While the average car owner spends a great deal of time and money on her automobile purchase, many don't take the time to learn how to properly care for their investment. Pat Goss, longtime mechanic and owner of Goss' Garage at Crystal Ford in Silver Spring, Md., as well as co-host of the PBS television show "MotorWeek," understands that consumers often feel confused about the numerous automotive care products available and about the benefits of those products.
Goss believes the single most important area in which consumers can get the greatest protection for their investment is by selecting the right motor oil. "There is no question that one of the best things a consumer can do to protect his or her car's engine is to follow proper manufacturer recommended oil-change intervals and use a synthetic engine oil," he says.
Today, drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before. The average car on the road is more than seven years old and has more than 75,000 miles on it. Also, today's new car engines are designed to increase fuel economy and improve emission controls, which puts more stress than ever on motor oils.
"Built" for better performance
Few drivers are concerned about the science behind the formulation of motor oils, but most want to know how the lubricants will benefit them. Synthetic lubricants, when compared to conventional motor oils, offer critical performance benefits, including:
- Superior protection in low temperatures, enabling easier and faster start-ups in cold weather (as low as -40 degrees F);
- Enhanced high-temperature durability, reducing oxidation and wear on critical engine parts (up to 400 degrees F);
- Reduced oil consumption under high-speed conditions;
- Superior performance under heavy engine loads/stresses, such as hauling and towing;
- Increased stability and better control of deposits that can impede flow and lead to higher wear.
Common misconceptions
Goss notes that over the past several years, he has received more questions about synthetics. "I think people are becoming more aware of synthetics, but there are still many misconceptions," he says. "A common misunderstanding is that synthetics should be used only in new cars and not older cars. Another is that synthetics can destroy seals. The fact is, those statements are not true at all."
Another big misconception, says Goss, is that new engines require a break-in period with conventional oil, and then drivers can switch to a synthetic. In fact, today's engine technology does not require this break-in period.
To further prove his point, Goss points out that synthetic motor oils are factory fill and service fill for a number of the world's finest performance vehicles, including numerous Mercedes-Benz models, Chevrolet Corvette, all Porsche and Aston Martin cars, Cadillac XLR, Dodge Viper and Ford Mustang Cobra R. Despite the growing popularity of synthetics there are many other fallacies that continue to be spread, including:
- Fallacy: Synthetics requires a special oil filter.
Fact: Although a high-quality filter is recommended, you can use the same type of filter that you would with conventional oil.
- Fallacy: Motorcycles can't benefit from synthetic oil.
Fact: There are many fully synthetic motor oils for motorcycles.
- Fallacy: Using synthetic oil will void a new-car warranty.
Fact: With the exception of the Mazda rotary engine vehicle, which does not recommend using any synthetic motor oils, synthetics will not void new-car warranties.
