CAR CARE FAQs
Q: Should I use a synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils perform better in extremely cold climates. At the same time, synthetic motor oils are usually more expensive. Consider all these factors, and above all, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Q: How do I know which motor oil is the right one for my car?
Start by consulting your vehicle's owner's manual.
Q: Why is it important to change my oil?
Oil keeps the metal parts in your engine from touching, but even with oil between these parts, the spinning motion creates heat. In addition to lubricating the parts, the oil also carries the heat away and wears on the engine, so staying on top of oil changes is important to maintaining the parts in your engine.
Another important reason to maintain oil changes is because of the several key additives found in the oil that need to be refreshed so your oil can do it's job:
Detergent that keeps dirt suspended so it can move the dirt to the oil filter
Anti-friction additives that melt out of the oil if metal ever does touch
Anti-corrosion additives that prevent metal parts from corroding
Anti-foaming agent to prevent bubbles when it's whipped up by moving metal parts
All of these additives wear out and is one of the primary reasons why it's important to change your oil on a regular basis. Since the anti-friction additives wear out, you'll see burned oil on all the engine parts (just like burned butter in a frying pan) if you don't maintain this. Not changing your oil is simply the worst thing you can do to an engine. Not changing your coolant is right behind this so be sure to keep up with that as well.
Q: Why is regular maintenance important?
Failing to take care of your vehicle by having it regularly maintained can have dangerous and negative effects:
High expenses – many people use cost as a reason to not keep up with their car's maintenance. Unfortunately, doing this can lead to much higher expenses down the road when you inevitably run into damaged parts and much bigger issues that could even put your car out of commission.
Accidents – sometimes your car is trying to tell you something and you need to listen to it. For instance, squeaky brakes left untreated can lead to big problems including brake failure that can lead to serious accidents.
Severe damage – as you can expect, leaving little problems unattended to can lead to increased damage to your vehicle. A little problem is much easier to remedy than trying to undo severe damage that has built up over time because of a simple lack of regular maintenance.