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Posts Tagged ‘motor oil’
The last 3 decades have seen a lot of changes in engine compartments; they were once serviceable and nowadays you’re lucky if you can even fit your hand down there. Whoever made the decision of where to put the oil filter in the engine compartment obviously doesn’t do his own oil changes.
A lot of times you just can’t get to the oil filter without putting the car up an a lift. And since you have to put it on a lift to get to the oil filter, you may as well leave it up there because you probably won’t be able to fit an oil pan underneath the car to drain your oil into, seeing as how low to the ground cars are built these days. If you were hesitant to do it when it was easy access years ago then now is much less appealing.
And how about getting down and dirty, sliding up under your vehicle that’s sitting on ramps…something that doesn’t get easier with age.
Choosing the proper motor oil change for your vehicle has also become quite a task. There are too many options to choose from when selecting oil for your engine. Smaller engine compartments have changed the engine’s environment. There is less opportunity for air flow around the engine and natural cooling and more opportunity for hot areas of the engine to cook your oil. My point is picking an oil is more challenging because modern engines have tighter design requirements and oil is no longer just oil… it matters what you use.
What’s more is that oil change techs don’t get the same amount of training that they used to and they aren’t paid well, so you can imagine how much (or little) they really know or care about their job. If you have given in and for lack of time take your car in to get an oil change you may notice it isn’t a true mechanic doing it anymore. Yes the franchises have a process, a system, so they can hire the lowest possible talent to change your oil and do an ok job but these are not the same professionals we used to trust our vehicles to. Oil change techs these days are salesman who know how to talk you into buying their air filters and windshield wipers and the chances of them knowing how your specific engine should be maintained is pretty slim.
So there you have it folks, the sad but real reason that I still change my own motor oil.
Tags: motor oil, motor oil change Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
More horsepower and better fuel economy is just an oil change away. Different oils are going to give you different kinds of engine performance, for a number of reasons. You have to be careful that you don’t damage your engine with the wrong oil type.
You may have checked out the Royal Purple website where they have a snazzy video of some dyno testing that they’ve done to prove their motor oil intensifies horsepower at the wheels.
How does it do that? Try surfing the internet and you’ll come across a mob of AMSOIL dealers who claim that synthesized oil is more “slippery” because its molecules are ”uniform”. Sounds like a crock if you ask me.
Tribology, is much more complicated than that and multiple factors including the additive package and viscosity play into whether the oil allows more horsepower.
I do acknowledge that oils can be designed to provide the best lubrication, however I don’t agree that it’s as simple an explanation as uniform molecules.
That said, the easiest way to get more horsepower is to run a lighter weight oil in the engine and through the entire drive train (differentials etc). I am not recommending this! boost fuel economy.~I just thought I should point that out since the automotive companies had to get pretty imaginative to improve fuel economy.~I wanted to bring it to your attention since the automotive companies had to get innovative to boost gas mileage.}
When you know that a 5W 30 viscosity rating means the motor oil viscosity falls into a specific range then you could see that maybe some oil companies place the viscosity at the lower end of the range making the oil as light as it can be and still be called 5w 30. Sounds pretty devious.
suppose that is?~Why do you suppose that auto companies have been switching to 5W 20 in the past 5 years?} If your guess is CAFE standards in the US then your in the right ballpark. The quickest way to get that awesome fuel economy is to tweak the engine design so it can use a lighter weight oil and reduce engine losses with less oil resistance in the engine.
Can motor oil really promote better engine performance and improve engine output? The answer is yes. Are the reasons for this simple? No. Is there proof out there? Sure is. You can see the proof with your own two eyes by checking out the motor oil testing report.
Tags: 5W30 motor oil, motor oil, synthetic motor oil Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
Good luck if you’ve been surfing the web in search of the “truth” about motor oil changes and synthetic motor oil because there’s a lot of garbage and misinformation floating around out there…A HEAP OF GARBAGE!
Just recently I received an email from someone who doesn’t subscribe to my newsletter, and I was instantly reminded of all the dissatisfaction I felt when I was looking for a synthetic motor oil for my new truck.
The email I received said this:
“I was simply looking for a Amsoil distributor, not a bunch of bull s%&*.”
It’s really too bad that he didn’t follow all the way through and get the full report but I shared those same sentiments just a few years ago.
I spent countless hours online trying to figure out if there was anything to the rumors that synthetic oil was better for my engine than conventional oil.
I started my search looking for Castrol Syntec facts since that was the only oil I thought of when I thought of “synthetic” (and now I know that isn’t the case if you’re looking for a PAO). Remember those Castrol commercials? The ones that popularized the phrase “thermal viscosity breakdown” while you watched an engine seize right before your eyes? I can’t remember if those commercials were in the 80s or the 90s now but pretty good marketing anyway since I still remember it.
