3 stroke?? just stfu maannn :DDD

[@airsol]

Adam and Jamie look a lot different on this season of Mythbusters

[@john-paulsilke893]

No beret and not Tilley hats.

[@TheJihadJoe]

More like Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers

[@fmotlgreen6814]

Beauty & The Beast 😅

[@yunkillubeats]

Hahahahaha 😂

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

Awesome comment

[@dannygonzalez8211]

You should check your oil evey time you fill up.....if you have a rotary

[@jhonditch4269]

or is that fill oil when you check gas level.

[@votekyle3000]

Also, run a heavier oil than what the manufacturer recommends... if you have a rotary

[@MrCarGuy]

If you have a rotary you should honestly run pre-mixed if you have the time

[@snap_oversteer]

Or when you have 80s toyota/honda.

[@SVSky]

Or a Lycoming/Continental/Franklin/Wright/Pratt & Whitney =)

[@USARAY1947]

No worries about a Land Rover over 100k miles, they'll never reach it or you'll be broke before it does.

[@nicolasboivin9746]

Exactly what I thought. No car makes it to 100k miles. LR, bimmers and exotics will die way before, most others will make it way past that

[@mikep6726]

@@nicolasboivin9746 I have an Audi that's approaching 130k with no issues

[@pooolish334]

@@mikep6726 ...130k with no issues after i spent all of my bank savings on it*

[@bewareofmountainlions4429]

Friend bought a range rover qith 60k miles. It blew a head gasket at 69k. Did not overheat.

[@PokePulls18]

@@mikep6726 lol

[@bradklingensmith]

You can tell Mrs Wizard is a teacher, "you have room for improvement ",

[@markiangooley]

Battery tenders don’t taste as good as chicken tenders, though.

[@breezyjr]

Dad jokes FTW!

[@robertmontgomery7158]

Great joke 😭

[@Bduh2]

But they sure get you up and going! Into anything solid if you're not lucky too!

[@mcxhalo]

true

[@diemman70]

You should try female tenders.

[@superdupergrover9857]

The 'don't put batteries on concrete' thing started when battery cases were made from wax paper or something like that and should not be in contact with a porous, moist surface. Modern plastic battery cases are completely inert and so long as the top is dry, can be in standing water.

[@ALittleBitOfGay]

It may have also come from disgruntled shop owners who were tired of stubbing their toes on immovable blocks. ;)

[@Yugophoto]

The battery thing can also be more of a real problem in cold climates. Concrete can suck the heat out of things. If you place the battery on the floor near a exterior wall in a very cold place, the concrete slab could conduct the heat right out of the battery and freeze it.

[@bruceaskin9645]

Yugophoto got it right extreme cold will run your battery flat

[@gordonwinter4540]

Lead acid batteries normally lose a charge over time. It has nothing to do with concrete

[@robstephens]

This was true with the Edison type batteries.

[@T25de]

Mrs wizard is getting much more relaxed and confident in front of camera!! 🥳 You guys are a good team

[@ng-ht1vx]

In warm weather, I generally warm the car up until the revs go down from high idle, just to get the oil circulating before I add stress. In cold weather, I like to wait till the coolant temp needle twitches on the car. I live in an area where -40 is more than possible in the winter.

[@mikep490]

Idling to warm a car went out with carburetor freezing. Many car makes say to NOT warm your car, just drive easy. The car warms quicker and you don't waste fuel. At those winter temps you probably have block and battery heaters. Keep them plugged in. (I installed a small room heater in my 70's VW van for cold days, switched on as part of getting ready for work.) For cold weather it is necessary to warm a car if the windshield will freeze over, but that's not just cold, it's sub-human. BTW, "wind chill" or "feels like" temps don't affect your car.

[@shitloveaduck]

@@mikep490- Agreed! 😊

[@zf9903]

@@mikep490”wind chill” and “feels like” do affect your car, you just never ask it if it feels cold. 😞

[@J.R.in_WV]

Great video wizard! I do have one thing to add on topping off fluids though, I always advise people NOT to top off the brake fluid if the system isn’t leaking because to me the fluid level in a sealed system is a great wear indicator, plus if you top it off and the pads are at 25% when you go to change them you’re going to push brake fluid all over the place.

[@jayski8987]

I tell my customers the same thing. I can’t count how many brake jobs I’ve done where as soon as I push the caliper pistons back in, brake fluid goes all over the ground.

[@anvilsvs]

@@jayski8987 and J.R., Don't you know that you should have the bleed screw open on the caliper before pushing the piston back so that you don't push contaminated fluid back into the ABS system?

[@jmiller7471]

@@jayski8987 7ihç v aftuhhh

[@papakernz]

@Paul Bunce You're right. Nobody does it this way but you're exactly right. Nobody thinks about pushing that rusty, burnt, contaminated fluid back up through those small orifices in your HCU and back into your master cylinder. It also prevents the bleed screws from corroding into the calipers up here in the rust belt.

[@JoshuaTrenge]

I always draw the fluid out of the MC before changing pads… then remove the rest of the fluid after… Always best to have fresh fluid in the MC…

[@ashog1426]

Wizard brings me inner-peace because of how monotone his voice is lol

[@vinces8974]

He would’ve made a great Psychologist

[@sgt.mikebaran7105]

He Is A Mello Guy Compared To Most Mechanics

[@highwaystar8310]

For sure I have to drink a caffeinated beverage to stay awake and his wife’s direct sergeant voice makes me jump to action!! Im sure she wears the pants in their house lol...

[@kris856]

@@highwaystar8310 on the video too

[@TheHerbdude]

I remember decades ago that the break-in period was 500 miles and then change your oil. Because a lot of metal shedded off on the new motors.

[@j.p.fagerback7966]

The new C8 Corvette has an electronic limiter to limit the highest revving for a number of miles to work in the engine.

[@Magescuro]

My buddy with his mercedes has a similar thing, I heard that cold engines just use more fuel and limiting how hard the engine runs just limits fuel consumption

[@smithjones1906]

There's a motorcycle manufacturer that does this too, I can't remember which one right now. Maybe KTM? I think the redline is artificially low until X number of miles, but I'm not sure it changes the fuel cutoff. Maybe to be viewed as a strong suggestion?

