Auto Magazine

Synthetic Versus Conventional: Which Motor Oil Is Healthier For Your Car?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/10 in Auto Maintenance with 1 Comment

Motor oil is an essential substance for the internal combustion engine. Although every car owner needs motor oil, the market is flushed with different brands of motor oil and two main types: conventional and synthetic. As consumers, car owners wonder which type of motor oil works best for their car’s engine. This is because each engine is different for every motor vehicle, so synthetic or conventional oil may be healthier for some cars over others. Here are things to consider when determining which motor oil is healthier for a car.

Basic Chemical Differences

Conventional oil is general petroleum oil that is given chemical additives so that the conventional oil is given its viscosity and heat tolerance. In contrast, synthetic oil is a completely manufactured chemical compound that has the viscosity and heat tolerance of conventional, petroleum-based oil. It is created by specific companies as a product that will give an engine the highest level of lubrication across a higher temperature spectrum.

Performance Advantage

What synthetic motor oil companies and car mechanics will tell consumers is that synthetic motor oil is able to help an engine perform more effectively. The chemical compounds in synthetic oil are able to work in the coldest or hottest environments, meaning if the motor vehicle is in frigid temperatures over night, the engine will perform better, in theory, with synthetic oil versus conventional oil.

Shelf Life

Because of its chemical manufacturing, synthetic oil is able to last longer in an engine that conventional oil. Over time, the conventional oil will not only reduce in quality, but residue can build up in the engine. This can end up blocking and hindering the efficient mechanics of the engine. With synthetic oil, it can only last longer in the engine, synthetic oil has chemicals that allow it to be cleaner. This leaves no reside in the engine and minimizes reside build-up over time.

Mileage Changing

According to experts doing Volvo specialists service in Denver, car owners know they need to change their oil every couple of thousand miles. With this in mind, another difference arises between the types of oil. It is recommend that if the consumer is using conventional motor oil that the consumer get their oil changed between 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, with synthetic oil, an engine could very well not need an oil change for 7,500 to 15,000 miles.

Some Require Synthetic

As of the late 2000s, many European model cars, like BMW and Volkswagen, require synthetic oil. Some American brands, like Chevy, have also begun recommending exclusively using synthetic oil. This requirement is due to the engines themselves, which work properly with synthetic oil. It is highly recommended that all car owners look to see what the car’s manufacturer recommends as far as what type of oil is ideal for the car.

Costs

Because of its complex manufacturing, synthetic oil is much more expensive on the market than conventional motor oil. Many mechanics and consumer writers will state that the consumer may save money on the long-run with synthetic oil due to better engine maintenance and less frequent oil changes thanks to synthetic oil. However, the bottom line is that synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil.

Older Engines Tend to Need Conventional

The benefit of synthetic oil can actually be a drawback with older engines. Consumer writers claim that when a car engine has very high mileage (well over 100,000 miles), the car engine has become accustomed to conventional motor oil. Many writers claim that putting in synthetic oil into such high mileage engines will actually cause the oil to leak out or burn up faster. As a result, an older engine consumers synthetic oil faster than conventional oil.

Driving Lifestyle

People who only drive their cars for short distances or if they drive them infrequently may not need synthetic oil. For drivers who drive infrequently or even small distances, moisture will tend to build up in the engine. Although special care will be needed for cars that are driven infrequently, the oil choice for such a car may mean the driver can pick and choose whichever oil they want. Some consumer writers state that synthetic oil need to be warmed for a long period of driving or frequent driving intervals in order for the synthetic oil to be warm enough to evaporate moisture. As a result, conventional motor oil may burn away moisture quicker and easier than synthetic oil for infrequent drivers.

Conclusion

There are several factors when determining which motor oil is best for a consumer’s car. How much the oil may factor into the consumer’s budget and their driving lifestyle are some of the biggest factors that help determine if synthetic oil is a better choice over conventional oil and vice versa. However, as newer lines from car brands enter the market, the car companies may push synthetic oil over conventional oil for the newest cars. Always check with the owner’s manual and car manufacturer to determine the best oil for your car. Also, consider the pricing and driving lifestyle to determine if synthetic or conventional works best for the consumer.

