I received these 3 questions about synthetic motor oil change intervals today from a friendly subscriber. The questions were magnificent because if you aren’t careful, it’s likely you’ll end up paying out the nose for products and services that have been meticulously designed to cheat you…the consumer…by selling you a product that can cause engine damage, poor engine performance, and may even leave your engine not only burning oil but a hole in your pocketbook.

Let’s stop the suspense and get to the questions…

#1 I know the 3,000 mile oil change interval is a myth for conventional motor oil but how about synthetic motor oil?

#2 When is the right time to change my oil if I have not met the mileage limit of the oil yet?

#3 If I am using oil analysis is an initial higher TBN number better?

Now those are some great questions and here are some answers:

#1 The line between synthetic and conventional oil were blurred back in 1997 when Castrol was able to get a court ruling allowing group III basestocks to be called “synthetic”. So as far as the 3 month 3000 mile myth goes I can’t make a clear distinction between conventional oil and synthetic oil. I can say generally that the 3K myth is more so a myth with synthetic. “Good” synthetic oils with a decent additive package should out last a traditional conventional oil.

Questions #2 and #3 share the common issue of TBN. It’s vital that the detergents and alkalinity in relation to TBN of the oil are provided for an anticipated duration of the oil in the engine. Motor oil additive packages are designed differently for extended change oils. To ensure that your engine’s environment doesn’t become corrosive or acidic, the TBN would be higher.

Everyday runs to drop the kids off at school or running up to the convenience store are especially rough on your engine’s oil. City driving is typically considered ’severe’ when it comes to oil change intervals. If the engine is not run and allowed to really heat up and bake out the oil then unburnt fuel and moisture dilute the oil and break it down.

For that reason it is best to start up and run down the highway for greater than say 15 minutes to really allow the engine to cook the oil “dry”.

Bottom line is if the oil is not designed for longer life with higher TBN more detergents etc then it will deplete its useful life sooner depending on your driving habits.

Additive packages in oils are very complex. Along with the benefits of additives, there are costs attached and all additives have to be balanced with the other additives. In order to get it right, the proper testing must be done.

To determine for yourself, once and for all, what your motor oil is truly doing to and for your engine you’re going to have to run it in your engine and perform your own periodic analysis. So long as the additives are properly balanced then the TBN should remain elevated longer, and protect your engine for a longer amount of time between oil changes. You can find the best motor oil review for all the different oils using a google search.

I like the extended performance Mobil 1 Synthetic oil and the AMSOIL Synthetic Oil. AMSOIL has been my oil of choice for the past 7 years for both of my vehicles and I’ve had no engine problems with either, only changing my oil in both once a year.

The improvement in gas mileage or horsepower is slight and may be very hard to detect. If you had a brake caliper dragging or if you had low tire pressure, the difference is nearly the same. When I hear people say that they felt a difference when they switched their oil or used an additive I have to chuckle inside my head.

Do you have more questions on synthetic motor oil change intervals for your heavy duty truck then get more info from the best motor oil review website.

Maybe you are looking for a great new business idea that can be easily and inexpensively started. Do you enjoy cars? If you like autos and working with your hands, then here is a fantastic new idea! To check automobile fluids can be a business.

Ours is a world full of cars, and all of those automobiles thrive on the liquids within their engines. A great money making opportunity is in the regularly checking of those fluids for folks who are either too busy or too disinterested to do it for themselves. A car enthusiast will do it for them, and get paid while doing so. This is a win-win situation!

Checking radiator levels will be a top priority on your list. Water keeps the engine cool, avoiding over heating and engine damage. With additives it can keep the radiator from freezing and ruining the system.

While the engine is running, but cool, remove the pressurized cap and see that the level is correct. Add what is necessary, water or additive, and replace the cap. It is that simple, and an inexpensive gauge can determine anti-freeze and coolant quantities.

For automatics, the transmission should always be checked. Warm up the car by driving it for a few minutes, and then park it, using the shifter on P, on a level surface. Keep the engine running, but be sure to place chocks under the tires just in case of gears slipping.

Check the stick for volume, and also check that the color is a nice light read and clear color, and does not smell like it is burnt. Add oil if necessary, making sure it is the proper grade, and report assessments to the owner.

