That misconception is costing drivers money.

Modern coolant does far more than stop water from freezing, as tap water alone can be detrimental to radiators and other cooling system components. It raises the boiling point of the coolant, protects against corrosion, lubricates components like the water pump, thermostat, pressure caps, and helps prevent overheating in harsh operating conditions. In a country known more for heat than cold, that protection matters year-round.

One of the biggest mistakes motorists make is topping up with plain tap water. Water alone offers no corrosion protection and the minerals and chemicals found in tap water can cause scale build-up inside radiators and engine passages. Over time, this reduces cooling efficiency and increases the risk of overheating and costly engine damage.

Another common myth is that all coolants are the same. They are not. Different antifreeze manufacturers use different coolant technologies and mixing incompatible products can create sludge, corrosion or reduced protection. Motorists should always follow manufacturer recommendations and compatibility guidelines.

Drivers will also notice different mix ratios such as 50/50 or premix. These refer to the balance between antifreeze and water. A 50/50 premix is the most common recommendation for daily driving, providing effective temperature control and corrosion protection with no additional water required. Concentrated coolant should always be mixed with distilled or demineralised water before use, unless otherwise specified.

South African driving conditions place enormous strain on cooling systems. Long-distance travel, heavy traffic, high temperatures, towing, and stop-start taxi operations all increase the importance of using quality coolant.

Cheap, low-quality coolant may save money initially, but poor formulations can lead to expensive repairs later. Replacing a radiator, water pump, head gasket or cylinder head costs far more than maintaining the cooling system properly from the start.

Antifreeze is not just a winter product. It is an essential year-round engine protection fluid and one of the simplest ways motorists can extend the life and reliability of their vehicles.

The Science Behind Synthetic Oils

Synthetic motor oils are meticulously engineered to provide superior performance over traditional mineral oils. According to Castrol, synthetic oils are not only about enhanced lubrication; they also offer improved viscosity at low and high temperatures, resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown, and help in reducing engine deposits. For more information on this topic, click here to check out Castrol’s article.

Benefits of Synthetic Oils

Castrol outlines the following benefits when using Synthetic Motor Oil for your vehicle:

• Exceptional engine protection: Synthetic oils provide robust protection against wear and tear, significantly extending engine life. They maintain their protective qualities even under severe driving conditions, which is crucial for both everyday commuters and performance enthusiasts.

• Optimal performance in extreme conditions: Whether facing the cold of a winter morning or the heat of a summer’s drive, synthetic oils maintain their fluidity, ensuring effective lubrication at all temperatures.

• Enhanced fuel efficiency: By reducing friction and engine drag, synthetic oils contribute to more efficient fuel use, which is vital in the context of rising fuel prices and environmental concerns.

Reduced environmental impact: Longer intervals between oil changes mean less waste oil disposal, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability, read more here.

AutoZone’s Exclusive Synthetic Motor Oil Range

AutoZone proudly offers an exclusive selection of synthetic motor oils, engineered with state-of-the-art technology to accommodate a variety of engine types and demanding driving conditions. Our quality range of synthetic oils is not just any common motor oil; it is a testament to our commitment to automotive excellence and innovation. Each blend is formulated to maximise the performance and longevity of your vehicle, ensuring superior engine cleanliness and robust wear protection.

Our synthetic oils stand out for their advanced properties, such as enhanced thermal stability and excellent low-temperature capabilities, ensuring effective engine lubrication in extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, our oils are designed to reduce oil breakdown, thereby minimising engine deposits and wear. This translates to fewer oil changes, reduced maintenance costs, and a prolonged engine life, making them an economical choice for discerning drivers.

Click the link to explore our extensive selection of synthetic oils available via AutoZone Online, including 5W-30, 5W-40 and 10W-40. Conveniently review detailed product specifications and make informed choices about the best oil for your vehicle’s specific needs.