[@technomen0872]

@@Magescuro kinda similar. Adjustable idle/rev range is actually really common on some European manufacturers. Like my bmw engined Peugeot gets a higher idle in cold weather (btw really scary the first time, -16 c boom 1600rpm idle very weird feeling) the corvette rev range is actually limited by 2000 or so rpm till you drive 500miles(may not be the exact miles) to break in the engine

[@paulauld7498]

My 2008 GT500 wouldn't develop full boost until after 500 miles or so.

[@davidwilkie5021]

My 2020 STI had a 1000 mile break in. Was told by the dealer and the owners manual not to beat on it, stay under 4k rpms and not keep the rpms continuous for too long.

[@normanj1975]

We all played the recorder at school in the UK. They still sounded as bad.

[@kevinjohnson9736]

Went to school for a year in Florida. We had to play the recorder too....lol

[@jackchitty6504]

@@kevinjohnson9736 Floridian here...proud expert recorder player

[@Carsoniman]

Re: engine warm-up -> 15 to 30 seconds to allow oil to to coat top of engine. Coolant change is more of a factor of time vs. mileage…

[@ralphiewyowyo]

In my vehicles I wait for the revs to come down, after starting, before pulling away.

[@hyacinthbucket3803]

I do the same, when it’s cold and I start it, it idles high, and when it revs down, is when I proceed.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Same! I start it up, and however long it takes me to situate my coffee, get my music playing, and get my seatbelt on is how long it gets to warm up before I take off. Once I take off I go pretty easy for the first 5 to 10 minutes of my drive.

[@Harmonic14]

In normal temps, that's called cat light-off. The engine idles higher until the catalytic converter is hot enough to be in its most efficient operating window. Regardless, you're better off driving lightly right away when it's cold. It builds heat faster, so you spend less time operating the engine in a cold state.

[@MrR2185]

I live in a cold winter climate and do the same thing. I am blessed to have a remote starter which makes that easier. I am sure that it makes little difference in modern cars, but there are laws of physics and expansion and contraction are real things in (for cars) metals and plastics....especially when you live in a place that easily sees -20f in the winter.

[@norfolkngood8960]

And a million others do so & there goes the climate 😉

[@inediblenut]

If you fill the brake fluid reservoir just before a brake job, expanding the calipers for the new pads will push the fluid out out of the reservoir for certain. I made that mistake myself. Brake fluid level is dependent on wear level.

[@anvilsvs]

Use a turkey baster and remove the fluid form the master before pushing the calipers back. Then remove it again after all of the calipers are back. Fill with fresh fluid and bleed each wheel until the fluid runs clean. Then change the fluid in the master every year when you change oil. That helps remove some moisture from the system.

[@joshpeterson7241]

My cat freaked out when you were playing the recorder 😂😂

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Just the cat?

[@jakes_on_a_plane]

Car Wizard logo always reminds me of South Park... Cartman on a Lord of the Rings quest

[@thomasrhinehart6084]

i remember seeing cars in the 70s and 80s that had specific Pamphlets about break in periods, something about piston rings....

[@laurieharper1526]

Engines are often bench run in at the factory these days. With better metallurgy, tighter manufacturing tolerances and better lubricants, break in is less of, although not a non issue.

[@talon262]

@@laurieharper1526 That doesn't mean that manufacturers still don't advise new car owners of a break-in period; with my 2020 Sentra that I've had for about a month and bought with about 15 miles on the odometer, this is what Nissan has to say in the owner's manual: CAUTION During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), follow these recommendations to obtain maximum engine performance and ensure the future reliability and economy of your new vehicle. Failure to follow these recommendations may result in shortened engine life and reduced engine performance. • Avoid driving for long periods at constant speed, either fast or slow, and do not run the engine over 4,000 rpm. • Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear. • Avoid quick starts. • Avoid hard braking as much as possible. It's not just to break-in the engine, but presumably also to break-in the trans/diff and bed the brakes.

[@KalebKronic]

I saw new corvettes show the redline like 2K rpm lower for the first 500 miles, but doesn't actually stop you from revving it higher than that. More like a suggestion.

[@michaelnutsch221]

My Mitsubishi Colt's leaflet specified a break-in period including a rather short oil-change interval. They even stated that this was caused by the cheaper manufacturing process of the engine without breaking in at the factory.

[@paulwoodman5131]

@@KalebKronic the C8 Corvette reduces torque in first & second gear for 500 miles. The redline on the digital tach is reduced to 4500 as well. Chevy also recommends checking the oil every fill up during break in as well.

[@CaptainThirdGen]

I store many cars through the long michigan winter, and something I have found that works for me is when I plan on parking a car for more than a few weeks I simply disconnect the negative or positive terminal on the battery. I have stored cars for many months with this method, and when I come back in the spring I simply hook the terminals back up, and it usually fires right up. Just a quick tip that has worked well for me thus far.

[@dayjeremy]

You'll kill an AGM battery doing that.

[@CaptainThirdGen]

@@dayjeremy good thing I dont run AGMs. My dad does though, and he uses the same methods I do. His have always been fine for years

[@briandurning7789]

Love the eye-roll Mrs. Wizard gives once in a while. They make a great couple, love watching their playful interactions. We also get to learn something while they talk.

[@talltomtube]

Myth #2 My new 2007 VW Rabbit 2.5L 5 cylinder engine had a special break in oil that was not to be changed until 5,000 miles. The owner's manual also recommended not using full throttle until 500 miles. And to avoid continuous steady rpms for more than a half hour until 1,000 miles. I followed these directions and even at 125,000 miles the car burnt less than 3/16" of oil on the dipstick per oil change. My oil change interval was 7,500 miles after the break in period. The owner's manual called for a 10,000 mile oil change interval, but it seemed too much for me. The vehicle I had before was a 1990 Ranger 4 cylinder. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles in that little truck and had to add a quart every 900 miles due to it burring it. lol.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

With engine break-in I would disagree and just say “it depends”. Safest bet is to just follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. We picked up a Porsche GT4 from Stuttgart in 2016 and they told us that, while they recommend staying below 4K rpm for the first 1k miles, the most important thing is to keep the engine speed variable and to not let it sit at the same revs for too long. (Something to do with the rings forming a groove at one spot in the bore) That’s direct from the engineers. Jason from Engineering Explained did a great video on this subject too.

