Effects of poor practices on engine oil change by filling station

Innovative Systems Design and Engineering www.iiste.org
ISSN 2222-1727 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2871 (Online)
Vol.5, No.8, 2014
Effects of Poor Practices on Engine Oil Change by Filling Station
Attendants and Local Garages Mechanics
Stephen Agyemang
School of Engineering, Accra Polytechnic, P O Box 561, Accra, Ghana
Email: agyengoli@ymail.com
Abstract
Engine lubrication cannot be overlooked in the automobile industry since it is the life blood of vehicle engines.
In Ghana about 80% of oil service is carried out by fuel filling stations attendants and mechanics in local
garages. Most of them lack the necessary skills needed to go about their work. It has therefore become necessary
to investigate the effects of poor practices offered by filling station attendants and local garages mechanics
during servicing of an engine.
This research was undertaken to ascertain the level of knowledge of filling station attendants and local garages
mechanics on engine lubrication and also ascertain the various equipment and tools used during oil service.
Assessment was carried out in Accra and its environs. In all, one hundred questionnaires were distributed and
ninety three were received.
Analysis of the results indicated that even though some of the respondents had had some form of training they
still need to be retrained to upgrade their knowledge and the training received should be standardized in the
nation.
Keywords: engine oil change, filling station attendants, local garages mechanics, automobile industry
1. Introduction
The primary objective of lubrication is to reduce friction and its resulting wear between bearing surfaces.
Lubrication accomplishes this requirement by interposing a film of oil between the sliding surfaces. The most
important single property of lubricating oil is its viscosity. Viscosity is the internal resistance of a fluid as one
layer is moved in relation to another layer. The viscosity of oil must be sufficient to support an oil film between
a bearing and its journal. However, excessive viscosity causes unnecessary power consumption.
A satisfactory engine lubricating oil must have certain characteristics or properties. It must:
· Have viscosity.
· Resist oxidation, carbon formation, corrosion, rust, extreme pressure and foaming.
· Act as a good cleaning agent.
· Pour at low temperature and must have good viscosity at very high and low temperature.
41
The engine lubricating oil:
· Lubricates moving parts to minimize wear.
· Lubricates moving parts to minimize power loss from friction.
· Removes heat from engine parts by acting as a cooling agent.
· Absorbs shocks between bearings and other engine parts, reducing engine noise and extending engine
life.
· Forms a good seal between piston rings and cylinder walls.
· Acts as a cleaning agent.
Servicing of the engine is not just a matter of changing only the oil but also to examine some parts of the entire
vehicle such as the expansion tank to check the coolant level, the tyres to check on the tyre pressure, battery,
brake pads etc.. It is therefore necessary to find out more from these filling station attendants and mechanics to
know the level of their technical know-how and how best their skills could be improved.
2. Specific Objectives
· To ascertain the level of knowledge of filling station attendants and local garages operators in oil
service.
· To ascertain the various equipment and tools used for oil service.
3. Research Methodology
The researcher adopted a quantitative research method which involves the use of self-administered structured
questionnaires. Alongside, the questionnaire respondents were also interviewed in order to ascertain their indebt
knowledge on the topic at hand. In all, one hundred (100) questionnaires were administered to some selected
filling stations and local garages in Accra and its environs. Ninety-three (93) of the questionnaires were filled

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
and returned. The results of the questionnaires were brought together and the data presented in a tabular form for
easy correlation. The response to each of the research questions was analyzed using frequency counts and
percentages. The results are represented in tables below.
42
4. Results and Discussions
(A) Background Information
Table 1.0 Number of filling stations and garages
Frequency Percentages
Filling Stations 60 64.5
Garages 33 35.5
Total 93 100
Fig.1: Number of filling stations and garages
In all 60 respondents representing 64.5% were received from filling stations and 33 respondents representing
35.5% from local garages.
Table 1.1 Educational background
Institutions Frequency Percentages
Junior High School 22 23.6
Senior High School 42 45.2
Middle School 2 2.1
National Vocational Training Institute 8 8.6
Technical Institutes 13 14.0
Higher National Diploma 6 6.5
Total 93 100