New Car Smell: Tips for Your First Time at the Dealership

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/09 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

The scent of a new car is one that many list as their favorite. Not only does this smell remind them of their own first vehicle, but it also is a symbol of a brand new purchase. Buying a vehicle is expensive, but knowing how to negotiate can reduce some of the cost. Take a look at these tips to see how you can save money at the dealership next time.

Know The Average Selling Price

When you go to the dealership, you need to know what the average selling price of the car is in the condition that it is. Brand new cars are going to go for top dollar; while the older vehicles will decline in price based on exact age and condition. Researching online is the best way to see what the vehicle is selling for at other dealerships in the area. Once you see how the car is, you can also use your phone to quickly conduct research.

Negotiate with Paper Copies

Even if you’re planning to check out prices on your phone while you are there, you should bring along paper copies of price quotations from other dealerships. These can be quotations you received when visiting the dealership, but you should also print out information from reputable websites that tell you the price of cars. When you are negotiating with the salesperson, ask if the dealership is willing to come down to match the cost the other entities are offering. While you should not be rude, you can say that you’re planning to buy from the dealership that gives you the best price.

Set Reasonable Price Goals

If you walk into the dealership and imagine you are going to chop thousands upon thousands of dollars off from the cost, then you are likely setting yourself up for failure. Once you see how much the car is selling for elsewhere, you should expect that your sale price is going to fall somewhere around that cost. The dealership needs to make a sale just as much as you want to save money.

Call in Reinforcements

While you do not want to demand excessive reductions from the dealership, you do want to be sure that you are getting a fair deal. Not everyone is a master negotiator, and some people need to take time to hone their price-reducing skills. Ask someone who has purchased a car or two before to come along with you and to take a front seat when it comes time to discuss the price of the vehicle.

Knowing what is reasonable and how to negotiate will help you to get a good deal on your new car. Take these tips with you on your next car hunt.

Before You Panic: The 5 Most Likely Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/06 in Auto Care with 1 Comment

When dealing with a broken down car, it’s not only frustrating, but it’s time-consuming as issues will cause you to miss work or other obligations. In fact, when your car won’t start, you will need to fix the problem immediately. Often, it’s a minor problem you can fix quickly. Here are the five most likely reasons your car won’t start.

Transmission:

Believe it or not, with some newer automobiles, you will experience issues if your transmission is in need of repair. This is especially true if you drive an automatic as newer cars will have measures in place preventing your from starting the car and putting it in gear. When this happens, take it to a mechanic and you can fix the issue and use your car again.

Battery:

Without a doubt, when people can’t start their car, it’s usually caused by a dead battery. To fix the issue temporarily, whip out your jumper cables and jump start your car. If you don’t own jumper cables, borrow some from another driver or friend. Either way, once you start your car, head to a mechanic and buy a new battery.

Starter:

In older cars, the starter will eventually malfunction. When this happens, you can’t start your car and you will need to tow it to a mechanic. Then, he or she can replace the starter and you will not experience problems in the future.

No gas in the tank:

Often, a person will try to start their car when they don’t have any gas in the tank. While this seems easy to avoid, you must remember that older gas gauges will often malfunction and give you a wrong reading. To fix this, simply walk to a gas station and buy a container. Then, fill it with gas and start your car.

Electrical issues can leave you stranded:

To check this out, buy a fuse tester or take your car to a mechanic. Since this is an inexpensive solution, it’s wise to test your fuses first. Remember, it only takes a minute to replace them as you can buy them at an auto parts store or from a local mechanic. Either way, when you understand electrical issues, you can help your cause and fix your car in a few minutes.

When owning a car, you don’t want to deal with or worry about breakdowns. Fortunately, when you know the causes of most problems, you can fix your car and save money.

Chaleigh Glass is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She writes about anything from National Transmission a company that has rebuilt transmissions in Calgary to how to baby proof your home. In her spare time she likes to golf, snowboard, and take lifestyle photos.

Defensive Driving Tips For City Dwellers

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/04 in On the Road with Comments Off

Defensive driving can be one of the most important skills to learn when preparing to drive. If you utilize defensive driving as often as possible, you lower your risk of being in an accident greatly. Defensive driving is especially important to those who drive in a city setting. Driving in an urban area is one of the most dangerous and frustrating places to drive. Because of amount of traffic, frustrated drivers, and other distractions that can be found in a city, defensive driving is one of the only ways to ensure you do not become a victim of another driver’s ignorance or irresponsibility.