[@chrishernandez2490]

Yes! I kinda see what the car wizard is talking about, and yeah of course ignoring the break in procedure will not cause the engine to blow up immediately. But Im almost certain if you tear down a properly broken in engine, vs one that was beat on from day one, the broken in one will have noticeably less wear. (This is just my guess honestly. 🤷‍♂️)

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@chrishernandez2490 yeah especially on engines (usually high performance ones) that come with a specific break-in oil where they do a full synthetic oil change at the first service.

[@meatmissilef111]

It's really more about changing the oil a couple of times in the first few thousand miles. You want to get all the particulates out that can lead to later damage. I think the voodoo of various miles/RPM limits/etc are just a reflection of that, which yields a service interval/instruction set for retards (normal consumers).

[@flight2k5]

Engine break in isn’t a thing anymore

[@SneakySolidSnake]

@@flight2k5 engine break in most certainly is a thing. it's in the owner's manual, people just don't bother with it, because it's a problem for the second buyer to worry about.

[@Fantic1980]

Most new high performance cars have a 1500 mile break in, then a break in service after. They are also engine limited during that period to stop you giving it the beans.

[@aussie2uGA]

Correct. We also used to have a specific break in oil, usually lighter weight, that would get drained around 1200mi to assist with break in. You never want to rev it high or have it under load when all the metal surfaces are trying to adapt to each other.

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Mates M2 had this and that first service after 1200miles or whatever wasn't cheap!

[@Brianlikescars]

Yeah, he mentioned at the end that if it’s required they would put a disclaimer, but usually that disclaimer these days is enforced by beeps and hoops.

[@21Piloteer]

If you have a Hyundai Theta-II engine you better be checking the oil at every fill-up! lol!

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Just don't buy one period.

[@klasseact6663]

Which engine is this exactly?

[@boilerhousegarage]

Yeah and when Fiat/Chrysler claim your engine has "acceptable loss." Although theirs is usually coolant.

[@boilerhousegarage]

@@klasseact6663 The one in early 2000s Kias, like the Sonata. Troublesome and terrible.

[@Epotheros]

@@boilerhousegarage I think Toyota said this with their 3.5L V6. They said something like 1 quart of oil burned every 1000 miles is acceptable.

[@khanwashere264]

THIS IS HOW GOOD MARRIED PEOPLE ACT IN A AUTOMOBILE REPAIR WORKSHOP

[@KristopherStidd]

Yes I agree. I only know of one other couple just like them. A RARE find these days.

[@richardbutton1179]

Im old enough to remember a car was considered worn out at 50k miles. Not the engine or transmission, but the rest of the car was considered wore out. And if it was close to 100k miles it was considered "ready for the scrap yard" even if it was still running good.

[@js7617]

Wizard you have a lovely wife, such a pleasant person.

[@rk22cc]

could dress up a little though

[@electronicengineer]

I agree 100%. Fred

[@richards1816]

@@rk22cc It's an auto repair shop, not a car show though. Her dress is appropriate for the environment.

[@RustOnWheels]

She is such an asset to the show. This channel got better and better, also thanks to Mrs. Wizard!

[@electronicengineer]

@@RustOnWheels Absolutely. I've only been watching The Car Wizard's channel for about 5 - 6 months (thanks to Tyler Hoover) and I think that the show, in general, is more entertaining when Mrs. Car Wizard joins in. I really like this channel more and more. Fred

[@johnhoey4605]

I love these two. Salt-of-the-earth folks, for sure!

[@altergreenhorn]

0:51 blinker fluid is a real issue at least here in the EU Audi and BMW owner are well known for not checking the level of it. They are always without it.

[@JamesC00]

What happened with his daughter wrecked prelude? I never saw Hoovie do a "I bought the cheapest Prelude in the country" and im legit curious.

[@discerningmind]

I seem to recall it was hauled off because it was totaled.

[@neilgibbons2532]

@@discerningmind and was replaced by a flute 😂

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

With musical “talent” like that, don’t give up the day job.

[@scott8919]

I was listening to my music and stopped to watch this. The flute was the perfect segway between both.

[@1985toyotacamry]

It's a recorder

[@CadgerChristmasLightShow]

Godless Toyota i was also about to say that lol obviously not a flute

[@1985toyotacamry]

@@CadgerChristmasLightShow yes because it's the second most annoying musical instrument in the world

[@benbond3433]

It was the perfect two-wheeled transport vehicle for in between? Oh, you mean it was a segue. ;)

[@v0nndermaxx]

Welcome to Hell here's your Recorder

[@guitar14]

Great to see Mrs. Wizard getting more screen time. You guys make a great team. 👍

[@RustOnWheels]

She’s the best! You can tell she has experience with educating children.

[@JurisKankalis]

I doubt these guys could make a video together in their first episodes, just a joy to watch how they're grown and ... well, just a joy to watch them in general. And of course, I will always crave more, more of the Mrs. Wizzard. Mooooh, moooh of her!!! Well, this got weird fast.

[@flipicaneze]

I've had reasonable mechanics in my lifetime and I've heard a lot of these being debunked by them, but also would like to add is not to top off brake fluid. That's the easiest way to check the wear level of your brakes, if you top off and then go to change the brake pads, the fluid will overflow when you compress the calipers.

[@plonkster]

The way I drive my vehicles, the brakes usually last longer than the brake fluid (which is hygroscopic and needs a flush every two years or so), so I end up replacing fluid before I replace the brakes. That means that inevitably I end up with a full brake reservoir halfway through the brake wear.

[@Knotyourbusiness]

@@plonkster I change my breaks every 2 fuel fill ups.

