| Every five or six months, many of us suddenly | | | | your engine. Oil allows the moving parts within your |
| realize it's time for an oil change and hurry off to the | | | | engine to slide together without creating dangerous |
| closest lube shop, or perhaps we'll try that new place | | | | friction that causes unnecessary wear and |
| that's running the $19.99 oil change special. Or, | | | | overheating. Traditional motor oils are made from the |
| perhaps you stick with one mechanic because he | | | | distillation and refining of mineral crude oil stock, while |
| uses Pennzoil because that's what good old dad | | | | synthetic oils rearrange these mineral oil molecules |
| always said to use. Then, in addition to all the choices | | | | into a new product with molecules of a more uniform |
| we're faced with, now the garages are pushing us to | | | | size and shape and combines them with performance |
| make yet another - synthetic oil or standard oil. | | | | additives that fight off sludge and mineral deposits. |
| What's the difference? Does it really matter? | | | | This allows the synthetic oil to withstand extreme |
| "Synthetic" - that sounds like "fake" - but yet they | | | | temperatures and stay clean longer. Most engine |
| are charging twice as much for the "fake" stuff... Just | | | | wear occurs during start-up and then again at very |
| change the oil already! Who cares! | | | | high temperatures. Therefore, the synthetic oil offers |
| Who cares? You should. Quality and timely oil changes | | | | greater protection at both ends of the spectrum. |
| are the single most important factor in protecting | | | | Also, because the synthetic oil resists sludge and |
| your car's longevity and reliability - and therefore your | | | | mineral breakdown, the length of time between oil |
| pocketbook. Choosing an oil change simply by price | | | | changes can be increased dramatically. |
| and convenience is much like hitting the drive through | | | | Second, one should consider what they expect from |
| for a Big Mac Meal Deal - it's quick, satisfying, and | | | | their engine oil. If an oil change is all about simply |
| cheap (relatively) - and you're on your way again. | | | | keeping your old clunker on the road for a couple |
| Yes, your car is getting a shot of clean oil and a new | | | | more years, standard oil is probably sufficient. |
| filter, but will that new oil hold up to the stress that | | | | Likewise, if you have just purchased a brand new car |
| every day use puts on your engine - for the next six | | | | and are still in the engine break-in stage (under 5,000 |
| months? Could you live on Big Macs for six months? | | | | miles), a standard oil is preferable. However, if you |
| Do you think your body might rebel? | | | | are looking to drastically increase the life of your |
| Just like choosing a better-balanced, healthier meal, | | | | engine, wait longer between oil changes, operate |
| choosing quality automotive oil takes a little more | | | | your vehicle in extreme hot or cold temperatures, or |
| planning and knowledge. First, read your car's owner's | | | | get that extra five or ten horsepower out of your |
| manual. If it tells you to use only synthetic oil, the | | | | car, synthetic oil is the way to go. |
| decision is made for you. If the manufacture | | | | Synthetic oil is undeniably a far superior alternative |
| recommends synthetic oil, it is because the car's | | | | for most of us. Yes, the oil change generally costs |
| engine has been precision engineered to require those | | | | twice as much up front, but that oil will last at least |
| uniform molecules and standard mineral oil can result | | | | two or three times longer, saving money in the long |
| in problems. Many cars, however, won't be so | | | | run. In addition to the short-term cost savings, your |
| specific, so you will need to do a little more | | | | car will thank you for the enhanced protection and |
| homework. | | | | will reward you with a longer life, increased power, |
| First, it is important to understand what oil does for | | | | and reduced maintenance costs. |