Auto Service Professional

JUN 2016

Magazine for the auto service professional

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36 | ASP June 2016 Technical Oils and f ilters Selecting the correct lubrication and fltration By Mike Mavrigian A s we all know, the diversity and selection of engine oils available today can seem mind-boggling. We have choices of "conventional" oil (petroleum based), high-mileage oil, synthetic blends and full synthetics. Trying to make sense of it all, or should I say, advising customers with regard to selecting an oil, can sometimes seem frustrating. As a default, you can always play it safe and stick with whatever type of oil (and viscosity range) that is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. "High mileage" engine oils are designed and marketed for use in engines that already have about 75,000 miles of use. Tis type of oil typically features formulations that ofer increased detergent properties to minimize sludge accumulation and are mixed to reduce the potential for oil consumption. Specifc formulations are somewhat proprie- tary, so we generally don't know what specifc ingredients are used in the mix, but the point is that these oils are designed to help extend the life of a high-mileage engine. Synthetic blends, sometimes referred to as hybrid oils, are comprised of traditional petroleum-based oils with synthetic additives to increase the lubricity and oil-cling proper- ties, as well as providing quicker oil delivery during cold starts. Te advantage of using a blend: you gain some of the benefts of a full synthetic at a lower cost. Full synthetics ofer superior (I should say quicker) oil delivery, and are designed to transfer heat faster while The importance of oil and air for the proper functioning of your customers' vehicles cannot be over-stated. From simple maintenance to high-end rebuild projects, this area of service is one of the most important revenue streams for your business today and tomorrow. If a skeptical customer needs proof of the need for maintaining engine oil quality, show them this photo. This neglected engine built up so much sludge that it starved itself to death, the result of a clueless owner who ignored a simple oil change for 50,000 miles. She now faced two options: have the engine completely rebuilt or have it replaced, neither of which was in her budget. She had nobody to blame but herself.

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