[@tony_25or6to4]

Myth #1 Back in the day before self service gas stations, full service included checking your fluids. They'd top off your washer fluid for free and sell you oil, trans, or power steering fluid if needed. If the fluids looked bad or your mileage said it was time, your local gas station reminded you it was time for a change. Our nearest local gas/service station was two blocks away and their competitors were 3 more blocks away.

[@terencehawkes3933]

With Canadian winters my recommendation is to start the car, move off as soon as the car is able, but drive with a light foot until the car is thoroughly warmed up.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

Yeah and I usually let the motor run for 2 minutes before going on the road. At least, it's better than nothing!

[@dustintunis9347]

With Canadian winters don't you have to let the transmission fluid warm up before the car WILL move? I know, it is a slight exaggeration, but I have seen a KZbin video of a Subaru with a manual that wouldn't run in neutral with the clutch out because the fluid was so thick.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

@@dustintunis9347 I'm Canadian. An automatic car trans will be sluggish when cold (-15 celcius or lower). After the car warm up, it's fine. Even on a manual car, it does not go into gear as easily as in summer, but once it is in, the car is not sluggish like one with an auto trans.

[@terencehawkes3933]

@@dustintunis9347 No, I have never experienced a problem where the transmission would not work properly even on the coldest days.

[@dustintunis9347]

@@alexandrecouture2462 - I was thinking -40 and colder, it's gotten down to -15F here which is about -25C.

[@SavedbyHim]

BMW has a break in mode on brand new cars which limits engine power for the fist 1200 miles. There must be a reason for it...

[@willb3018]

to make sure the BMW gets to 100,000? 😉

[@Timoastra]

So they doesnt get wrecked leaving the lot, but rather 1200 miles down the road.

[@SavedbyHim]

@@willb3018 Nah, just till the warranty period is over :)

[@wydopnthrtl]

C8 Vette too

[@Harmonic14]

For #2: some cars are electronically torque limited now for the first X miles for their break-in period. The C8 Corvette is one that comes to mind. For #5: if you have an old car that always ran conventional oil, the gunk build-up over time can act as a seal, and the detergents in synthetic oil could break down the gunk seal enough to cause leaks. Other than that, it's fine. For #6: Don't top off your brake fluid. If you're low on brake fluid, you either have a leak or your pads are low. You should get brake fluid flushes every few years or so like he says in #8. For #8: Go by your owner's manual for oil change intervals. The manufacturer did hundreds of thousands of miles of durability testing, so they know better than the guys trying to sell it to you.

[@phil4986]

23:17 absolute truth. Don't worry about what others think. It's your car, maintain it the best way you think it should be maintained.

[@blankmandastankman]

“ *Extra* Urban Environment ” is officially what I am about to start calling the hood from now on 😂😂😂😂

[@dallaskl90]

Thank you thank you your wife is awesome she's a great addition to the channel

[@Timberland1963]

I think it’s a good idea to let an engine warm up long enough to get the oil flowing enough to start lubricating the top end of the engine. When it’s well below zero it takes a while to get the oil flowing even with a good synthetic. Your oil pressure gauge will read higher than normal until things get warm and moving. I totally agree that you can start a car up and rev it right away and it won’t blow up but you’ll definitely be doing an overhaul sooner than if you gave it a few minutes to warm up. When I was a young lad learning about engines I was told pistons are slightly oval and cylinders are round. As the engine heats up the piston will expand and become round to fill the cylinder. I don’t imagine that has changed since metal still expands and if there’s no place to expand to then there will be rather severe repercussions. If you abuse an engine you will pay a price eventually. Also the Wizard should know that some engines do require a break in period and in fact there are a few where the computer will keep power and revs down until the engine has a certain number of miles on it. I’m thinking all those 700 + Dodges are like that and they will not allow the use of launch control until they have a break in period.

[@aaronrunalls375]

And Corvette

[@mikep490]

Agreed, but the time is seconds. A Toyota 4 cylinder engine model graphic showed, after oil change and with an empty filter, it took 12 seconds for full pressure. Agreed again about not revving, preferably until at operating temps. For break in it's best to follow the mfgr recommendation. I doubt anyone does. Mine said to drive moderately for the first 60 miles, then I could do 50 or 55 MPH for the next 240 miles. That's maybe OK when you didn't buy your car 150 miles from home; break-in half complete. I simply drove home with a light foot and mostly stayed with the semi trucks. Break-in oil used to be a "thing" until the 80's. Drive maybe 2K miles and the dealer would change the oil free of charge, along with adjusting the carb. (1978 GLC, my first new car.)

[@shitloveaduck]

I live where it can get really cold, -45 at worst without wind chills. On anything fuel injected (modern, not like the old mechanical systems, I will let it idle about 30 seconds n temperatures above freezing and a minute below freezing. With carbureted engines I double that unless it’s extremely cold (-18C or 0 F). When I can, in winter, I will idle the car long enough for warm air to start out the vents and you get to know how long that takes as each vehicle is generally different. These are for my comfort & peace of mind. Certainly are not scientifically based!! 😂😂 I have heard all the myths over the last 50+ years I have understood about vehicles. This is how I have formed my opinions. I definitely don’t subscribe to 3000 mile oil change intervals!! Some of the older vehicles I have or had, that was true when I drove them enough, otherwise I changed the oil annually. Today’s engines are different and can go some really long times between changes, depending on how you drive. I used to have a 1.5 hour commute, each way, for work. It turned out to be nice because by the time are home, work is out of your head (mostly). I went to the maximum intervals except in winter. In warmer weather the drive was easy on the vehicle. I didn’t drive beyond the speed limits (retired LEO) and so the engines just weren’t stressed. I live where trucks work best as there was always about 20% driving on gravel roads and the vehicles were 4wd. I burned a lot more fuel than in a small vehicle, but the roads beat those things to death. I changed the air filter more often than most people would think. I had vehicles with 320,000 km (200,000 miles) on them and the oil barely changed colour in them between changes, some change in colour but almost never black. I had a Mopar 3.7 V6 that was another story,,,, right from new, it was black 3/4 of the way between oil changes. The dealership said that was fine, but after 200,000 km (125,000 miles) I just wasn’t wanting to be stranded with a blown engine. It was otherwise great & the only smaller vehicle (2007 Jeep Liberty) I had that lasted well and wasn’t rattled to pieces! 😂. The guy I sold it to still has it. Saw him the other day. He is at 350,000 km range and still no issues mechanically, but the electrical is not as good. He is shopping for another good used vehicle. I may sell him a Ford Ranger I have city truck mostly now I’m retired. I have had as many as 32 vehicles at any one time, from 1929 - modern, but mostly 1970 or older.