Checking the brake fluid is simple, but assures safe operating conditions. The container is found under the hood and the liquid within is clear colored. It, too, should be free of debris and smell clean. While you are in the area, check the wiper solution reservoir as well. This is a nice bonus for your customer, as it is so often neglected.

While you are in there, check the wiper water levels, too. Owners rarely remember this simple step until they need it and find it run out! Do them a little favor, as it only takes a minute or two.

A healthy engine has oil that is free from grit and metal shaving. Check all fluids with both the eyes and the nose. Everything should be clean and clear.

All of these things can be done easily with a bare minimum of tools. For most tasks you will need only clean rags and your hands, eyes, and nose. Perhaps you could set up routes in which to check automobile fluids can be a business. As it grows you could add fluid changing services, or detailing, or any of the many things others will gladly pay you to do in their stead!

The AT&T promotional code will give you monthly savings on broadband access so you have more cash left over to expand your business.

Anyone who is keen getting a Oil Changes has to look up the different types of services that are accessible. If you do your research you will be able to search out a quality service that may work for your needs. Research is very vital when it involves finding a solid service for you to utilize.

Keeping your vehicle healthy is an important part of maintaining it and giving it a better chance to live a longer life. Vehicle maintenance is something that many car owners neglect to do, and it ends up costing them down the road. The importance of keeping your vehicle in good running shape can be directly attributed to the amount of money you have to spend down the road if you don’t.

Something that you can do yourself or do cheaply is an oil change. Doing a Cheap Oil change is a great way to keep your car engine healthy. Many people do not realize how important it is too regularly change their vehicles oil. The oil in your engine is what keeps it running smoothly. Not changing it is rough on the engine and can lead to future problems.

For instance most new bmw vehicles are rated to have their oil changed between ten to fifteen thousand kilometers. Where as, many domestic car manufacturers recommend that you change the oil every five thousand kilometers. One reason for this may be the fact that bmw vehicles use more expensive longer lasting synthetic oil. Synthetic oil may be more expensive but it is rated to last longer than regular oil.

The simplest way to make sure your engine oil is in good condition is to check it yourself. This is not as difficult as it may seem, and even changing it can be done quickly with some practice. It is a great way to save money as well. Another option is to check with the manufacturer, sometimes they offer free oil changes for the first ten thousand kilometers.

If you are unsure where to start when it comes to doing an oil change the internet and library can be great resource guides. Both places should have detailed instructions on how to change the oil in your vehicle. The internet is an especially great information source as it is very up to date.

When you are changing your vehicles oil be sure to wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. This is a simple way to ensure that even if there is a small oil leak it wont be a big deal. With practice changing your oil can become a quick and easy task.

If you are wanting to shop for a Cheap Oil Change it’s vital that you are doing your research and look around at the various services that are available. Another service that you might need to have a look at when you are shopping around is a Brake Inspection.

Step One

Change your oil regularly. If you don’t change your oil often enough your car will start to lose valuable lubrication and result is damage to your engine and eventually your car breaking down. Changing your oil every five thousand miles should suffice. Motor oils have improved in quality and the age old three thousand change is no longer the stigma.

Step 2

Replace your tires on your car when threading disappears. Your tires will gradually start to wear out and lose tread the more you drive. Driving on “bald” tires can cause you to hydroplane and can even cause you to wear out your rotors which are insanely expensive to replace than tires. Be sure to extend your tire life by rotating them. Depending on your vehicle you should change out the tires before all the threading is totally depleted.

Step 3

Drive Responsibly. Not only can this endanger the lives of people around you it can put your car at risk to be damaged eternally. If you get into a car accident this is the first step to having reoccurring car problems. Street-racing can wear out your brakes as well as your rotors. Hitting curbs will knock out your cars alignment. Be sure not to hit the brakes last minute as that is a sure fire way to eat away at your brake pads. Drive responsibly and save yourself from future hassles.

Step 4

Check your brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluids regularly. Replace them yourself if you need to. Don’t wait to have them checked until you get your oil changed.

Step 5

Don’t Ride the Draft. This means keep a safe distance from vehicles. Debris and rocks can be shot at you at a million miles an hour cracking your windshield. If you don’t see a crack, it could be a small fracture that will slowly make itself know over time. If you get a crack in your windshield get it repaired asap. It can start to spider and cause obstructions in your view.