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
Fig.2: Educational Background
Out of the 93 respondents, 22 of them representing 23.6% had only junior high school education, 42 of the
respondents representing 45.2% had completed senior high school, 2.1% had middle school leaving certificates,
8.6% had completed National Vocational Training Institute, 14% had had technical education and only 6.5% had
Higher National Diploma certificate as shown in fig.2. It could be noticed that most respondents after junior high
school and senior high school engage themselves in the automobile industry.
43
Table 1.2 Mode of Training
Responses Frequency Percentages
Yes 61 65.6
No 32 34.4
Total 93 100
65.5% respondents were trained by organizations such as Mobile Oil, Total and Goil Ghana. 32 respondents
representing 34.4 % had no training by an organization. Training of these respondents is very vital, in that it will
enable them to receive the necessary skills that will enhance their work.
Table 1.3 Training periods
Length of Training Frequency Percentages
3 months - 5 months 51 54.8
6 months – 1 year 13 14.0
2 years – 4 years 26 28.0
Not trained 3 3.2
TOTAL 93 100

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
Fig.3: Training period of Respondents
Table 1.3 shows the training period of the respondents. Those trained by the organizations had their training
between three months to one year representing 68.8%. Those from the local garages were trained for longer
periods between 2-4 years because they learn other skills in addition apart from oil change.
44
(B) Information on oil change
Table 1.4 Period for changing engine oil
Period Frequency Percentages
1 month or 2,000 Km 38 40.9
2 months or 3,000 Km 25 26.9
6 months or 5,000 Km 21 22.6
Abstention(depending on type of oil used) 9 9.6
Total 93 100
From table 1.4, 40.9% of respondents were of the view that engine oil should be changed 1 month or 2000 Km
any of which comes first, 26.9% mentioned two months or 3000 Km and 22.6% agreed to six months or 5000
Km.
With the new synthetic oil in the oil market respondents should be able to choose the best oil for their customers
so as to help them save money. It is quite unfortunate that most respondents in the various garages advise their
customers to change their engine oil at the end of every month. Of late most garages change oil at 5000km or
three to six months any of which comes first depending on the type of engine oil used.
Table 1.5 Reuse of oil filter
Yes 11 11.8
No 82 88.2
Total 93 100

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
Concerning the reuse of the oil filter, only 11 respondents representing 11.8% agreed to that. It is encouraging to
note that 88.2% did not agree to its reuse. This is a good idea since the oil filters need not to be reused since they
normally become clogged with grit and dirt if used for a longer period hence unable to filter the oil as expected.
45
Table 1.6 Period for changing oil filter
At every oil change 88 94.6
At every other oil change 3 3.2
As and when you think is necessary 2 2.2
Total 93 100
Fig.4: Time period for changing oil filter
As shown on the pie chart (fig.4) it was encouraging to note that 94.6% knew that the oil filter should be
changed at every oil change. 3.2% of the respondents taught it could be changed at every other oil change. Only
2.2% thought that it could be changed as and when it becomes necessary. The oil filter needs to be changed at
every oil change since it becomes clogged with grit and dirt.
Table 1.7 Type of oil used for diesel engines
Type of Oil Frequency Percentages
SAE 30 6 6.4
SAE 40 50 53.8
SAE 50 37 39.8
Total 93 100
Table 1.8 Type of oil used for petrol engines
Type of Oil Frequency Percentages
SAE 30 38 40.9
SAE 40 44 47.3
SAE 50 11 11.8
Total 93 100
In order to find out the type of oil used for diesel engines 6.4% were in favour of SAE 30, 53.8% chose SAE 40
while 39.8% were in favour of SAE 50. On petrol engines 40.9% chose SAE 30, 47.3% went in for SAE 40 and
11.8% of the respondent went in for SAE 50.
Of late, most diesel vehicles used SAE 40 and SAE 50 while the petrol engines use SAE 30 and SAE 40
depending on the type of diesel engine or petrol engine being used. From the results, it could be noticed that