If you Google “synthetic motor oil” you’re going to be bombarded with gazillions of websites to check out. And the email I just received I think reflects the same frustration you will probably feel.
I scrubbed the Internet years ago and I did finally find a synthetic motor oil product that I felt was honest in its test results and provided honest value and legitimate performance and protection. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are all I’ve used in my vehicles for the past 6 or 7 years. Each vehicle gets an oil change once a year (that’s all they need) and they’re running strong with over 160,000 miles on them a piece.
Tags: amsoil, motor oil, synthetic motor oil Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
My buddy just told me about his uncle Bob who owns a ’71 Cuda. He’s actually owned his Cuda since ’71 and it only has 20,000 miles on it. As soon as he said Cuda my ears perked up! And it’s a convertible to boot! He was a maintenance freak in pursuit of engine maintenance perfection by changing his motor oil (in a special way).
Now here’s what’s outrageous. Besides Bob’s Cuda, he had an early ’70′s super Beetle and he was completely preoccupied with having immaculate oil running in his engines. With his super beetle he would drain the oil out hot, then start the engine with the oil plug out to get the last bit of oil to flow out the bottom of the engine.
He didn’t drive it like that and he didn’t rev or load the engine; he just let it idle for about 15 minutes and let the last bit of oil drain out.
Crazy and here’s my question. How could someone think that running an engine with no oil for any period of time is more beneficial compared to getting the last drop of motor oil out of the engine?
And furthermore, how in the heck did he get away with this for decades and never had engine failure? From working on engines you probably know first hand that oil leaves a film on all the engine parts and the fine film on the cylinder walls just doesn’t drain off when you drain the oil. There is still some protection there even if the sump is empty.
So everyone out there who’s worried about cranking a dry engine can give good ole uncle Bob a call and see if there’s really anything to worry about.
My curiosity got the best of me and I had to see if good ole uncle Bob drained all the motor oil and ran his V8 Cuda dry to get out that last drop, and as you could guess, the answer was NO. A V8 is a bigger risk than a dual port, air cooled, 1600 CC VW engine.
What do you do when changing your motor oil that leaves people second guessing your sanity?
Tags: changing motor oil, motor oil, synthetic motor oil Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
Changing oil is something everybody knows is very important to have done. Older cars need more care. That means oil changes need to happen more frequently. What does is actually matter what numbers and letter are on the oil container? With assistance from The Engine Oil Bible, Car Deal Expert helps you choose the right motor oil for your car.
Why your engine oil needs regular changing
Engine oil lubricates the metal surfaces of your car’s engine. Parts will start grinding together and transferring heat from the combustion cycle without the lubrication that keeps friction from building up. The combustion process gives off chemicals and oxidation. The oil helps keep this clean and minimized. Oil gets super thin and dirty during this. That is why there needs to be a regular replacement of the oil.
What does it matter what the letters and numbers are
Consumer motor oil is divided into 3 types: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral (standard) oil. Take 5W-30 motor oil, for example. It’s a semi-synthetic blend. The numbers before and following the W represent the viscosity rating of the oil. The first represents “hot” while the second represents “cold”. The lower the cold number (W stands for “winter”), the easier it is for car’s engine to turn over whenever you try to start the car in cold climates.
Cheapest oil is mineral
Standard motor oil is effective at protecting your engine. Semi-synthetic oil and synthetic oil cost more. This means you’ll pay less with mineral. It needs to get changed more with it getting dirtier and thinner more quickly.
Semi-synthetic motor oils are derived from standard oil
Semi-synthetic motor oil is closely related to standard mineral motor oil. Semi-synthetics are primarily made of polyalpholifins, writes The Engine Oil Bible. It is “the purest part of the mineral oil refraction process.” Thus, semi-synthetic can be mixed with standard motor oil without causing the car’s engine to seize.
Pure synthetics for heavy gearboxes
Pure synthetic oils (aka polyalkyleneglycols) are most often used for industrial purposes in cars with heavily loaded gearboxes. Its high-performance stuff. Fully synthetic oil can’t be mixed because it is a molecular recombination that is worked on carefully. For consumers who wish to use pure synthetic oil in their engines, said engines should be newer and in fully working order – clean with no leaks. Engine deposits get broken off and left in the engine with pure synthetic. The Engine Oil Bible suggests that once you go synthetic, you do not go back to mineral unless you know what you’re doing.
Get lightweight oil
Your engine oil should be tapered to your environment. Light, thin oils do well in modern engines. One place to try to find advice is your owner’s manual. The other place would a mechanic you trust.
