Excerpts

#3: Lube Me Up

The lubricating system is responsible for keeping the metal to metal parts moving, by reducing the amount of heat generated. The oil helps absorb the heat coursing through the engine. That is why oil changes are important for this system. When was your vehicle’s last oil change? Do you keep your oil change intervals on track? Do you change your oil every 3,000 miles?

I have asked these questions for a good reason. Many automobile owners take their vehicles for granted. As long as the vehicle starts, maintenance takes a back seat. When performing oil changes, I notice the sticker in the upper left hand corner of the windshield. Sometimes, the next oil change sticker is missing. Sometimes, the mileage is over the next due service. These practices are harmful to your investment.

In order to have a good Return On Investment (ROI), a vehicle has needs too. Oil changes are of paramount importance. On-time oil changes give your vehicle a valuable extended lifetime.

At one time, the media put out information about oil changes. The auto industry wanted every car owner to change their oil at 3,000 miles. Today’s oil comes in two parts. What does this mean? It means the oil will last a little longer. However, this doesn't mean the oil will last forever.

Vehicle manufacturers have set suggested oil changes at 5,000 to 7,500 miles. With two-part oil, this is possible. Back in the day, oil came in one part. Oil cans or bottles came in one weight. Today’s oil has two weights in the same bottle. A bottle of oil has this reading: 5w30. This is multi-weighted oil. The "5" is the first part. The "w" means winter. The "30" is the second part of the oil. The thinner the oil; the quicker it will move.

If your vehicle requires 5w30 or 5w20, do not put 10w30 into your vehicle. This will cause damage to the engine, over time. Most of today's engines are aluminum. These engines will need quicker-moving oil. Know the weight of oil they plan to put in your vehicle. If the repair shop isn't using the correct weight, ask for it. You may have to pay extra, but your vehicle will thank you.

With any advice, please check the vehicle's owner's manual. The owner's manual is your guide to a better-running vehicle. Each vehicle has its own weight of oil. Today's vehicles use 5w20 or 5w30. There are rare occasions for vehicles to use 5w40. Synthetics and diesels are different type oils.

There are chemicals to help each variable work together. Also, this oil is called two-part oil. One part oils aren't used in vehicles today. The two-part oils give your vehicle added protection over the one-part oils. Plus, the correct weighted oil allows your engine to run smoothly. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil weight.
When using heavier oils, the protection is and isn't there. It will help with the metal to metal part of protecting your vehicle. However, the oil won't do well in cold weather.

People have asked me about using 20w50 in their vehicle. My answer is no. There is a misconception about older vehicles. Once the vehicle ages, you're supposed to use heavier oil. Why? Is there blue smoke coming out the tail pipe? If the answer is yes, heavier oils only band-aid the problem. Your vehicle is burning oil. A re-built or new engine or the purchase of a new vehicle will remedy the problem.

What about high mileage oil? My answer: Why? Have the characteristics of your vehicle changed? What were you using before these oils came on the market? In my opinion, high-mileage oils are a hype tactic. If your vehicle isn't burning oil, the same weighted oil will be fine.

Over the years, people have asked me about adding different motor oils and additives. Everyone has their preference on name-brand oils. I don’t get into the brand-name battle. As for additives, there isn’t a need to add an additive to your motor oil. As we all know, regular oil changes are one of the most important things that can be done to extend the life of an engine. Premium-quality motor oil will maintain its effectiveness over the life of the oil drain, allowing it to help keep the engine clean. Every bottle of oil contains certain additives that play a key role. Unfortunately, the petroleum industry isn’t required to put the ingredients on the bottle. Nevertheless, the additives are in there.

Anti-wear additives help lay down a protective film between moving parts, and stop oxidation of the motor oil. Dispersants grab the dirt and sludge before they build up during engine operation. Detergents help keep high-temperature surfaces clean (pistons). Changing the oil at proper intervals will help to prevent ring sticking and piston deposits.

Viscosity index improvers are added additives to ensure proper oil viscosity at extreme cold and hot operating conditions. Make sure your vehicle has its proper oil weight. If not, you’re making your vehicle work harder than it needs to work. Friction modifiers help reduce friction in critical areas of the engine, thus enhancing the vehicle’s fuel economy. In order for the motor oil to complete its job, follow the recommended oil change intervals and motor oil specifications found in the owner’s manual.
We can’t talk about the lubricating system without discussing synthetic oil. I am asked for my opinion all the time. Do I recommend using synthetic over traditional oils? There is nothing wrong with traditional oils. When using synthetic oils, there are advantages and disadvantages. Before using any type of oil or chemical in your vehicle, check your owner's manual for guidance.

Synthetic oil came into the picture during WWII. It was used in airplanes. In the mid 1960s, it was marketed and produced for automobiles. The oil was a substitute for the traditional oils that lacked the necessary ingredients found in traditional oils. Today, traditional oils have caught up to its counterpart. But, the war over traditional and synthetic oil continues.

The technical advantages of synthetic motor oils include:

• Better low- and high-temperature viscosity performance
• Better chemical and shear ability
• Decreased evaporative loss
• Resistance to oxidation, thermal breakdown, and oil sludge problems
• Extended oil change intervals with the environment benefitting through oil waste
• Improved fuel economy for certain vehicles
• Better lubrication on cold starts

The disadvantages of synthetic motor oils include:

• Today's cost of synthetic motor oil
• Potential decomposition problems in certain chemical environments
• Potentially not beneficial for older model vehicles

It's not recommended to switch back and forth between using synthetic and traditional motor oils. When using synthetic oil, your vehicle will become accustomed to operating at a slightly higher temperature. No matter what type of motor oil your vehicle uses, it still needs to be changed. Don’t forget to schedule your appointment today; your vehicle will thank you.

#16: I’ll Take My Change In Oil

Please use the recommended interval by the vehicle’s manufacturer. All oil changes aren’t the same. Most shops offer oil changing packages. There are some things you, as the car owner, will need to complete. If the oil change is completed at a garage or dealership, check under the hood. Look to see if the windshield washer, brake, or power steering fluids has been refilled.

Most of the basic fluids aren’t refilled by the garage/shops. Some shops charge extra for refilling the basic fluid levels. If you’re using a coupon, please read the fine print. This may prompt some questions by you, the car owner. Why should I check behind my repair shop, after an oil change? Aren’t these things done when I get my oil changed? No! As simple as these questions may appear, they are very important. When I hear these questions from seminar participants, it tells me that the car owner doesn’t participate in the repairing and maintenance of their vehicle.

Want more?...Get your copy today on iPhone and Kindle. Coming in paperback soon to a bookstore near you.

back