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
some of the respondent needs some training on how to choose the right engine oil for both the petrol and diesel
engines since the engine oil is the life blood of vehicle engines.
46
(C) Information on fuel filter and air filter
Table 1.9 Period for changing air filter
After 5,000 Km 51 54.8
After 10,000 Km 29 31.2
After 20,000 Km 13 14.0
Total 93 100
Fig.5: Period for changing air filter
The air filter is changed after every 20,000 Km unless it is being used very dusty condition. 51 of the
respondents representing 54.8% were with the notion that it should be changed at 5000 Km meaning that at
every oil change. 31.2% opted out for 10,000 Km. Only 14% were with the view that it could be changed at
20,000 Km.
Table 2.0 Period for changing fuel filter for petrol engines
After 5,000 Km 53 57.0
After 10,000 Km 29 31.2
After 20,000 Km 11 11.8
Total 93 100
With the petrol engine, the fuel filter is normally changed at 80,000 Km, but only 11.8% were aware of this fact.
57% said after every 5000 Km and 31.2% of the respondents said after 10,000 Km. This means that 57% of the
respondents are changing fuel filter for the petrol engine at every oil change which renders it very costly for
customers.
Table 2.1 Period for changing fuel filter for diesel engines
After 5,000 Km or any time oil is changed 59 63.4
After 10,000 Km 20 21.5
After 80,000 Km 14 15.1
Total 93 100
Diesel engines fuel filters are changed at every oil change. 63.4% of the respondents affirmed to that whiles
21.5% and 15.1% of the respondents mentioned 10,000 Km and 80,000 Km respectively as shown in table 2.1.
The diesel fuel filter should be changed at every oil change so as to prevent any dust particles blocking the
injector nozzle.

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
47
Table 2.2 Method used in blowing the air filter
Methods Frequency Percentages
Inside out 51 54.8
Outside in 35 37.6
Hit on the floor 4 4.3
No idea 3 3.3
Total 93 100
Fig.6: Method used in blowing the air filter
From the bar graph shown in fig.6 above 51 of the respondents representing 54.8% said the oil filter is blown
inside-out, 35 respondents representing 37.6% said outside-in and 4.3% were with the view that by hitting the
filter on the floor was enough for the dirt particles to be removed.
When the filter is blown outside-in, the dirt particles settle in the filter. It should always be blown inside-out.
Hitting the filter on the floor does not remove the accumulated dirt and may have effect on the performance of
the engine.
(D) Information on equipments and tools
Table 2.3 Type of equipment used in blowing the air filter
Equipment Frequency Percentages
Air Compressor 78 83.9
No idea 15 16.1
Total 93 100
It was encouraging to note that 83.9% of respondents were of the view that the air compressor was the
equipment used in blowing the air filter but 16.1% had no idea. This indicates that some of the filling station
attendants as well as some of the mechanics in local garages do not normally blow the air filter.