More on this topic
Car Bibles
carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
A quick rundown of synthetic vs. regular motor oil
youtube.com/watch?v=CiLkoRVL7BQ
Tags: motor oil, regular oil, synthetic oil, viscosity Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
Big changes have been occurring in the US automotive industry. Both GM and Chrysler were “rescued” by the government (bought out might be a more accurate description). Ford has some similar changes. Lenient lending practices fed a speculative housing bubble and it left the Big Three with a big deficit. Double compounded by high oil prices driving consumer purchasing from large trucks and SUVs to more respectable fuel efficient cars.
Now we have to decide where to go from here. We just bottomed out in the recession that had Americans scrambling for work. The federal deficit is now skyrocketing and the national debt is on a steep climb. The Feds only see one solution to their dilemma and that’s to simply print more money (where’s the value in that?). This will inflate the dollar and cause commodity prices to climb.
Gold, copper, oil things with physical intrinsic value will have steep price climbs. Everything is going to increase in cost…electricity, gasoline, food etc., but your paycheck will likely remain the same, if you’re lucky enough to still have your job, that is. How far are they going to go? Two three times or worse… hard to say.
The best thing to do right now is to pay off all your high interest debt; be a good steward of your possessions and protect your assets.
So what does that mean when it comes to your car or truck? First off, you don’t need another car payment, so making this vehicle last is important. The only way to keep a vehicle running is to maintain it properly like changing your motor oil, and that really only takes a minimal amount of energy, and that’s energy well spent.
You might consider a synthetic oil change with extended drain intervals to increase your engine protection and save money. That new car payment is going to be killer compared to the pennies you’re spending to keep what you already have.
The price of oil isn’t declining, in fact you can almost see people’s stomach’s flop when they’re filling their gas tanks at the pump; the next spike in price could be the one that gives grandpa a heart attack. Fuel economy has sadly already become a mainstream topic and keeping your vehicle fine-tuned is the best defense you’ve got. is your only defense when it comes to surviving the hot topic of the day…fuel economy.} All it takes for a 7% increase in your gas mileage is a bit of research and leaping from conventional motor oil to synthetic motor oil. Once those gas prices soar up to 4 bucks a gallon, more than the milk you need for your cereal in the morning, then you’ll be seeing the success in your choices instantly.
The bottom line is that your money is going to stay put regardless of what the economy does.
Tags: motor oil, synthetic oil change Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
Your car is due for an oil change. Where do you take it? Maybe you wish to do it yourself. You have options when it comes to changing oil. If you take it somewhere, you need someone that is competent. Many oil change shops have a high turnover in their workers. You may have an inexperienced person working on your car.. They can make mistakes. Some mistakes can ruin your motor. If your oil leaks out while you are driving, it could mean disaster. They also may not put the proper type of oil in. This can be bad for your car too. There can be a lot of reasons to change your own oil. Here are some tips that may help.
Comparing costs
You can take your car to the dealer for an oil change. If they do a good job, you do need to do your own oil changes. However, it may be worth it to figure out the cost. Compare the prices of oil and filters.
Check prices at your local auto parts store. They are more likely to have items like that on sale. Look into a department store, too. It may be cheaper there. You might be able to save money with your own oil changes. The amount may not buy a new countertop microwave. However, you can still show a savings.
Oil
Are you aware of the differences between synthetic and normal motor oil? Do you know what oil is recommended for your car? Can you open your car’s hood? If not, you better take your car somewhere for work. Oil changing may not be your forte.
Try getting out your Tiger rice cooker. Make a nice meal for the entire family. Not everyone can do car maintenance.
Other parts
If you change your own oil, be certain that you have the right oil. Check with your car’s owner manual to be sure. If you need synthetic, do not substitute. In some cases, you may need to use factory oil filters. Aftermarket oil filters may not lubricate properly in some motors.
Make certain that you install a new gasket on your drain plug after every oil change. It is a good idea to buy a new drain plug. Buy several at one time. You may have to get them at your dealer. They should not be expensive.
Summary
Most people can change their own oil if they want to. You must have the proper oil and filter. Replace the drain plug after every change, if possible. You can save enough money to purchase a handheld vacuum or maybe a toaster.
Tags: motor oil, oil changing, vehicle maintenance Posted in Mortgage Info | No Comments »
Where did the three thousand mile motor oil change come from? That change interval has been around somewhere between 30 and 80 years . Someone had to be the first to say “you should change your oil every 3,000 miles” .
Time has changed a few things now! Gone are the days of short commutes living near your place of business. . People continue to move further and further away from their place of employment. This means more miles and more driving and more consumption of oil…
Well gone are the days of traveling mostly on dirt and gravel roads . Dust free driving is a big change from years ago. Dust and dirt raise hell for an engine . This creates a severe operating environment for engines and engine oil . With most of the dirty commuting behind us as more roads are paved, gone is the need to change oil as frequently.
