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Life is full of choices. We make a multitude of decisions everyday. One question
that I am often asked about is the different types of oil available for your
car. Oil is oil so things should be quite simple, right? Not exactly.
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine and what you use will depend
on the type of vehicle and the work the vehicle does.
Currently, your options are a good quality regular oil, semi-synthetic
oil and synthetic oil. Synthetics have been around since the 1940's but until
10 years ago, they weren't that highly promoted. Generally, synthetic oils
are the best lubricant available, but they are also very expensive.
Original Equipment Manufacturers, (OEM) recommend 5W-30, or 10W-40 varieties
for gas engines. OEM also suggests that oil should be changed every 5000 km
or 3 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil promoters say 15000 km
or 1 year without an oil change is just fine. My problem here is that all
oils wear out with time and use. Synthetics have a longer life expectancy
than regular oils, but when used in a vehicle that makes short trips around
home the same condensation and by-products of combustion are generated in
both oils. The oil filter removes some of this, but the oil gets dirty even
though it is not worn down. Yes, you can use special filters that help you
prolong oil life, but is it worth the extra expense for Grandpa's car? The
answer is "No." He'd be better off to change the oil more frequently, which
would keep his motor clean at no extra cost.
On the other hand, a salesman who is always on the road and adds 15000
km to the odometer every two months would find synthetic oil to be more beneficial.
Although the costs are about the same, our salesman is saved from the hassle
of an extra oil change and the cost is about the same.
For any hard-working vehicle, synthetic gear oil and transmission fluid
is a money saving measure. Due to its high temperature and low friction properties,
this oil can extend the life of these components. I highly promote this.
There are people who are willing to spend $50.00 or more on a synthetic oil
change every 5000 km because it's the best oil money can buy, regardless
of the oil change interval.
I can't stress the importance of practicing regular maintenance on your
vehicle to achieve good performance and lower operating cost. With today's
vehicles starting at $20000, most are capable of reaching 300000 km without
needing a major repair. Protect your investment with the regular maintenance
schedules listed in your owner's manual.
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