A service that allows drivers to check and monitor the health of their engine and transmissions has been launched by Millers Oils.
MillerCare is an oil analysis service that enables to consumers to investigate the health of their engine or transmission. The results of the analysis can then be used to accurately predict component wear and lubrication life, helping vehicle owners to reduce maintenance costs and better anticipate costly repairs.
“The lubrication in an engine or transmission is very similar to the blood flowing through our veins,” says Martyn Mann, Millers Oils Technical Director.
“Just like a doctor can examine blood samples to determine our health, we can look at oil and determine what kind of life an engine or transmission is living. From the data gathered we can precisely build up a story to establish if there are any components experiencing unusual amounts of wear and the quality of the oil currently being used.”
The analysis identifies and quantifies wear metals, additives and contaminants in the lubricant. From this, a report is created that highlights any unusual characteristics, which can then be used to determine the health of the engine or transmission.
For example, the report could show abnormally high silicone content, which would be an indication that the vehicle’s air filter needs replacing. Alternatively, high-levels of iron could point to the deterioration of cylinder liners or piston rings.
The analysis also tests the viscosity of the oil to ascertain if there have been any changes to the lubricant since it was first used. Changes to an oil’s viscosity is usually because of exposure to excessive heat, if it has been in the engine too long or the engine is overheating, or it could be due to the contamination of foreign materials, such as coolant or fuel.
“MillerCare provides our customers with a detailed, yet easy to understand, report that covers all of the test results,” adds Martin. “It is an extremely effective way to accurately check engine and transmission health without doing a strip down or purchasing expensive exploratory tools.”
Basic or advanced?
Following its launch, MillerCare will initially be sold on a two tier basis: basic and advanced. MillerCare Basic (£29.95 inc VAT) includes the report as discussed, while MillerCare Advanced (£39.95 inc VAT) enables customers to do multiple samples to produce a trend graph. By submitting two samples over six months, for example, the customer can monitor an issue highlighted in the first test and see how it has progressed.
Martyn concludes: “MillerCare allows garages to provide their customers with added assurance, giving the car owner a glimpse into the vehicle’s future engine health. Insight into the condition of the engine allows the garage to offer the customer preventative maintenance, reducing the risk of expensive component failure and the chance of breakdown.”
The MillerCare oil analysis kit is available to order from sales@millersoils.co.uk. The results of the analysis are sent via email but can be posted if requested.
