This article from Lubes-N-Greases explains the trend for future auto maintenace and how if will affect the consumer. Very good reading because it validates the use of higher class synthetic lubricants and enhanced filtration to save time and money on auto maintenance.
Read More:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/gm_lubes_n_greases/
Monday, May 15, 2006
Change Gear Lube After Break-in Period for Long Differential Life
Unbeknownst to many motorists, most differential wear occurs during the break-in period. Auto and truck owners can do themselves a big favor by changing their gear lube following the break-in period in order to reduce wear and extend differential life.
Motorists know when they're supposed to change their motor oil. They have oil life monitors, oil change centers and commercials all telling them when it's time for an oil change. Differential oil changes, on the other hand, often get overlooked. Many people don't even think of the differential when performing routine maintenance on their vehicles and don't realize four-wheel drive trucks have two differentials and a transfer case that all require service. In fact, according to one quick lube company, only one to two percent of their customers purchase a differential gear lube change.
Most differential wear occurs during the break-in period. Because differentials are not equipped with filters, break-in metals are suspended in the oil, causing increased wear as the particles mesh between the gears. Hauling heavy loads and towing heavy trailers cause additional stress to the differential during the break-in period and can cause premature differential damage or failure. Changing the gear lube after the break-in period (about 3,000 miles) is a low-cost maintenance investment that provides a significant payoff, including greatly reduced wear, extended differential gear and bearing life and protection for expensive vehicle investments. Auto manufacturers recognize the importance of draining abrasive break-in materials.
Read the rest of the article and see remarkable wear comparisons on different differentials using different lubes and drain intervals:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/differential_maintenance/
Motorists know when they're supposed to change their motor oil. They have oil life monitors, oil change centers and commercials all telling them when it's time for an oil change. Differential oil changes, on the other hand, often get overlooked. Many people don't even think of the differential when performing routine maintenance on their vehicles and don't realize four-wheel drive trucks have two differentials and a transfer case that all require service. In fact, according to one quick lube company, only one to two percent of their customers purchase a differential gear lube change.
Most differential wear occurs during the break-in period. Because differentials are not equipped with filters, break-in metals are suspended in the oil, causing increased wear as the particles mesh between the gears. Hauling heavy loads and towing heavy trailers cause additional stress to the differential during the break-in period and can cause premature differential damage or failure. Changing the gear lube after the break-in period (about 3,000 miles) is a low-cost maintenance investment that provides a significant payoff, including greatly reduced wear, extended differential gear and bearing life and protection for expensive vehicle investments. Auto manufacturers recognize the importance of draining abrasive break-in materials.
Read the rest of the article and see remarkable wear comparisons on different differentials using different lubes and drain intervals:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/differential_maintenance/
Why Does Motor Oil Deteriorate?
Motor Oil Degradation - Why does it happen?
Motoroil chemistry is more complex than you think.
It is common knowledge that, at some point, engine oil must be changed. It's something that is preached relentlessly to vehicle owners by vehicle manufacturers, quick lubes and oil companies. But consumers are widely unaware of what exactly makes oil changes necessary.
Many factors contribute to a motor oil's demise, but it is essentially the accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make a motor oil unfit for further service. With time, it is inevitable that the oil will be contaminated by dirt or sludge, or succumb to the extreme pressures or temperatures found inside an engine. AMSOIL Motor Oils are formulated with the industry's most advanced synthetic base stocks and additive packages to combat the forces that deteriorate conventional oils.
Read the entire article and see how well the different brands of motor oils faired in the NOACK Volatility Test:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/why_motoroil_deteriorates/index.html
Motoroil chemistry is more complex than you think.
It is common knowledge that, at some point, engine oil must be changed. It's something that is preached relentlessly to vehicle owners by vehicle manufacturers, quick lubes and oil companies. But consumers are widely unaware of what exactly makes oil changes necessary.
Many factors contribute to a motor oil's demise, but it is essentially the accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself that make a motor oil unfit for further service. With time, it is inevitable that the oil will be contaminated by dirt or sludge, or succumb to the extreme pressures or temperatures found inside an engine. AMSOIL Motor Oils are formulated with the industry's most advanced synthetic base stocks and additive packages to combat the forces that deteriorate conventional oils.
Read the entire article and see how well the different brands of motor oils faired in the NOACK Volatility Test:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/why_motoroil_deteriorates/index.html
New AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils Provide Superior Transmission and Rust Protection
Rust Protection - Expected or Neglected?
