Auto Fanboy

Just as cars have changed over the years the oil we put in them has changed. However, there are two myths about changing oil that have persisted, fueled in large part by the oil industry itself.

Myth Number One

The first myth is that you should change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles.

Myth Number Two

The second myth is that you should change your oil when it gets dark-colored. Modern oil does get dark over time because the detergents it contains are designed to suspend soot particles and keep them from becoming sludge. (Sludge build-up used to be a common problem in cars that used nondetergent oil.) If you look at your oil at 3,000 miles, you’ll see that it has become darker, but that oil will still work perfectly fine for lubricating and cleaning your engine for another 4,500 miles under normal driving conditions. Continue reading ‘Two Big Myths About Changing Your Car's Oil’ »

Radiator coolant is vital during hot weather because it prevents your car from overheating. The coolant increases the boiling point for the water in your cooling system, while drawing heat away from vulnerable engine parts. But do you know why anti-freeze is equally as important in cold weather? Because it prevents the same water in your car’s system from freezing up and destroying portions of your car. Did you know that anti-freeze is still important in the cold weather to prevent over heating, no matter how cold it gets?

In the coldest weather, anti-freeze is important to prevent the evaporation of vital fluids. Water evaporates rapidly, whereas anti-freeze does not. The lubricating properties of anti-freeze are also very important to remember. The hoses and other important parts of your vehicle need to stay protected too. Cold weather is brutal on your car and all of its moving parts, including the passengers.

Continue reading ‘Cold Weather Coolant Tips’ »