Also riding behind cars will get you in an accident sooner or later. It might not happen today or tomorrow, but it is inevitable if you trail. Its too risky to take the chance. Car accidents are the main factor in deterioration of a cars life.

Step 6

Get a Tune up! Check your cars maintenance manual for how often the vehicle needs to be tuned up and follow that guide to the T. Regular tune ups can help keep your car healthy for a longer span of time. This can save you a lot of frustration and give your car some expanded driving time.

Charlie Hernandez has managed several Car Dealerships in Houston, and has an extensive knowledge of car maintenance. Check out his used cars Houston page for more info on taking care of your vehicle, and optimal used cars.

A body lift or a suspension lift are essentially two ways to lift your Jeep, truck, or SUV. Both methods have their pros and cons that are typically focused on price, performance, and ease of installation, but let me explain the difference between the two.

A suspension lift raises the vehicle’s frame (chassis) away from the ground. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways such as installing taller springs or spring spacers, differential drop brackets, lift blocks, cranked up torsion bars, or any combination thereof.

A body lift is much simpler in that it raises only the body away from the frame with spacers. The frame remains in the same location relative to the ground.

A suspension lift is recommended for anyone planning to use their vehicle off-road while a body lift is recommended for anyone that wants to make their vehicle look lifted without the real desire of ever driving off-road. Is this to say a body lifted vehicle can’t go off-road? No. It’s perfectly capable of going off-road. It just won’t perform as well as a suspension lifted vehicle because it hasn’t gained any ground clearance.

Suspension lifts typically range between 2-inches to 6-inches (though there are some companies that produce “extreme” kits in excess of this), while body lifts range between 1-inch to 3-inches.

Suspension lifts are more complicated than body lifts because they alter the suspension components that give the vehicle its factory ride characteristics. Taller springs are typically stiffer than factory springs so the vehicle will have a harsher ride quality than with original equipment factory engineered springs. Longer shock absorbers will be needed. The vehicle will also have a higher center of gravity because the entire weight of the vehicle (everything except the axles) will now be raised further from the ground. Depending on the vehicle, the transfer case may need to be lowered and the rear differential repositioned to minimize driveline vibrations. This is especially true for short wheelbase vehicles such as Jeeps because of their short rear driveline that isn’t readily accepting to increased u-joint angles.

Pros: Increases ground clearance, increased approach and departure angles, allows fitment of larger tires.

Cons: Expensive, longer installation time, increased driveline angles (more susceptible to vibrations), brake lines need to be re-routed or lengthened, longer shocks needed, increased center of gravity.

A body lift is relatively simple in that it primarily consists of a set of spacers that are inserted at the mounting points between the frame and body of the vehicle. This leaves all the heavy parts of the vehicle (frame, engine, transmission, transfer case, etc) at their factory locations so the vehicle’s center of gravity (though increased) will not be increased as much as a suspension lift.

Pros: Inexpensive, can be installed quickly with basic hand tools, allows fitment of taller tires, simpler (all parts necessary come in a small box).

Cons: Appearance (there will be a noticeable gap between the body tub and the frame), additional leverage is placed on the mounting points, ground clearance is not raised.

Ultimately, the only benefit of a body lift is that it allows for the installation of larger tires. On the other hand, a suspension lift is designed for improved performance off-road (and conveniently allows the installation of larger tires). If cost is a factor and you’re on a budget but want to make your Jeep, truck, or SUV look like an aggressive off-roader with no real intentions of ever going off-road, then a body lift would be adequate for you. However, if cost isn’t a factor and you’re looking to make your Jeep, truck, or SUV more off-road capable and trail ready, then a suspension lift should be your first choice.

Whatever route you choose, the internet’s largest selection of body lift kits can be found at MY4BY.com. They have an impressive selection of off road parts for domestic and import vehicles.

categories: car parts,auto parts,cars,trucks,autos,vehicles,repair,maintenance,driving,suspension,chassis

Auto repair shops are about as much fun as going to the dentist. However, many shops today are taking the pain out of the process. Most repair shops offer coffee while you are waiting, and with scheduled appointments at times that suit your schedule, you don’t have to take a day off work to have your car repaired. Some shops are even open on Saturdays.