[@edwardjmayer87]

I personally "warm" my engine up, and by that I mean I'll wait untill the rpm's go below 1000 then we're off.

[@marktrankle]

Same.... old Audi. I wait until the oil gets to temp. Luckily I don’t drive it often, so letting it warm to temp gives me enough time to see what’s broken or leaking 🤣

[@discerningmind]

You're smart about that because pushing a cold engine can lead to head gasket failure. When I can't warm-up my car I drive it very gently by keeping the tachometer in the area of 2000 RPM's until the engine is warm. But when I'm going to performance drive it, I wait until the engine is fully warmed-up, that's generally 10-15 minutes of driving AFTER the temp gauge first reaches the normal mark.

[@robertwoodliff2536]

A 2014 Ford, I tend to walk out to the car, with my lases undone, start the engine, and the get out the car, tie up my lases, inspect the car(walk round) and then get back in, pump the clutch a couple of times, and pull away......but then this is south UK, not much sub zero.

[@Harmonic14]

In normal temps, that's called cat light-off. The engine idles higher until the catalytic converter is hot enough to be in its most efficient operating window. Regardless, you're better off driving lightly right away when it's cold. It builds heat faster, so you spend less time operating the engine in a cold state.

[@andyk6325]

Yep. Just pay some attention to what the computer is doing

[@discerningmind]

True. You don't have to warm-up a gas engine, but you do have to drive it gently when it's cold by driving with the engine around 2000-2500 RPM's or lower. Driving hard and fast when the engine is cold can blow a head gasket, and that's an expensive repair now a days. Also, generally your engine is not fully warmed-up when the temp gauge first hits the normal mark, as fully warmed-up from a cold start takes about fifteen minutes of driving AFTER the temp gauge hits the normal mark for every part of the engine to become fully warmed-up.

[@alexanderflack566]

Yeah, I strongly disagree with his argument that if it were an issue there would be lawsuits. If (for example) your turbocharger starts to die at 100k miles because you wrung it out with the oil still cold, how could you possibly prove the cause? All you know is that the turbo died at 100k miles, well outside of most warranties. Yet, if driving more conservatively before your oil is at operating temperature allows it to last to 150k miles or farther, isn't that worth doing? Nobody is winning a lawsuit against the manufacturer either way, and I would much rather have my engine components last that much longer if the only thing it will cost me is a few minutes of patience each time I start driving my car when it's cold. I'll also point out that Jason at Engineering Explained gives a good explanation for this particular issue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqqoipSEa76SfK8

[@amadeo_serrano]

My favorite trick question was to ask self-professed mechanics was whether a VW beetle had a thermostat. It's amazing how few knew that they do.

[@300DBenz]

Well...... since 1997, they do have thermostats....

[@amadeo_serrano]

@Joe Copa Actually, as I am certain by the sarcasm that you are aware, that is a falsehood. The thermostat is actually near the bottom of the block and it's purpose is to control the flow of air heated by the engine into the heat tubes that warm the cabin.

[@wulfman15]

I miss my Mercury Milan. Sold it with 200k on it and it still was running great.

[@CRAPO2011]

Lucky man unless it had the aisin automatic

[@wulfman15]

@@CRAPO2011 It did in fact have the Asin 6 speed.

[@CRAPO2011]

@@wulfman15 figures haha those were really good cars the refresh 2010-2012 models brought the semi trouble prone 6F3S GM/Ford transmission which lives on today/2020 if fusion production was cut off

[@stevenplaskett7728]

Never touch the brake fluid level. They are engineered to turn on the brake warning light when the pads wear out.

[@discerningmind]

Not only that, topping off disc brakes will make a mess when the piston(s) are pushed back in for pad replacement.

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Absolutely love these videos with you both together, and really appreciate the honest advice. Thank you Wizards!

[@kmath50]

It used to be recommend to use a non-detergent oil after a rebuild. One time we over heated on the Baker grade on I-15 in California. Turning on the heater cooled it enough to get us over the summit. After going down on the other side, and on into Las Vegas, the engine stayed well within range.

[@EjinRenos]

Glad he speaks about brand new break ins. Manufacturers typically test engines before install, thus breaking in for the most part. Motorcycles, however, have very mild test phases, at least Japanese ones for sure, and so require some special break in procedures. As for premium gas, older cars did see improvement but it's not a major change. Not sure about newer ones with the high tech under the hood as all my recent vehicles have required premium fuel. Engine warm up... my brand new car has a dash light specifically for too cold engine and does state not to drive till the light goes off. Motorcycles also have these, again at least in Japanese ones.

[@omgcool7206]

I was hoping you'd cover ethanol and its effects on engines (including flex fuel vehicles). That seems to be a source of major debate, and one about which I'd love to hear your opinion.

[@guywerry6614]

I purchased a 1987 motorcycle this past year and a buddy recommended that I burn premium to avoid ethanol because the old motorcycles don't deal well with ethanol.

[@viperstrike3827]

My carburated engines never taste ethanol, and i dont have to replace carburaters.

[@awesomeferret]

@@guywerry6614 premium has ethanol. You can buy 91 octane regular and 91 octane ethanol free (for an extra 40+ cents a gallon) side by side from the same pumps (yes, I know this is rare, it's common in my area though).

[@hajileserpud9539]

@@awesomeferret what area or state are you in ?

[@Brianlikescars]

Just in case anyone checks on this, and wants to know: most gas these days is cut with ethanol, it’s a way to bump the octane safely. The reason it SOMETIMES can be dangerous is because old fuel lines can be corroded by ethanol, as far as functionality it’s fine. Most fuel lines in cars these days wouldn’t be impacted, even if they’re a gasoline only, because they are prepared for that corrosion. But on older stuff it can certainly be a concern.