Hazards of Driving

There are many different things that can be hazardous to drivers, especially in a city setting. Aggressive drivers are dangerous and plentiful on clogged roads. In addition to aggressive drivers, there are also distracted drivers. Distracted drivers are becoming more and more of an issue with the rise in electronic device usage behind the wheel. Unfortunately many drivers believe that they are actually able to multitask well, which can be a very dangerous practice for any driver.

How to Handle Hazards

You are never able to control other driver’s actions, but you can control how you respond to them. The most important part of being a defensive driver is being alert. When you pay attention to other drivers, you are able to anticipate problems before they happen. This allows you to react before a problem starts. This is especially important for speeders and people who cut people off recklessly. When you are dealing with an aggressive driver, your best course of action is to slow down and allow the person to pass you. Be sure to allow a good amount of space between the aggressive driver and yourself before you continue at normal speeds.

Victim of Others

If you find yourself to be a victim of another driver’s aggressive or distracted driving, be sure to gather as much information as you can, as soon as you can. Call local police to the scene, take pictures, and get information about the other driver. Be sure to note any weird or standout behaviors from the other driver. If anyone witnessed the accident, be sure to take their name and phone number. After collecting all the information you can, be sure to contact a lawyer to see what you are entitled to as a victim. Oshawa law firms can help you to determine fault and give you peace of mind as a driver.

There are many hazards that your average city driver must face day to day. Aggressive and distracted drivers make defensive driving a must for every driver’s daily commute. Be sure to be alert and pay attention to other drivers. If you have the right defensive skills you can reduce the chance of getting into an accident.

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking and biking. For this article she used Kitchen Simeson LLP lawyers as a resource. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”

Recent Car Accident? Six Secrets Your Auto Insurer Might Not Be Letting You In On

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

You pay for insurance for peace of mind and protection when you are put in a situation where you need to file a claim. While many insurance companies are dedicated to fair and timely claims processing, some adjusters are taught specific tactics that are designed to reduce the amount of the settlement. Car insurance adjusters are paid to keep an eye on claims settlements and to reduce the company’s obligation as much as possible. While adjusters can be helpful and friendly, they are known to keep secrets from claimants so that they can close a claim as quickly as possible. Here are 6 secrets that you should know about if you’ve recently been in an accident:

Your Statements At the Scene Can Be Used Against You

Immediately following an accident, it is almost second nature to apologize or explain your case. Make sure that you do not make statements to witnesses or the police that can be used by the other party’s adjuster to justify fault. It is best to check to see if everyone is okay, and then shut your mouth and leave the investigation to the professionals. What you say can and will be used against you.

Speak Up About Your Injuries

Many people fear reporting an injury because they are worried that their claim will be investigated for fraud. It is important to be honest with your adjuster and with yourself. If you are experiencing pain days following the accident, tell your adjuster about your injuries and see a medical professional. In addition to the physical costs, you also need to consider the actual costs. You may need medical attention, but your injuries could also lead to lost wages, the need for child care and for help around the house. These are all things that may be covered by your insurance.

You Will Be Rushed to Settle

The faster a company can get you to settle following your accident, the less they typically have to pay. Do not be rushed to accept the offers you are extended to fix your car and pay for your injuries. Injuries can arise over time, and you do not want to sign away your rights because you accidentally signed the release forms you did not review.

You Do Not Have to Use a Preferred Auto Repair Place

All too often, claims adjusters recommend a shop to vehicle owners that is considered "preferred". The reason for this is to keep the cost of the claim down, but can you trust this shop? You want your vehicle to be repaired properly, not temporarily. Be sure to choose a mechanic that you can trust and don’t be pressured to use a "preferred" shop.

A Total Loss Is Not Always a Total Loss

Insurers will pay to total your vehicle or repair it, but you can request to have a third party estimation done if you do not agree with the decision. If your car is deemed a total loss, be sure to have an appraiser representing you draft a report so that you are not cheated.

You have the Right to Mediate

Many insurance adjusters present an offer and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. This makes you leery of challenging them, and keeps costs down. If you do not agree with the offer, you can dispute it and go through the process of mediation. Because insurance companies want to avoid lawsuits and jury verdicts, they are likely to sweeten the deal.

If all consumers knew claims secrets then the industry would not be a multi-billion dollar one. Be a wise consumer and do not jump at the first offer. Exercise your rights and know your duties so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.