Motorcycle engines are more susceptible to corrosion and rust than automobiles. Often stored and unused for extended periods of time, motorcycle engines are commonly exposed to humidity and damp environments that promote rust. In addition, the combustion process and short trip driving create condensation and acids that further promote corrosion and rust.
Because it is as abrasive as dirt, rust causes a myriad of problems, including scratching and pitting on cylinders, pistons and bearing surfaces, leading to blow-by, lower compression and reduced power and performance. When rust forms on Harley-Davidson needle bearings, bearing failure results. Rust also cause excessive wear on bearings, camshafts, lifters and gear surfaces.
Motor oil cannot provide rust protection on its own. It must be formulated with special rust inhibitors. However, because rust inhibitors typically sacrifice wear protection by competing with antiwear additives for the metal surface, most motorcycle oils are formulated without rust inhibitors. New AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with break-through technology not previously available, providing outstanding protection against rust without sacrificing wear protection.
The ASTM D-1748 Rust Test measures a lubricant's ability to protect against rust and corrosion. A standard metal reference coupon is immersed in the test oil before being placed in a humidity cabinet for 24 hours at 120 degrees F. As evidenced in the photos, the reference coupons treated with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils showed no signs of rust and corrosion, while the competitors failed the test.
Benefits of the two new oils include:
· Improved Transmission Protection
· Excellent Wet Clutch Performance
· Excellent Corrosion Protection
· Outstanding Heat Resistance
· Robust Additive Levels
· Excellent Value for Cost Effective Performance
Read the entire article and find out how other brands of Motorcycle Motor Oil performed in the ASTM D-1748 Rust Test:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/new_synthetic_manual_transmission_transaxle_oil.htm
Motorcycle engines are more susceptible to corrosion and rust than automobiles. Often stored and unused for extended periods of time, motorcycle engines are commonly exposed to humidity and damp environments that promote rust. In addition, the combustion process and short trip driving create condensation and acids that further promote corrosion and rust.
Because it is as abrasive as dirt, rust causes a myriad of problems, including scratching and pitting on cylinders, pistons and bearing surfaces, leading to blow-by, lower compression and reduced power and performance. When rust forms on Harley-Davidson needle bearings, bearing failure results. Rust also cause excessive wear on bearings, camshafts, lifters and gear surfaces.
Motor oil cannot provide rust protection on its own. It must be formulated with special rust inhibitors. However, because rust inhibitors typically sacrifice wear protection by competing with antiwear additives for the metal surface, most motorcycle oils are formulated without rust inhibitors. New AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils are formulated with break-through technology not previously available, providing outstanding protection against rust without sacrificing wear protection.
The ASTM D-1748 Rust Test measures a lubricant's ability to protect against rust and corrosion. A standard metal reference coupon is immersed in the test oil before being placed in a humidity cabinet for 24 hours at 120 degrees F. As evidenced in the photos, the reference coupons treated with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oils showed no signs of rust and corrosion, while the competitors failed the test.
Benefits of the two new oils include:
· Improved Transmission Protection
· Excellent Wet Clutch Performance
· Excellent Corrosion Protection
· Outstanding Heat Resistance
· Robust Additive Levels
· Excellent Value for Cost Effective Performance
Read the entire article and find out how other brands of Motorcycle Motor Oil performed in the ASTM D-1748 Rust Test:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/new_synthetic_manual_transmission_transaxle_oil.htm
New Oils Provide Maximum Protection for Manual Transmissions - Transaxles
Manual Transmissions & Transaxles
Transmissions and transaxles are an assembly of gears and shafts designed to transmit power to the drive wheels of vehicles. Power from the engine is provided in the form of torque, or twisted force. The amount of this force varies a great deal, depending on the individual characteristics of the engine and the speed at which the engine is running.
When the driver shifts a manual transmission of transaxle, some gears disengage and others engage inside the transmission. However, these gears are moving at different speeds and could grind during shifting. Synchromesh components are used to resolve this possible gear-grinding situation. A synchromesh system equalizes the speed of each gear for smooth shifting without gear grinding.
Some older manual transmissions do not have synchronizers, requiring them to be "double clutched." The statement "If you cannot find 'em, grind 'em" typically applies to non-synchromesh transmissions common to older cars, school busses and
heavy-duty equipment.