[@mattheweburns]

Don’t top off brake fluid either, it will just make a mess when you install new pads/rotors… I’m curious about what I have read online as “fact“ that with an older engine with many miles on it that has some seepage switching from conventional to synthetic is not recommended because it can cause existing seepage to get worse. If the weight is the same it doesn’t seem that it could make a difference but then again consumption by seepage with conventional could burn and form a crust/scab somewhat covering up leaks? I know it is best to replace seals when there are leaks but is it enough to worry about tonight use synthetic during that interim? Thanks for the videos, cheers!

[@ChrisN85420]

i have heard this to and am also curious about this i can say i had a 91 k1500that had around a 150k on it and changed it over to a high mile synthetic and didn't have any problems but i have heard from people that did

[@mohawkman2888]

I had to explain to my wife that low brake fluid is a sign of either a leak or worn pads, not a sign to add more. Then she made me prove it to her; she was astounded.

[@ChrisN85420]

Mohawk Man yeah that’s a closed system if it’s going low you probably more than likely have a leak somewhere but hey atleast she found that out for sure because you definitely don’t want to screw around with having messed up breaks

[@jordancapps9521]

I've heard something similair, that if there is seeping/weeping/leaking synthetics(especially the pricey ones) will flow more freely through the gasket's weak points. I've also seen some auto experts say that "high mileage" is designed to swell seals, and once you use it never go back...unless you want leaks.

[@starboard9551]

If you have a turbo charged car it's best to let it warm up for a minute or two to build up vacuum pressure inside the engine and also don't go over 3,000 rpm until the engine reaches full operating temp. Just because you can hit the push start and instantly slam it to 6,000 rpm doesn't mean that's good for the car and if you do that on a regular basis you will cause significant internal damage in the motor and possibly the transmission if you actually put the car under load. Turbos are somewhat of a paradox being that they are both stronger and more powerful than a regular engine, but at the same time they are more fragile and delicate.

[@hipcat13]

Speaking of tractors, I think Wizard should buy a Lamborghini tractor. Think of the fun he could have when he tells the guys he's gonna bring his new Lambo to the cruise nite.

[@andrewpercival1427]

Mrs Wizard is really good in front of the camera also, Mr and Mrs Wizard make a great team, keep the vids coming, looking forward to the next one.

[@12yearssober]

Nice curves on her too

[@CadgerChristmasLightShow]

Jeffery Epstein isnt a curvy 50 year old woman a little too old to be your type, jeffery? Lol

[@12yearssober]

@@CadgerChristmasLightShow 😈

[@Dochorahan]

@@CadgerChristmasLightShow she’s not even 40 yet, I bet.

[@johnbruss3944]

This is a great episode. I like having your wife involve in a Q&A type situation. It takes the cool "facts only" edge off the Wizard only episodes.

[@leenevin8451]

20:14 many stories of supercars blowing engines. At the very least you NEED to give it 2-5 mins to let the oil warm up before driving hard - better to wait for the temp dial to centre

[@mohawkman2888]

also metal fatigue; see my comment about this

[@MichaelJames-lz7ni]

People who have the MONEY for super cars are seldom ‘car-people’....they have no clue what they’re driving, or how to operate/maintain it properly.

[@MrBlacksight]

Bmw M cars even adjust the redline depending on oil temp.

[@leenevin8451]

@@MrBlacksight my 730d auto had that. Didn’t reduce it by much

[@paulopereira6996]

When the engine is cold, the oil is thick and the pressure goes high with high rev. If you have a pressure oil gauge it's easy to see. The abnormal oil pressure will stress all the gaskets and will not fully reach each component. Btw, even when the water temp reach normal, it will take some time until oil reach normal temperature. In a normal car, the impact can be low, in high performance car, it can be dangerous.

[@steveperyer4850]

That was a really cool show, with Mrs. Wizard asking questions! With nearly 50 years of automotive type mechanic repair under my belt, the questions were heard from everyone in the business. Like you said, some people will get aggressive about certain things, but like you, I just kind of agree, or that’s a great idea, and just let them think they are correct. It’s not worth fighting over, and you know what is really the correct answer! Thank you for a fun forum!

[@curbozerboomer1773]

At my age (76)...and with my owning over a dozen cars since I was like 19, I have learned the hard way, to do these things quizzed on...as the saying goes--"Too soon old; too late smart!"

[@VanInhalin]

Gah, you brought back the nightmare of trying to play recorder in elementary school. If only they had the option of a harmonica I might have become a much more musical person.....

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

That old Case tractor is so cool! 🚜🚜

[@randallsmith5631]

Rolls Royce & Bentley are unbelievably expensive to repair

[@jmluke1876]

Damn, I've been going 40k miles on oil changes.

[@jamesjmluke1217]

You didn't tell them it was a 15 Liter Cummins engine

[@jamesjmluke1217]

And it holds 14 gallons of full synthetic oil.

[@reganmahoney8264]

Speaking of all of the various fluids - what is the difference in taste of each fluid in a car?

[@devianb]

I can tell you gear oil is by far the worst tasting.

[@RustOnWheels]

You know what? I had some dizzy attacks once and before I got dizzy I ‘smelled’ (nothing there, just in my head) ATF. It’s a bitter kind of smell if that makes sense. No it doesn’t. It’s hard to explain but anyhow it, to me, smells even worse than gear oil from the back axle. Seeing as taste is very closely related to smell I reckon ATF tastes of dizziness and sick. 🤪

[@discerningmind]

@@RustOnWheels The word you're looking for to describe ATF Fluid is "pungent". That's what we call it in New England.

[@RustOnWheels]

@@discerningmind English is not my native language so pungent want top of mind but it is spot on!

[@discerningmind]

@@RustOnWheels That's OK, your English was fine. Good for you. I was hoping to be helpful and it seems that I was. And you learned a new word- Pungent.

[@careyjohnson4143]

Another great one, thank you for my the daily dose of happiness!

