Jim's Quick Lube

OIL MYTH: New oils don’t break down so you don’t need to change it when it’s recommended

OIL FACT: Although oil base stocks have improved over the years, there are many aspects to motor oil

Oil undergoes thermal breakdown due to high operating temperature. When this occurs, the oil becomes less effective as a lubricant. And without a good lubricant, parts of the engine rub together and wear each other out.

Oil also contains additives that have the ability to neutralize acids. Over time, these additives get used up and stop being effective.

Finally, oil can absorb water, dust and combustion byproducts and also hold them in suspension. Eventually, the oil gets saturated with this stuff and can’t absorb any more. Then that stuff remains in the engine and can cause corrosion.

You may want to consider changing your oil more frequently if you:

• drive like a knucklehead: jackrabbit starts, heavy acceleration or high-speed driving
• live where the climate is extremely hot or cold
• often drive on dirt roads
• engine is old and burns oil
• frequently carry heavy loads (several mothers-in-law or other cargo)

OIL MYTH: You have to change your oil at the dealership to keep your warranty valid

OIL FACT: As long as you have maintenance records, your warranty should remain in effect

The FTC’s Manguson-Moss Act of 1975 protects consumers from voided warranty issues. It is illegal for dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.

For more information, go to the FTC’s Auto Warranties and Routine Maintenance Page

OIL MYTH: Once you switch to synthetic oil you can never switch back

OIL FACT: You can switch back and forth between synthetic and conventional oil at any time

In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils. It is advisable that you use the same oil for top-ups if needed, thereby giving you the best protection from the oil that you have chosen.

OIL MYTH: You shouldn’t use synthetic oil in an older vehicle

OIL FACT: Synthetic oils will enhance the engine protection in older vehicles just like new engines

The myth comes from the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier,” lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.