Read the entire article:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/new_synthetic_manual_transmission_transaxle_oil.htm
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Amsoil European Synthetic Certified for VW 505.01!
New! 5W-40 European Synthetic Motor Oil certified for use in European Autos like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and for VW including the 505.01 specification.
Amsoil 5W-40 Synthetic European Motor Oil is the only motor oil sold in North American certified for Volkswagen 505.01 & VW 505.01 tdi that costs less that 7 dollars per quart. It is also the only Motor Oil sold in North American certified for use in BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Porche Audi.
More Information:
Amsoil European Synthetic 5W-40 for VW 505.01 - BMW - Mercedes
Monday, January 16, 2006
Tax Credits for Fuel Efficient Diesels
Consumers who purchase select new diesel cars, light trucks and SUVs are eligible for up to $3,400 in tax credits based on the vehicle's weight, fuel efficiency rating and emissions level, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency. The credit is available from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010.
Proper Lubricant Storage
Proper storage environment and handling practices extend lubricant shelf life.
The environment in which lubricants are stored greatly affects their shelf life. Because lubricants are not always stored under ideal conditions, it is difficult to identify a specific shelf life, and recommended shelf lives cited by manufacturers often differ considerably.
A number of factors affect a lubricant's shelf life:
Product Design
Some formulation chemistries and additives are more aggressive than others. The nature of the chemistry can affect lubricant shelf life.
High heat (above 100 degrees F) and extreme cold (below 0 degrees F) can affect lubricant stability. Ideal storage temperatures are between 45 and 80 degrees F.
Water
Water can promote microbial growth, as well as react with additives to form insoluble materials. The presence of water is often the result of improper handling procedures or condensation. Water condensation can occur when storage temperatures fluctuate over a wide temperature range.
Read the rest of the article: http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/lubricationnews_2006_mar-jan.htm
Eleven Licensed Oils Fail API Testing
The results of the American Petroleum Institute's 2004 engine oil aftermarket audit program, which tests the quality of API-licensed motor oils found in the retail market, reveal that 11 of 611 motor oil samples were "nonconforming." Nonconforming oils either had incorrect additive treat levels, failed the cold cranking limit, were not the correct viscosity grade or were otherwise deficient. Two of the 11 nonconforming oils were found to have "significant nonconformances" that could cause engine damage.
Twenty-eight percent of API's 529 licensees had at least one product sampled for the 2004 audit, with 20 percent of the samples obtained from bulk oil sites, 38 percent from quick lubes, 27 percent from auto repair shops and the balance from service stations, car dealers and truck facilities. Passenger car motor oils comprised 79 percent of the samples, while the rest were heavy-duty motor oils. Samples included 10W-30 (30%), 15W-40 (19%), 5W-30 (17%) and 5W-20 (6%) viscosity grades, and 18 percent of the samples were obtained outside the United States and Canada.
In order to remain licensed, the nonconforming oils had to undergo additional third-party physical and chemical testing. One oil passed the additional requirements and retained its license, while another also met the additional requirements and had its license briefly reinstated before being caught committing the same offense.
According to Kevin Ferrick of the API, "API did not require the removal of any of the oils of the nonconforming licensee from the marketplace while the additional testing was under way, during the enforcement action or later."
Determine the Cause of Piston Failure
Piston failure can usually be attributed to its operating environment.
Engine failure may arise for a number of reasons. Finding the reason for the problem is essential in order to prevent future breakdowns. According to Bill Mirth, North American heavy-duty sales manager with the FP Diesel brand of Federal-Mogul Corp., if a piston is found to be at fault, it is critical to find out what caused the piston to fail.
"It's important to understand that very few pistons actually fail," says Mirth. "In truth, they are damaged by a faulty operating environment. These conditions commonly include lack of lubrication, abnormal combustion, the presence of debris within the engine, clearance issues that lead to physical contact between the piston and another part and operational issues such as over-reving (sic) or overloading the engine or improper shutdown."
The life of a piston is directly related to its environment. "As a result, virtually all situations resulting in damage to a piston can be traced to an issue unrelated to the construction and quality of the piston itself," says Mirth. "In other words, the worst thing a technician can do is simply assume the piston was at fault and ignore the actual cause of the damage. In that case, he's just throwing parts at the problem, which invariably leads to additional issues."
