Oily

We all heard of new oils that claim to double and even triple intervals between services. Be it transmission oil, engine oil or other lubricating fluid. Though some do sound promising and are backed by guarantees I have doubts. Besides oil, I’ve also been doing a lot of reading on different fuel additives that increase MPG. In my personal experience with messing around with these super wonders and more official controlled environment tests that I have come across on line, the results have been very insignificant, sometimes even with decreased MPG. So with these guys claiming the increase in efficiency with poor results, how can we believe the increased service intervals with the super oils? I know that all oils are not created equal, and I do know that synthetic oils do take longer to lose their cooling and lubricating properties, but by a marginal amount. While it’s always the best idea to follow factory recommended service intervals, even some of those seem bogus, with some autos claiming 100,000 miles for transmission fluid change. Seriously?  I bet there is a constant debate between marketing departments and engineering, if you know what I mean. The TRA(Transmission Rebuilders Association) says that 90% of transmission failures are the result of overheating. Overheating that is mostly caused by overextended use of oil that has lost its properties. For the sake of proper lubrication and having to do less major repairs, change the darn oil more often than not!!!

By the way, cool video Jeff. It’s pretty good to know that our education is centered on the most efficient type of combustion engine. I like how the dudes are wearing suits while experimenting with the engines. It’s interesting that Copenhagen was the first place to build the first ship with a diesel engine and that today we have ties with that region. 

Here is a cool chart that I found about the degradation of oil.