Many auto repair shops offer prevention and maintenance packages. These packages can include a look at the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, lights, and starter. As well, most packages will include topping up fluids; washer, anti-freeze, transmission fluid, power steering and an oil and filter change. Other items that may be checked on a maintenance check are belts, hoses, battery and water pump.

The chassis of the vehicle is given a check; the struts and shocks, fuel lines, brake lines and exhaust system. Tires are important to the safe operation of any vehicle. Most drivers don’t check the tire pressure often enough, and don’t recognize when tires are bald. A maintenance check will ensure that the tires are properly inflated, and have usable tread. Tire rotation is often included in a maintenance package, giving more even wear and increasing the life of the tires.

There are auto repair shops that offer a maintenance check for free, with a written report, so that you know the state of your vehicle, and know what to expect. There is peace of mind in knowing ahead which components are likely to need attention, before anything breaks down and requires major work.

Many auto repair shops offer the convenience of booking an appointment on-line. You choose a date and time that you will drop the car, and specify what service you want performed. As well, many auto repair shops with a web-site give details on the services they perform, which makes of cars they are equipped to service. Some shops make it easy to drop your car off before they open. Others offer courtesy drives to your workplace or home. Others have rental cars available if your repair will take longer than a day or two. Others offer a free tow with a repair. Some have a shuttle that will take you to a nearby mall or restaurant while you wait.

There are auto repair shops with web sites that offer an on-line record of repairs and maintenance on your car, with e-mailed reminders of oil changes and maintenance service. Those records can be accessed on-line anytime and give you and the shop a complete picture of the condition of your car.

There are other auto repair shops offering customer loyalty cards; credit cards that can be used at their locations, and accrue points with every purchase. Those points can then be applied against future services. Some offer senior discounts.

Don’t forget to ask questions about the services and prices offered. Make sure you get a quote, not just an estimate, or that the shop will phone with a quote before proceeding with work. Be clear about what exactly will be done and don’t settle for vague answers.

Take the time to check out an auto repair shop. They offer much more than vehicle body repairs

Trying to find the perfect Calgary auto repair service? Look no further! Our auto repair service is reasonably priced and is of high quality! We also provide other services such as Calgary Home Improvement and Calgary Real Estate .

Buying brand new tires from online stores is fast, easy, and could be cheaper than getting them at a brick and mortar store. Many websites contain much information on choosing the right tire brands and styles that would best fit your car. You can read up as much product information and reviews online instead of listen to what the salesman is pitching you at the store. You won’t have to put up with one-sided biased opinions of a salesman who’s obviously trying to make you spend the most in his store. There are only a few measures to follow and just your credit card to get you buying the tires you need online.

Get the size number of your tires from the sidewall. You need to get the tires of the same size for the model and make of your car. You have to be sure the new tires will fit. Your tires have a load range. The load range tells you how much load the tires can take before giving in to an overload. Tires of good quality could generally take more load than you could possibly stuff in your car. The last information you need to get from your current tires is the speed rating. This rating indicates how much speed of the car the tires can cope with without wearing out. Get new tires that have about the same ratings.

Go browsing through online stores that sell tires and make comparisons of the prices and quality. Goodyear, Michelin and Firestone are the best brands out there. You can also check out other brands for comparison. Shop for the tires that have the same size numbers, load range and speed rating as your current ones. Select the best tires from different brands for the best deal you can get. Price is not always king. When it comes to road safety, there’s a much better value in paying a premium.

Tire makers differ in grading systems when it comes to treadwear so it’s of no use to compare the grades between brands. You can compare the grades between tires of the same brand. Try to buy a set of similar tires. You would have a better idea of the quality of the tires and be more informed in your next purchase.

Don’t just compare the prices of the tires alone. Include the costs of shipping and having them installed if you won’t be installing them yourself so you have better chances of finding the best deals.

About the author: Kenneth P. Hawkins is a tire businessman who looks for the best tires in the industry. He provides resources on buy truck tires. For research & web address to where to buy tires look in this resource for more facts at yokohama avid trz reviews.