Jay Wagner, heavy-duty brand manager with Clevite Engine Parts, cites fueling problems as another cause of piston failure. "If the engine injection system is delivering the wrong amount of fuel, at the wrong time or for the wrong duration and with a poor spray pattern, this can result in excessive heat, erosion or a washing of the cylinder walls with fuel, "explains Wagner.
In order to prevent heat build-up that can lead to piston damage, it is important the correct level of lubrication reaches the piston at the skirt and piston pin. Wagner advises technicians to examine piston oilers. "Many of these are very delicate in relationship to other parts of the engine and are bumped easily, resulting in either a broken of improperly directed oiler," he says.
Contamination wreaks havoc on pistons, too. Water contamination causes erosion and fuel and lubricant dilution. "Contamination can be water, fuel, particulates from the air intake or foreign objects," says Wagner. "Particulates can wear the ring lands, resulting in increased oil consumption. Foreign matter can be anything including nuts, bolts, valve train or turbocharger parts, and much of the time foreign matter in the combustion chamber is the result of another component failing."
Read the rest of the article:
http://www.upmpg.com/lubricationnews/lubricationnews_sep-dec_2005.htm
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Fuel Mileage Calculator Online
New! Online Fuel Mileage Calculator!
Instantly figure your fuel mileage and monthly/yearly fuel cost. Computes your estimated savings and MPG using AMSOIL compared to petroleum motor oil. Check it out!
Click Here.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
New AMSOIL Ea Filters
New! 
AMSOIL has once again leaped forward in leaps and bounds with Nanofiber Filtration technology by introducing the new Ea Oil Filter line. When used with AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils these flters are warrantied for 25,000 miles or one year service life! Now you can have extended oil
drains without having to repeatedly change the oil filter.
Improved filtration and oil flow! The new Nanofiber filtration media
filter oil more effectively while providing excellent oil flow for extended oil drains.
Find out more. . . Click Here!
Monday, October 24, 2005
Air Filter Technology Breakthrough
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters Employ Proprietary Nanofiber Technology
AMSOIL has introduced a new air filter with the capability of removing five times more dust than traditional cellulose media and fifty times more than wet gauze filters like K&N. This specially constructed filter utilizes synthetic nanofiber technology to achieve the equivalent of absolute efficiency for 100,000 miles of service life when cleaned every 25,000 miles!
No oiling necessary! Easy to clean! Just vacuum out with a shop vac or carefully blow out with compressed air.
Incredible airflow even after thousands of miles of Driving! Not only does this filter have the ability to hold a tremendous amount of dirt without affecting airflow, Ea filters flow comparable to gauze filters like K&N without the need for repeated washings.
Find out more. . . Click Here!
AMSOIL has introduced a new air filter with the capability of removing five times more dust than traditional cellulose media and fifty times more than wet gauze filters like K&N. This specially constructed filter utilizes synthetic nanofiber technology to achieve the equivalent of absolute efficiency for 100,000 miles of service life when cleaned every 25,000 miles!
No oiling necessary! Easy to clean! Just vacuum out with a shop vac or carefully blow out with compressed air.
Incredible airflow even after thousands of miles of Driving! Not only does this filter have the ability to hold a tremendous amount of dirt without affecting airflow, Ea filters flow comparable to gauze filters like K&N without the need for repeated washings.
Find out more. . . Click Here!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Racers Prefer Synthetics
Racers at all levels have recognized the benefits of using synthetic lubricants in their race vehicles.
According to Performance Racing Industry, synthetic motor oils have become quite popular in the world of racing. Despite costing more than conventional oils, racers of all levels have embraced synthetics for their ability to improve performance and extend equipment life.
"Obviously, if you reduce friction in the engine, you get more horsepower to the drivetrain, which is what every racer is looking for," says Terry Thompson of Performance Products in Oakland, Calif. "What you'd have to spend on modifications to get five or 10 more horsepower out of a racing engine, versus just changing oils, makes this a much less expensive option. Basically, it's cheap horsepower. Virtually every serious racer is going to the synthetics. There is just no comparison."
Carrying synthetic motor oils presents businesses with two clear benefits: higher profit margins and satisfied customers. "By suggesting these products, they do both parties a service," says Michael Wachholz of Prospeed Motorsport in Scottsdale, Ariz. "The dealer makes more money, and by putting a better product in the vehicle, the customer ends up being a happier camper."