For those who prefer in-person assistance, our store locator on the website can direct you to the nearest AutoZone store where our knowledgeable staff are ready to help with personalised advice and service .

Invest in AutoZone’s high-quality synthetic motor oils to ensure that your vehicle achieves optimal performance and protection. Your vehicle deserves the best, and AutoZone is here to provide just that! Browse our comprehensive range of premium Castrol motor oils from the comfort of your home via AutoZone Online.

Integrating expertise and technology

AutoZone and Castrol both emphasise the critical role of ongoing research and development in the production of synthetic oils. By collaborating on this initiative, we leverage Castrol’s global expertise in oil technology in combination with our deep understanding of local market needs. This ensures that all our products are not only top-of-the-line in terms of quality, but also tailored to the specific requirements of South African motorists.

The partnership between AutoZone and Castrol represents a commitment to delivering high-quality automotive products that meet the evolving needs of modern engines and environmental standards. By choosing synthetic oils from AutoZone, whether it be our own exclusive range or one of the countless quality Castrol oils we stock, we ensure customers always have access to the best possible care for their vehicles.

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this pamphlet.

Flexi Molecules remain inactive in low-pressure situations, but activate to form protective barriers under high pressures and temperatures to offer your engine comprehensive cover and protection against wear & tear. Shell PurePlus technology is a revolutionary process where natural gas is converted into crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.

Find out more information on their leading range of motor oils and which would be suit your vehicle below –

Shell Helix HX7

Suitable for Petrol and Diesel Engines, Shell Helix HX7 makes use of both synthetic & mineral base stocks, to achieve higher performance levels when compared to performance generated from mineral oils alone. This oil works to extend your engine’s lifespan by offering protection against daily wear, even in daily traffic conditions.

Shell Helix HX7 is designed to protect turbocharged engines against damage from low-speed pre-ignition, including engine ‘super knock’, broken spark plugs, cracked pistons and even engine failure caused by LSPI.

Shell Helix HX8

A fully synthetic motor oil that provides relentless performance, cleansing and protection levels. Shell Helix HX8 helps to extend engine life by protecting against wear, even in the toughest driving conditions. Suitable for all equipment-manufacturer-recommended oil-drain intervals. It features a low oil consumption rate for less frequent top-ups. It’s suitable for Petrol and Diesel Engines.

Shell Helix Ultra

Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 provides unrivalled sludge protection and cleaning, even at the longest manufacturer-recommended oil-drain intervals. It is approved for use by numerous makers of high-performance vehicles, recommended by automotive giants like Ferrari.

Get a FREE pair of 100% premium cotton socks when you buy any 5L Shell Helix HX7, HX8 or Shell Helix Ultra from your nearest AutoZone store – https://bit.ly/2NgaKZn

Offer valid from the 29th of March – 12th April 2023. Only 3200 units are available nationwide, while stocks last. The images displayed are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. T’s & C’s apply

Check out our handy guide on when and how to change your oil in order to keep your vehicle performing at its best for longer! If you’re unsure of what kind of oil grade you should use or how often you should change your vehicles oil, refer to the technical specifications or service section of your owner’s manual. Prior to commencing with your oil change, check and confirm that your new filter and old oil filter are the same part numbers and size. Incorrect component supply due to vehicle model design changes do sometimes occur, so check these application identifying numbers before removing oil filters and draining your vehicles oil (safety tip).

Step 1: Jack up your vehicle after opening the bonnet

First, you’ll want to lift the car high enough to give yourself room to work under it. Ensure that you are absolutely safe and that the lifting jacks and / or trestles are secure. In order to easily access the vehicles oil pan (sump) draining nut and engine oil filter on the relevant housing, the cover sump guard under tray if fitted needs to be removed; most undertrays are held on with a variation of bolts, screws, or plastic clips which can be loosened with standard mechanics tool box hand tools. Before commencing with step two, be sure to visually examine the under carriage for any evidence of oil leaks. If any leaks are detected have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop mechanic in order to correct the cause of the oil leaks.