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
Table 2.4 Type of tools used in removing the oil filter
Tools Frequency Percentages
Strap wrench 78 83.9
Screw driver 15 16.1
Total 93 100
On the type of tools used in removing the oil filter, 16.1% agreed on using the screw driver representing 15
respondents, while the remaining 78 respondents decided on the strap wrench which is the appropriate tool for
the removal of the oil filter.
48
Table 2.5 Type of liquid used in the radiator
Liquid Frequency Percentages
Water 15 16.1
Coolant 78 83.9
Total 93 100
Fig.7: Type of liquid used in the radiator
It was found out that 16.1% of respondents use ordinary water in the radiator for cooling purposes, while 83 .9%
used a coolant as shown on the pie chart in fig 7. Ordinary water produces scums which with time clogs the
radiator. It also causes rust formation in the radiator which leads to leakages.
(E) General Information
Table 2.6 Do you normally check on or inspect the following items?
Items Frequency Percentages
Coolant level 87 93.6
Brake fluid in brake pot 89 95.7
Brake fluid in clutch pot 87 93.6
Steering pot oil 89 95.7
Gear box oil 89 95.7
Tyre pressure 70 75.3
Thread depth and tyre wear 65 69.9
Spare tyre 77 82.8
Battery 82 88.2
Wind screen wiper and wiper operations 72 77.4
Washer operation and top it up 70 75.3
Brake pad and shoes for wear and damage 82 88.2

Vol.5, No.8, 2014
The listed items in table 2.6 do not form part of the oil change but it is very important that they are considered.
They are supposed to be checked any time an oil change is undertaken so as to advice the customer accordingly
based on the findings.
49
Table 2.7 Carryout road test as a post service action
Yes 67 72.0
No 26 28.0
Total 93 100
When respondents were asked whether they carryout road test, it was found out that only 72% normally carry out
road test as a post service action while the remaining 28% do not. Road test is very necessary because it will
enable the respondent to ascertain the actual performance of the vehicle and advice the customer.
5. Conclusion
Lubrication is the heart beat of any vehicle therefore it must be attended to with all the seriousness it requires in
the automobile industry. The research had revealed that even though most of the respondents had been trained
one way or the other, the technical know-how and skills of some of the respondents are nothing to write home
about. Most customers rely solely on oil change as a maintenance schedule for their vehicles hence the right
things need to be done always to avoid the frequent breakdowns as well as accidents on our roads.
6. Recommendations
Based on the findings the following recommendations have been made.
· Skills development should be taken seriously by the nation as a whole.
· Standardized training in this field should be instituted by the Ministry of Education
· Workers should be well trained by recognized institutions like National vocational Training institute,
Technical Schools as well as the Polytechnics .irrespective of their background
· Periodic training should be instituted so as to enable workers upgrade their skills.
References
Hillier, V.A.W. (1997), “Fundamentals of Motor Vehicle technology”. Stanley Thornes publishers, England.
Lukanin, V. (2010), “Internal Combustion Engines”. Mir publishers, Moscow, Russia.
Ganesan, E.(1996), “Internal Combustion Engines”. McGraw-Hill, Inc. U.S.A
Liljedahl, J.B., Carleton, W.M., Turnquist, P.K., Smith, D.W. (1979) “Tractors and their power units” John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, U.S.A

The IISTE is a pioneer in the Open-Access hosting service and academic event
management. The aim of the firm is Accelerating Global Knowledge Sharing.
More information about the firm can be found on the homepage:
http://www.iiste.org
CALL FOR JOURNAL PAPERS
There are more than 30 peer-reviewed academic journals hosted under the hosting
platform.
Prospective authors of journals can find the submission instruction on the
following page: http://www.iiste.org/journals/ All the journals articles are available
online to the readers all over the world without financial, legal, or technical barriers
other than those inseparable from gaining access to the internet itself. Paper version
of the journals is also available upon request of readers and authors.
MORE RESOURCES
Book publication information: http://www.iiste.org/book/
IISTE Knowledge Sharing Partners
EBSCO, Index Copernicus, Ulrich's Periodicals Directory, JournalTOCS, PKP Open
Archives Harvester, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Elektronische
Zeitschriftenbibliothek EZB, Open J-Gate, OCLC WorldCat, Universe Digtial
Library , NewJour, Google Scholar

Effects of poor practices on engine oil change by filling station

More Related Content

Similar to Effects of poor practices on engine oil change by filling station (20)

More from Alexander Decker (20)

Recently uploaded (20)

Effects of poor practices on engine oil change by filling station