Do you remember when you were excited when engines lasted 70,000 miles. This is a recent improvement but seems like it was only the 1980s when vehicle longevity improved dramatically . Engine materials and manufacturing tolerances improved and when that happened it increased the capability of extending oil changes with the right oil.
Where is the 3,000 mile oil change now? I don’t know because I am not seeing it suggested in the manual for any of my vehicles. I am seeing a lot of oil bottles that have higher numbers than 3,000 on them. So who is still behind this 3,000 mile oil myth? It is hard to tell but I have to believe whomever is doing it has some money in the game. Time may tell.
Can some oils out last other by a long shot? Find out with the best motor oil review.
Tags: best motor oil review, motor oil Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
Your car is due for an oil change. Where do you take it? Maybe you wish to do it yourself. You have options when it comes to changing oil. If you take it somewhere, you need someone that is competent. Many oil change shops have a high turnover in their workers. You may have an inexperienced person working on your car.. They can make mistakes. Some mistakes can ruin your motor. If your oil leaks out while you are driving, it could mean disaster. They also may not put the proper type of oil in. This can be bad for your car too. There can be a lot of reasons to change your own oil. Here are some tips that may help.
Comparing costs
You can take your car to the dealer for an oil change. If they do a good job, you do need to do your own oil changes. However, it may be worth it to figure out the cost. Compare the prices of oil and filters.
Check prices at your local auto parts store. They are more likely to have items like that on sale. Look into a department store, too. It may be cheaper there. You might be able to save money with your own oil changes. The amount may not buy a new countertop microwave. However, you can still show a savings.
Oil
Are you aware of the differences between synthetic and normal motor oil? Do you know what oil is recommended for your car? Can you open your car’s hood? If not, you better take your car somewhere for work. Oil changing may not be your forte.
Try getting out your Tiger rice cooker. Make a nice meal for the entire family. Not everyone can do car maintenance.
Other parts
If you change your own oil, be certain that you have the right oil. Check with your car’s owner manual to be sure. If you need synthetic, do not substitute. In some cases, you may need to use factory oil filters. Aftermarket oil filters may not lubricate properly in some motors.
Make certain that you install a new gasket on your drain plug after every oil change. It is a good idea to buy a new drain plug. Buy several at one time. You may have to get them at your dealer. They should not be expensive.
Summary
Most people can change their own oil if they want to. You must have the proper oil and filter. Replace the drain plug after every change, if possible. You can save enough money to purchase a handheld vacuum or maybe a toaster.
Tags: motor oil, oil changing, vehicle maintenance Posted in Auto Dealerships | No Comments »
Your car is due for an oil change. Where do you take it? Maybe you wish to do it yourself. You have options when it comes to changing oil. If you take it somewhere, you need someone that is competent. Many oil change shops have a high turnover in their workers. You may have an inexperienced person working on your car.. They can make mistakes. Some mistakes can ruin your motor. If your oil leaks out while you are driving, it could mean disaster. They also may not put the proper type of oil in. This can be bad for your car too. There can be a lot of reasons to change your own oil. Here are some tips that may help.
Comparing costs
You can take your car to the dealer for an oil change. If they do a good job, you do need to do your own oil changes. However, it may be worth it to figure out the cost. Compare the prices of oil and filters.
Check prices at your local auto parts store. They are more likely to have items like that on sale. Look into a department store, too. It may be cheaper there. You might be able to save money with your own oil changes. The amount may not buy a new countertop microwave. However, you can still show a savings.
Oil
Are you aware of the differences between synthetic and normal motor oil? Do you know what oil is recommended for your car? Can you open your car’s hood? If not, you better take your car somewhere for work. Oil changing may not be your forte.
Try getting out your Tiger rice cooker. Make a nice meal for the entire family. Not everyone can do car maintenance.
Other parts
If you change your own oil, be certain that you have the right oil. Check with your car’s owner manual to be sure. If you need synthetic, do not substitute. In some cases, you may need to use factory oil filters. Aftermarket oil filters may not lubricate properly in some motors.
Make certain that you install a new gasket on your drain plug after every oil change. It is a good idea to buy a new drain plug. Buy several at one time. You may have to get them at your dealer. They should not be expensive.
Summary
Most people can change their own oil if they want to. You must have the proper oil and filter. Replace the drain plug after every change, if possible. You can save enough money to purchase a handheld vacuum or maybe a toaster.
Tags: motor oil, oil changing, vehicle maintenance Posted in CNN Money | No Comments »
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