As the significant benefits offered by synthetic oils have become clear to racers, cost has become less of a factor. Once they get into the synthetics, they just expect that they're going to pay more and there's not that wincing when you tell them the cost," says Bill Love of OG Racing in Sterling, Va.
Hard data, testimonials and a knowledgeable sales staff are all important tools in selling synthetic racing oils. Product data bulletins and fliers provide important information that can aid in a sale. "We like to have a lot of printed information available to go along with the product, so the customer can pick that up, read about the product and see what it really does," says Chris Paulsen of C&R Racing in Indianapolis, Ind. "We're very driven on good data to back up what the product is supposed to do."
If business owners and salespeople use the product they're trying to sell, it can be a significant advantage when speaking with a potential customer. "We can tell them, 'Look, this is a product that we use all the time' and that 'we feel very strongly about,'" says Love. "That's what they want to hear, not, 'They say good things about it,' or 'I've heard good things about it.' It's, 'We use it. We like it. We respect it.'"
Because they've already witnessed the benefits of running a synthetic oil in their racing vehicles, racing customers are likely to be also interested in synthetic lubricants for their personal vehicles, tow vehicles, recreational vehicles, etc.
"Synthetics have become very much accepted today, and once a person gets switched over, they start to see the benefits and then they want to try it for their transmission, rearend, etc.," explains Butch Stevens of BSR Products in Concord, N.C.
"In the store, I have information available so people can read up on the products." says Stevens. "We have a little mockup display out front with a little bit of everything, along with literature for the different types of oils. And I have the product available at the track - that's where our claim to fame comes in."
AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 20W-50 Racing Oil is the number one choice for racers of all types of vehicles. Its special synthetic base stock blend and advanced additive package provide over twice the wear protection of other motor oils, and it effectively reduces friction to help vehicles accelerate faster, attain top speeds and use fuel more efficiently.
According to Performance Racing Industry, synthetic motor oils have become quite popular in the world of racing. Despite costing more than conventional oils, racers of all levels have embraced synthetics for their ability to improve performance and extend equipment life.
"Obviously, if you reduce friction in the engine, you get more horsepower to the drivetrain, which is what every racer is looking for," says Terry Thompson of Performance Products in Oakland, Calif. "What you'd have to spend on modifications to get five or 10 more horsepower out of a racing engine, versus just changing oils, makes this a much less expensive option. Basically, it's cheap horsepower. Virtually every serious racer is going to the synthetics. There is just no comparison."
Carrying synthetic motor oils presents businesses with two clear benefits: higher profit margins and satisfied customers. "By suggesting these products, they do both parties a service," says Michael Wachholz of Prospeed Motorsport in Scottsdale, Ariz. "The dealer makes more money, and by putting a better product in the vehicle, the customer ends up being a happier camper."
As the significant benefits offered by synthetic oils have become clear to racers, cost has become less of a factor. Once they get into the synthetics, they just expect that they're going to pay more and there's not that wincing when you tell them the cost," says Bill Love of OG Racing in Sterling, Va.
Hard data, testimonials and a knowledgeable sales staff are all important tools in selling synthetic racing oils. Product data bulletins and fliers provide important information that can aid in a sale. "We like to have a lot of printed information available to go along with the product, so the customer can pick that up, read about the product and see what it really does," says Chris Paulsen of C&R Racing in Indianapolis, Ind. "We're very driven on good data to back up what the product is supposed to do."
If business owners and salespeople use the product they're trying to sell, it can be a significant advantage when speaking with a potential customer. "We can tell them, 'Look, this is a product that we use all the time' and that 'we feel very strongly about,'" says Love. "That's what they want to hear, not, 'They say good things about it,' or 'I've heard good things about it.' It's, 'We use it. We like it. We respect it.'"
Because they've already witnessed the benefits of running a synthetic oil in their racing vehicles, racing customers are likely to be also interested in synthetic lubricants for their personal vehicles, tow vehicles, recreational vehicles, etc.
"Synthetics have become very much accepted today, and once a person gets switched over, they start to see the benefits and then they want to try it for their transmission, rearend, etc.," explains Butch Stevens of BSR Products in Concord, N.C.
"In the store, I have information available so people can read up on the products." says Stevens. "We have a little mockup display out front with a little bit of everything, along with literature for the different types of oils. And I have the product available at the track - that's where our claim to fame comes in."
