What is motor oil made of?
Base stocks - make up about 80% of motor oils. The base stocks used can be conventional stocks, man-made synthetics or a mixture of conventional and synthetic stocks.
Additives - the "active ingredient" in motor oils, making up to 20% of the product. These additives must be replenished through regular oil changes.
Why do I need to change my oil?
After a period of use, motor oil deteriorates and becomes unable to do an efficient job lubricating and cooling engine parts. The two main reasons for this are:
• Accumulation of contaminants - As a car is driven, the level of contaminants in the oil increases. Contaminants can include road dust and dirt, small metal particles and combustion by-products (water, acids, soot and carbon).
• Depletion of oil additives - Additives are only effective for a certain period of time. They are consumed and need to be replenished by oil changes at specific intervals.
What are some maintenance "musts"?
The best way to keep your vehicle healthy is to keep it clean and lubricated. Maintenance "musts" include changing filters and oil on a regular basis. These basics are the most important part of any maintenance regime and they're also relatively inexpensive. If you do these things regularly, you can help maximize your vehicle's life. Important filters include: oil filter, engine air filter, fuel filter, automatic transmission fluid filter, PCV/Breathers, cabin air filters.
Most vehicle manuals recommend that you service your vehicle more frequently if you drive in "severe" conditions. Most drivers are surprised at what counts for severe driving. In fact, for most drivers, "normal" driving habits are actually "severe"! "Severe" driving conditions include one or more of the following: driving in stop and go traffic, driving in extremely hot or cold temperatures, driving at prolonged higher engine speeds, taking multiple trips averaging 5 to 10 miles in length, frequent cold start-ups and shut downs, extensive engine idling, towing and/or hauling heavy loads, driving in dusty or muddy conditions, driving in mountainous terrain. Protect your car with proper maintenance to counteract the effects of severe driving.
Why is it important to maintain my tires?
Under- or over-inflation of tires can: cause uneven tread wear, weaken your tires, reduce traction, impact gas mileage, reduce the number of miles you get out of your tires. Eventually, you could have inconvenient flats or even dangerous blowouts. Over-inflation means the weight of your vehicle is not distributed evenly across the entire tread but is instead concentrated on a thin strip in the center. Under-inflation means the tire is soft and the outside edges work harder than the softer center. The extra rolling resistance makes your vehicle work harder to move and it can reduce gas mileage. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended pressure listed in your vehicle's owner's manual. You can usually find this recommended pressure on a sticker posted in the trunk, on the door pillar or in the glove compartment. Each of your tires will wear differently due to its position and the type of vehicle you own. So tires will wear evenly, remember to balance and rotate your tires according to manufacturer's recommendations.
How do I decide whether to use conventional, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil?
Please consult your owner’s manual. Be sure to match the specification listed in your owner’s manual to that listed on the container of the motor oil. The name or type of motor oil (conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend) is incidental to meeting this specification.
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