Step 2: Unplug & drain your oil

Ensure that your oil draining receptacle is of the adequate size in order to contain your drained old oil (you could use a five-liter bucket, or oil drain pan, or any other sizable liquid-holding container which you might have). Place the draining container in a position where the oil will drain directly and safely into it without messing on the floor. It is important to take into consideration that you will be dealing with a large amount of oil – most vehicles hold at least 4 liters worth of oil in their sump/lubrication system if not more. Next, remove the oil drain plug by loosening it in a counterclockwise direction, using the correct appropriately-sized wrench to loosen it. Be sure to firmly hold the drain plug as you remove it, as the oil will pour out as you remove the sump nut away from the oil pan. Allow the engine to drain for about five minutes or until the flow of oil has slowed to a trickle.

Step 3: Remove the old oil filter

Locate your oil filter cylindrical component that is secured onto the engine block or filter housing depending on your vehicles engine design – some older specific engines will have a metal housing that you can refit the new filter into. On a cartridge filter design, you’ll need to use an oil filter wrench strap to loosen and remove the oil filter (by turning it counterclockwise) there will be a certain amount of oil still held in the filter housing which did not drain into the sump. Once the oil starts to drain ensure that you have a container handy to allow the oil remaining oil to also drain into your receptacle. Wait until the flow subsides before completely removing the filter. It is important to ensure you did not leave the old filter thin rubber O-ring behind after removing your old oil-filter before installing your new filter. If the old gasket is not removed properly, the new filter won’t seal properly – which could result in all of your new, fresh oil leaking onto the floor all within a minutes after starting up your vehicle. This would result in your engine being starved of oil, which can lead to your engine seizing and running dry.

Step 4: Plug in your drain plug and install new filter

Begin Step 4 by replacing your drain plug and tighten it until it is secure, but be careful to not overtighten it as it can cause damage to the oil pan and drain plug gasket. In some instances, certain manufacturers will have a torque spec that you can follow, by using a torque wrench. Certain types of vehicles will make use of a washer behind the drain plug which should be replaced when reinstalling the sump plug. Consult your owner’s manual to confirm if the washer needs to be replaced. Next, apply a light coating of oil with your index finger around the rubber gasket on the top of the new oil filter. This will help create a secured seal as you tighten the filter (firmly hand tighten the filter).

Step 5: Refill your engine with oil

After replacing the oil filter and drain plug, reinstall your undertray and carefully lower your vehicle back onto the ground removing the supports /trestles. Next remove the oil cap, which is located on the tappet cover, this is usually identifiable by the word oil on the cap or alternatively an oil-can symbol, pour the new recommended specification engine oil into the engine using the manufacturer’s recommended sump oil capacity (normally no more than 4 liters).

Step 6: Check your oil level and inspect for any oil leaks

After waiting for a few minutes for the oil to settle into the oil pan, use the dipstick to verify that your oil is at the proper level marked F on the dip stick. You can check your oil by pulling the dipstick from its tube and wiping off the oil with a paper towel, reinsert and remove the dipstick a second time in order to confirm that the oil is level is on the full mark on the tip of the dipstick. Lastly, start the vehicle and let it idle and warm up, again check for leaks under the vehicle and around the oil filter. The vehicle will require a further top up once the new oil filter and internal galleries, oil pump etc.. have filled with the new engine oil, allow the engine to stand a few minutes and top up gradually until the engine dip stick displays the level of oil is again on the F marking (do not overfill).

If there are no leaks, you have successfully changed your vehicle’s oil filter!

Please note this task is ranked as a 4/10 on the AutoZone Hints and Tips Difficulty Rating.

INDEMNITY: These hints and tips are for information purposes only. For more details please consult the relevant workshop manual for your vehicle. Neither Auto Parts Distributors Pty (Ltd) nor any of the AutoZone outlets will be held liable for any damage or injury whatsoever resulting from the use of the information contained in this pamphlet.