AMSOIL Series 2000 Synthetic 20W-50 Racing Oil is the number one choice for racers of all types of vehicles. Its special synthetic base stock blend and advanced additive package provide over twice the wear protection of other motor oils, and it effectively reduces friction to help vehicles accelerate faster, attain top speeds and use fuel more efficiently.
New Diesel Fuel Lowers Emissions and Costs
According to ChevronTexaco Inc., a new refining method known as gas-to-liquid (GTL) effectively converts natural gas into a sulfur-free diesel fuel. The fuel has the potential to significantly reduce particulate emissions, surpass 2006 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and lower diesel fuel costs. EPA regulations require that 80 percent of all diesel fuel sold for highway use have no more than 15 ppm of sulfur by June 2006
.
"We think we will have something that is essentially sulfur-free," says Mark Nelson, president of ChevronTexaco's global lubricants business. "If there is enough of it, and I think there will be, it will be a big change for the positive."
GTL converts natural gas to liquid base that can be refined at a significantly lower expense than crude oil. "The good news is production [levels] could be large enough that you could have a full range of offerings if the costs to market are as low as the early indications," says Nelson.
GTL diesel engine testing is underway, with fleet tests expected to follow by the end of the year. ChevronTexaco estimates commercial quantities of GTL fuel could be available by 2009 to 2012. To meet 2006 EPA regulations, it will produce ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) with around 5 to 7 ppm of sulfur by mid-2006.
.
"We think we will have something that is essentially sulfur-free," says Mark Nelson, president of ChevronTexaco's global lubricants business. "If there is enough of it, and I think there will be, it will be a big change for the positive."
GTL converts natural gas to liquid base that can be refined at a significantly lower expense than crude oil. "The good news is production [levels] could be large enough that you could have a full range of offerings if the costs to market are as low as the early indications," says Nelson.
GTL diesel engine testing is underway, with fleet tests expected to follow by the end of the year. ChevronTexaco estimates commercial quantities of GTL fuel could be available by 2009 to 2012. To meet 2006 EPA regulations, it will produce ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) with around 5 to 7 ppm of sulfur by mid-2006.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Long Commutes
According to the American Community Survey (ACS) released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans average over 100 hours a year commuting to work, exceeding the two weeks of vacation the average employee takes each year. The daily commute for the average American worker was 24.3 minutes in 2003. The 10 cities with the highest average commuting times are New York (38.3 minutes), Chicago (33.2 minutes), Newark (31.5 minutes), Riverside (31.2 minutes), Philadelphia (29.4 minutes), Los Angeles (29.0 minutes), Miami (29.0 minutes), Baltimore (29.0 minutes), San Francisco (28.5 minutes) and Washington D.C. (28.4 minutes). States with the lowest average commuting times are South Dakota (15.2 minutes), North Dakota (15.4 minutes), Nebraska (16.5 minutes) and Montana (16.9 minutes).
AAA Supports Updated Fuel Efficiency Tests
The American Automobile Association (AAA) plans to use real-world fuel efficiency tests to prove the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is overestimating the miles-per-gallon (MPG) rates posted on dozens of new vehicles. AAA endorses the "Fuel Efficiency Truth-in-Advertising Act of 2005," requiring the EPA to update its fuel efficiency tests, which fail to account for air conditioning, traffic congestion and the fact that many trips are too short to fully warm the engine. After performing its own fuel efficiency testing on hundreds of new vehicles, including tests with stop-and-go driving, steep grades and vehicles full of groceries, AAA discovered dozens of models with overestimated mileage, sometimes as much as 10 MPG.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Preventive Maintenance Presents Opportunities for Repair Shops
Vehicles have generally increased in quality through the years, causing warranty work to decline and preventive maintenance to become a top source of income for repair shops. Opportunities for preventive maintenance are plentiful, becoming important as both a profit building and customer retention tool.
According to Dave McKallagat, advertising/marketing manager for BG Products Inc., between $60 and $70 billion in revenue is lost per year due to unperformed light repair and preventive maintenance, and the reasons are both lack of consumer awareness and failure to offer additional services. Audits of repair orders indicate an abundance of one-item repairs, suggesting that other necessary maintenance is being ignored.
Engine oil, transmission and differential lubes, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid top the list of potential fluid maintenance opportunities, while fuel and air conditioning systems often require maintenance work as well.