[@JBSibley]

I guess :20+ minute videos are the new hotness, and I'm here for it - I've got pandemic time to fill.

[@theundergroundlairofthesqu9261]

You won't find this on network TV!

[@-rudy-]

When I was a kidlet, an older couple across the street had a 1973 Caprice. This lady was this poor guy's second wife. She took "warming up the car" to extremes. When she started that car, if it even misfired just a tiny bit, she would sit in the garage with her foot to the floor for a couple of minutes, that poor engine screaming away. She'd let off the gas, still feel a small misfire, then floor it again. Finally she'd leave the garage when she was satisfied it was running correctly.

[@kevin9c1]

I reject the "don't touch a high mileage transmission" myth. I find that myth is something you will hear from someone who doesn't want the liability of having changed your fluid when the transmission is about to fail and having the customer blame you. But it's almost always a good idea to get fresh fluid in there, no matter what the situation.

[@theldun1]

Great Q&A! Love that Mrs.Wizard. She is a good looking woman with a great smile and personality.

[@Colbybartley]

Mrs wizard trying to hold her composure at the beginning is making me laugh my ass off 🤣

[@smithjones1906]

Aren't some engines artificially "broken in" during manufacturing now?

[@raleigh2747]

Yes

[@Bubbles12345-cat]

No

[@iwumboheshewumbo]

Maybe

[@SuperDirk1965]

How would that be done?

[@Bubbles12345-cat]

It depends

[@MrChickenspit]

0:00 Car Wizard trying to play Aria of the Soul on the recorder lol

[@mikep490]

Good point on checking the oil level. Owners don't check and many oil change places don't check before changing, so you may not know if your car uses oil. My 2018 manual says "Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop." This is the same mfgr that says using a liter every 1000 miles is normal. I check oil after each change (even if dealer changed) then at 1500 mile intervals... more often if there's any sign of oil loss. (Currently none between changes.) Of course, it has a 4 quart capacity, hydraulic variable valves and a turbo, so losing a quart is a bit more serious than some cars. I'm surprised at people on chat groups, "My car has a knock. I added a quart of oil and it's not on the dipstick. What do I do?"

[@Mannard74]

I still let my '01 Mustang GT warm up for a minute or two... old habit

[@aussie2uGA]

You’re smart. His answer was “nothing will break” if you don’t. That’s true. It’s also true through that the engine isn’t going to last as long as it could have because you stress surfaces with cold oil, low pressures, contracted rings...

[@Harmonic14]

@@aussie2uGA letting a cold engine idle causes more wear than driving it lightly right away. Less time spent in cold operating conditions = less wear.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I checked my oil at the station yesterday, but I have a small leak at the timing cover and right now am driving 1,000 miles a week for Uber,, so it's worth paying attention to.

[@ericg7044]

Me too! My 2000 Range Rover goes through about a quart of oil every 1000 miles. On the plus side I never have to do an actual oil change!

[@RustOnWheels]

When I just got my driver’s license I used to check oil at the filling station. After a while I blew my engine because it was out of oil. When checking at the station oil would drip on the stick so it looked full enough, even when wiping the stick and measuring again. It was actually nigh on empty all the time. Moral is: I never check oil at the gas station. I check it before I drive off from home!

[@modarkthemauler]

@@RustOnWheels Yeah, checkin when the oil has had time to settle is better. I usually check once a week in the morning before starting up.

[@RandomGuyDan]

@@RustOnWheels My first automatic trans car was a '77 Ford Granada I got in 1983 when I was in college. It used some oil so I checked it regularly. Except I was checking the automatic trans fluid and apparently the oil pressure idiot light didn't work and my first clue was when a rod started knocking and subsequently exited the block.

[@RustOnWheels]

@@RandomGuyDan we live and learn :) I didn’t even mention how my block ended up. I was overtaking someone on the highway when all of a sudden I felt the power dropping away, so I floored it but that didn’t help. Then I heard the sound of gravel and stones underneath the engine bay and I was left with coasting power. On the side of the highway I checked underneath the hood and there was a gaping hole in the side of the block and behind me a black trail of the little oil that was still present inside the block.

[@mohawkman2888]

First, I love your channel and thank you for helping us through the covid pandemic last year. Now: re warming an engine; putting a cold engine under load before the metal block/heads warm can create micro fractures in the surfaces and significantly reduce engine life. Revving a cold engine at high rpm nearly guarantees this. It only takes 2-3 minutes at idle to make sure it doesn't happen.

[@bluntdanieldb]

Agreed.. I was going to comment almost exactly this. Two to three minutes to allow for thermal expansion and then proceed with a light foot until warmed up, keeps the puffs of blue smoke away as the miles pile up.

[@aussie2uGA]

Exactly. But this is why Snopes would say he’s correct too, as nothing will “break”, it just doesn’t last as long as it could if you did warm it.

[@r2kool4u]

My E46 is one of the rare few, doesn't leak (even the p/s line is dry, as well as the oil filter housing), doesn't use oil (functioning ccv system), no rust, and it just turned 170k miles. Also loves a good thrash to 6k rpm.

[@MrLuckytrucker21]

In Wisconsin winters, i wait till warm air is out of the heater because the thermostat will be open by then!

[@randybills3848]

that oil question made me laugh i once had an old chevy six banger so wore out i used 90 sae gear oil in the crankcase lmao

[@thancrus]

my first car was a 87 sentra... ran 20/50 in it and it still drank a quart every 1800.... until the head gasket novaed then after the repair it was every 800

[@bugsy9069]

Right, fill it up till it runs out the top.

[@Bubbles12345-cat]

I did that with an 18 wheeler that were burning a LOT of oil. I used heavy gear oil 90 grade in the engine. Ran for years, and oil consumption was just okay. 😊😊😊

[@cayman9873]

Engines are expensive.

[@fleurdewin7958]

Manual gear oil viscosity rating is different than engine oil. Example : 75W80 manual gear oil (Redline MTL) is equals to 5W30 engine oil viscosity, 75W90 gear oil (Redline MT90) is equal to 10W-40 . If you really think there is a 90 weight oil for engine, it has to be thicker/more viscous than honey that it wouldn't flow properly.

