Tip Tuesday: Conventional vs Synthetic Oil

Benefits of Using Synthetic Motor Oil:

Synthetic oil is distilled, purified, and broken down to a molecular state to remove more impurities. Since it is so broken down, the oil can be made into many combinations that work for modern engines. These customized molecules provide more protection and performance than conventional oil. Conventional oil is more crude and wears away faster. Synthetic oil degrades slower and retains higher levels of engine protection between oil drains. When choosing synthetic oil you can expect less frequent oil changes.

Here are some key benefits when using a synthetic motor oil:

Keeps your engine cleaner: 
Conventional oil can form sludge over time which can reduce the efficiency and the life of your engine. Synthetic oil is purified differently and has less impurities so sludge formation can be better resisted. This will keep your engine cleaner and running strong.

Offers greater engine wear protection:
Engine components wear over time and especially in extreme environments. Motor oil is the protective barrier between these components which you would want to use the best type for your vehicle. Conventional oil will wear down faster leaving these components to break down sooner, whereas synthetic oil will protect longer, prolonging the life of your engine.

Flows better in lower temperatures:
When your vehicle is turned on, oil is pumped to and through your engine components. In colder weather, like here in the winter months of New Jersey, conventional oil will take longer to flow due to its properties. Synthetic oil is formulated to flow quickly in colder temperatures so there is no need to worry about protecting your engine during start ups.

Protects better in high temperatures:
Your engine gets really, really hot on its own and when driving in hotter weather this combination can cause your engine oil to break down or evaporate. Synthetic oil is designed to resist breaking down during these conditions as compared to conventional oil.

Protect critical turbocharger parts:
Car manufacturers are building smaller engines for better fuel economy and adding turbochargers to boost power. The turbocharger works super fast and the shaft can spin up to 200,000 RPM so it is very important that the oil can get to the shaft to lubricate it quickly. Conventional oil can break down faster in these conditions, leaving deposits on the turbocharger which can cause failure to the components. Synthetic oil can protect better and keep these important parts working at peak performance.

Since synthetic oil is a special made product it is more expensive than conventional oil, but is proven to last longer and is better for your engine, which makes it beneficial in the long run. As always, please check with your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your particular vehicle.

Please check out Mobil Oil* for more information on the benefits of synthetic oil. If you would like an oil change, stop by or call (609-655-2886) to make an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.

*https://mobiloil.com/en/article/car-maintenance/learn-about-motor-oil-facts/synthetic-oil-vs-conventional-oil

How the Cold Weather Can Affect Your Car

With our region seeing below freezing temperatures, those temperatures can affect your car.  So what do you have to be aware of when it is this cold?

1. Your battery can die because of the cold weather.  The extremely cold temperatures actually pulls the voltage from a battery, making it harder to start your car.  Car batteries usually last an average of three years, so the best thing to do is have your battery tested to ensure that it is strong enough to withstand the frigid weather.

2. The fluids in your car can start to thicken, and not allow your car to run properly.  We suggest checking all your fluids before the temperatures drop to ensure that you have the correct amount and the fluid is clean.  Transmission fluid is an important one, since this fluid needs to be able to move quickly, and your car won't function if it is flowing at a slow pace.

3. Tire pressure can typically lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degree temperature drop.  Check your tire pressure to ensure that your tires are properly inflated.  Under-inflated tires do not perform well and can cause damage to the tire itself.

4. Wipers and windshield washer fluid can fail.  Wipers can easily rip because of the frigid temperatures and clearing off a windshield of snow, ice, or slush.  Clean off your windshield first before using your windshield wipers.  Windshield washer fluid can freeze in extremely low temperatures, so use caution when using the fluid.

Here at Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, we understand that the cold temperatures can be a burden to you and your car.  For that reason, we provide a Winter Weather Check that goes over all the components listed above as well as the heating system, all belts, and overall condition of the vehicle.  Call us today to schedule your appointment!

Preventive Maintenance - Brake Fluid Service

Brake fluid is one of the main components that keeps your brakes working and stopping on time.  When you push on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes the brake fluid, making sure the car stops.  

When your vehicle doesn't have the correct amount of clean brake fluid, it would lessen or possibly eliminate your braking power.  Over time, brake fluid attracts moisture, and because of this becomes corrosive.  This corrosive fluid can eat at the braking system, causing leaks in the system.  Some potential signs of a leak are reduced stopping power, hard pedal or a spongy pedal.  

Since keeping your brake fluid free of corrosive material and of contaminants is vital, we recommend performing a brake fluid exchange every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first.  This will help keep your vehicle's braking system safe and fully operable.

Making sure you have the correct amount of fluid is just as important to keep the system properly pressurized.  At Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, every vehicle that comes in receives a complimentary safety inspection, or as we like to call it, a courtesy check.  Our technicians always inspect the brake fluid condition and level during the courtesy check.  

Not sure if you need to have your brake fluid or brakes serviced?  Give us a call, and we will be able to help you out with any of your brake system questions.

Preventive Maintenance - Air Filters

An air filter, or sometimes called an engine air filter essentially purifies what air is going into your engine.  It makes sure that the air that is reaching your engine is clean.  Clean air helps your engine to work properly, and helps to get the best fuel economy.  A dirty air filter can lower your fuel economy and may cause damage over time, affecting the combustion chamber and mass air flow sensor.

Your air filter can only hold so much dirt before it can't perform it's job correctly, and start to affect the engine's performance.  We recommend changing your air filter every year or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Depending on where you normally drive, an air filter can become dirty faster due to dust, pollution, or pollen in the air.  The air filter housing, which holds the air filter, can also become a nesting ground for little critters during the colder weather.

Not sure if you need to replace your air filter?  Next service, make sure to ask your service writer.  At Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, checking the air filter is part of our Courtesy Check which every vehicle receives when it comes in for any service or repair.