While debating what oil to use and how often to change it, my car overheated and blew a head gasket.?

Everything on a car needs maintenance, trans has a filter and needs the fluid changed every few yrs cooling system should b flushed and refilled every few yrs, there's alot more than just oil changes. the brake fluid should b drained and replaced every 5 to 7 yrs cause it can start to collect moisture

The cooling system needs maintenance too and periodic checks for fluid level. Low fluid levels can lead to overheating as can plugged radiators or a blown hose.

Your owner's manual will tell you the maintenance period for all fluid changes. The cooling system needs to be drained and re-filled periodically. Not as often as the oil, but it still needs to be done.

Cooling system maintenance is the no. 1 killer of engines, or lack of service, as you have unfortunately found out, but all scheduled service is important. As for oil, a multi grade is the most common for car use 10w 30 or 5W40, your choice.

No way. Oil on the instant is designed to go longer than it used to. in the adventure that your doing highway greater advantageous than city using then no longer something to rigidity approximately. see you later because of the fact the point grow to be maintained and it did no longer overheat or run in give up and go site visitors lots, then it may be ok. next exchange do it on time or particularly forward as this alteration will take each and all of the crap out of the engine. Use a competent high quality oil. in the adventure that your engine is one that takes a small volume inspite of the undeniable fact that like under 4 litres, then actual exchange it early next exchange. additionally shop to the time table greater as that's no longer lots oil to hold airborne dirt and dirt.

I'd say less concerned about the cooling system Your engine tells you when its hot with a warning light or gage. (assuming that they are in working condition) It however does not tell you that your are running crappy motor oil. Unless you count that knocking sound as your engine telling you it needs better oil.

AS YOU LEARNED THE HARD WAY PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE GOES A LONG WAY. I.E. CHECKING AND CHANGING YOUR FLUIDS ON A REGULAR BASIS.