[@pablopicaro7649]

Higher octane is to reduce Pinging (pre ignition). For Higher Compression ratio engines, Pining is more a problem. So higher Octane helps prevent that pre-ignition on Higher compression engines.

[@jordancapps9521]

And boost cut-offs on newer boosted engines. Makes a whole new definition to an ECU's on-the-fly de-tune. Many are actually equipped with octane sensors, and you can find the reading and correction factors in a scantool.

[@russellhltn1396]

Turbo = Higher compression. Add some summer heat and it can be a problem. But in a modern car, you won't hear the pinging. The ECU will hear it first and pull the timing, causing a loss of performance. If your car sucks in hot weather, try increasing the octane.

[@kirbyswarp]

@@russellhltn1396 87 octane vs 91 on my Saab is night and day. I put in 87 after running 91 and the first pull I did it pinged so hard until the ecu compensated

[@VLK-73]

There are instances, where putting premium in some older vehicles designed for regular gas will help, because due to the carbon build-up inside the chamber, the compression will increase and this is why lot of the older cars will be pinging when under load, while using regular. I used to have an old Dodge cargo van with a slant 6 engine and using premium did make a difference.

[@randallsmith5631]

Internet Protocol Version 4 has 4,294,967,296 individual Internet addresses.

[@thomasknight7734]

I check my oil every time I fill up I got in the habit after having a 98 740i with 274k miles on it It would need a quart every other fill up lol It was a mix of leaking and burning it lol My current car goes 1k miles between needing oil which is more "reasonable"

[@thebigpicture2032]

Back in the day, cars always leaked oil. If you didn’t check you would soon hear the lifters clacking.

[@alexpetree2038]

My dad's volvo 760 turbo had the same issue, it'd burn and leak so much oil that you'd have to check it every fill up

[@jordancapps9521]

Totally legit having to check it with worn rings.

[@reistje]

Yeah my Golf 2 GTI used a lot off oil and I would check it all the time. Whenever I buy a used car I begin with checking it quiet often, and then start doing it less often if it doesn't seem to use a lot. My current car uses like nothing between oil changes so I rarely ever check it.

[@trailrunnah8886]

I used to work at a full-serve gas station when I was a kid in the late 90s early 2000, and we had a few customers that insisted their oil be checked every time. We joked that the only reason he ever needed any was because we wiped it all off the dipstick. The more cynical side of me later realized that it was probably more of just "making these kids work for their money" or something similar.

[@billkinsman6883]

Good job Mrs Wizard helping out with 10 important items- Thank the both of you. I learned.

[@jhrodriguez08]

My third post here, warming up it’s necessary if your oil temp is less than 90F when starting your car, so you can drive but keep rpms low until temp is above 90 if you want to avoid premature engine wear, of course lighter oil for winter helps etc. but if you floor any engine and the oil temp is below 140F you’ll fuck it up over time.

[@vr4787]

The Wizard’s magical flute, the legends are true...

[@sanxi34]

So theres only a couple of things that I'd add. Engine warm-up, be kind and give your oil 30 seconds while you bucle your seatbelt and turn on the radio for the oil to start moving. And about changing oil types, the problem is on motorcycles that have wet clutch-packs. Since the friction material soaks-in oil, changing oli types COULD (not won't, could) create clutch slip. Other than that, great video! ☺

[@hydrophaintconcepts4675]

In Alaska, I had to use windshield wiper fluid out of a window cleaner bin that had a squeegee in it. In a pinch it worked and my block didn’t freeze. Down in the low 20’s F. Poured a gallon in the truck. My coolant had leaked out to a point that the heater stopped working and then the 93 Chevy 1500 started climbing in temp. It was the only thing not frozen at a closed gas station at night in the middle of nowhere. It saved my bacon. Drove 100 miles on it. Water pump lived long after as well. “W” stands for winter not weight.

[@ashog1426]

I still warm up my car and I have a 2015 bmw

[@RandomGuyDan]

Which is fine, but as he said, not necessary in general. The engine will warm up faster being driven than sitting and idling.

[@robertlee9395]

I carry two keys because I hate getting in a cold car when the temperature gets below 20. It also makes cleaning the ice off the windows a lot easier.

[@ashog1426]

@@RandomGuyDan it’s like going to the gym and going straight for a 300 lb squat without any stretching or warming up your body....... the older you get the worse of an idea it is.... and if you are weak you will injure urself if not worse lol. I am just super ocd about having a well running car. And im old school at heart.

[@MrCarGuy]

Yes, you _do_ need to let the engine get "warm" before beating on it and constantly running it to redline. It comes down to simple physics and there are plenty of technical analyses on it. For the average person just driving slowly to work? Not at all.

[@DapimpBDSD]

Warming up a race car, yes Warming up a car to go to the store @ 40⁰f and up? No Warming up a car in below 20⁰f: yes, but just for a couple mins Point is that in certain instances you should warm up the car, but it doesn't need to be at "operating temp".

[@simonatkinson1107]

A well maintained vehicle can last a lifetime. The current world record is a Greek taxi cab driver. He drove his 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D for 2.8 Million miles before donating it to a museum.

[@paul1978g]

Lotus offer a free 1,000 mile oil service, and ask that you don't over-rev it from cold. This is to make sure any assembly impurities are removed from the engine oil as the engine beds in.

[@MrCarGuy]

The current "break-in" period is actually for the transmission rather than anything else.

[@phillsmith9903]

New corvette has a electronic rev limiter for break in

[@houseofno]

Not true. Rings and seals need to seat properly, lots of those in an engine.

[@BougieTheMan]

"I recommend an oil change every 5k miles". Them's fighting words.

[@adamselene9264]

These are not myths but rather differences in opinion. Some people have OCD or just are meticulous about caring for their vehicles.

[@emerick121]

I have customers who run their cars out of oil. Anything to impress upon them the need to check their oil (and coolant) once in a while is justifiable.

[@vinces8974]

Mrs Wizard is a very intelligent and good looking Woman ,great video thank you