It must be clear to all repair shop personnel what services are recommended at what intervals. Integrating a professional, well-thought-out customer menu into the selling process can help increase business, acting as a focal point for the customer and the service personnel, while also demonstrating the shop's understanding of the customer's vehicle needs. It is a good idea to provide space on the menu for a stamp each time a service is performed.
Because lack of training or poor training can lead to irreversible customer alienation, proper ongoing training and accountability is important. Proper selling skills can also dramatically increase a shop's profitability.
Repetitive maintenance reminders are key to a quality preventive maintenance program. Evaluate current direct mail programs, use of reminder stickers, appointment setting systems and reminder call procedures to ensure they are being carried out as they should be.
A lot of potential revenue is being left on the table simply because customers are not being advised of the availability of extra services. Creating and implementing a well-thought-out plan can add significant profit to a shop's bottom line.
The AMSOIL XL Oil Change Program presents shop owners with another excellent way to increase profits, while providing customers superior protection and performance for extended drain intervals. Busy shops that are currently working at capacity can potentially service twice as many customers since they only need to see them half as often to make the same or greater profit.
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated to deliver 7500 miles or six months between oil changes, and may be used longer where stated by the vehicle manufacturer or indicated by oil monitoring systems.
According to Dave McKallagat, advertising/marketing manager for BG Products Inc., between $60 and $70 billion in revenue is lost per year due to unperformed light repair and preventive maintenance, and the reasons are both lack of consumer awareness and failure to offer additional services. Audits of repair orders indicate an abundance of one-item repairs, suggesting that other necessary maintenance is being ignored.
Engine oil, transmission and differential lubes, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid top the list of potential fluid maintenance opportunities, while fuel and air conditioning systems often require maintenance work as well.
It must be clear to all repair shop personnel what services are recommended at what intervals. Integrating a professional, well-thought-out customer menu into the selling process can help increase business, acting as a focal point for the customer and the service personnel, while also demonstrating the shop's understanding of the customer's vehicle needs. It is a good idea to provide space on the menu for a stamp each time a service is performed.
Because lack of training or poor training can lead to irreversible customer alienation, proper ongoing training and accountability is important. Proper selling skills can also dramatically increase a shop's profitability.
Repetitive maintenance reminders are key to a quality preventive maintenance program. Evaluate current direct mail programs, use of reminder stickers, appointment setting systems and reminder call procedures to ensure they are being carried out as they should be.
A lot of potential revenue is being left on the table simply because customers are not being advised of the availability of extra services. Creating and implementing a well-thought-out plan can add significant profit to a shop's bottom line.
The AMSOIL XL Oil Change Program presents shop owners with another excellent way to increase profits, while providing customers superior protection and performance for extended drain intervals. Busy shops that are currently working at capacity can potentially service twice as many customers since they only need to see them half as often to make the same or greater profit.
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated to deliver 7500 miles or six months between oil changes, and may be used longer where stated by the vehicle manufacturer or indicated by oil monitoring systems.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Ford Oil Leak
According to Ford, some of its 1999-2002 vehicles with V8 engines may leak or weep oil from the right rear or left front of the engine. Affected vehicles include 1998-99 Navigators; 1999-2001 Econolines, Expeditions, F-150s & F-Series Super Dutys; 2000-01 Excursions and 1999-2002 Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, Mustangs & Town Cars. Add a trace dye to the crankcase and use an ultraviolet or blue light inspection lamp to find the leakage point. It will most likely be found emanating from one of both cylinder head gaskets. Ford attributes the leak to either metal chips between the head gasket and block, chip debris between the cylinder head and gasket or damage to the head that occurred during manufacturing. The affected cylinder head should be removed and closely examined. If chips are visible, but the head isn't damaged, they should be blown away with compressed air, the head and block cleaned and the head gasket replaced with a revised service designed. If the cylinder head is damaged, it must be replaced.
Drum Storage Tip
According to Lubrication Fundamentals, when lubricant drums must be stored outside, it is best to place them under a shelter, leanto or waterproof tarpaulin to protect them from rain or snow. According to the book, "Drums should be laid on their sides with the bungs approximately horizontal. In this position, the bungs are below the level of the contents so that breathing of water or moisture is greatly reduced, and water cannot collect inside the chime. For maximum protection, the drums should be stood on end with the bung ends down on a well-drained surface."
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