D.I.Y. car care tips are generally always good reminders. Checking car's oil is one of those chores young drivers forget until it's too late. I have a solution, which I know works.

The first assumption I will lay aside and clear up is that not all motor oils are the same. Motor oils will lose a percentage of their volume weight, or mass due to, what technicians call Volatility. Petroleum based oils will lose as much as 11% or more. I come from the perspective of one who is familiar 100% synthetic lubricants that lose as little as 6.5% of their volume weight. In general this compares to half as much the common petroleum based motor oils. Hot summer days are one scenario that is hard on petroleum oil. Quality synthetic motor lubricant will resist this loss and perhaps save you much grief while driving through the desert or mountains this summer.

While I'm in the engine lubricant theme, product options you should be thinking about is using a high quality synthetic motor lubricants for car's engine and transmission. When you check your Owner's Manual you will see what category your driving conditions are and should keep that in mind. Quality synthetics will give you much needed protection for longer than the often flogged three or five thousand mile oil change interval.

For those new to owning and maintaining a car, your engine oil is not the only lubricant that needs periodic checking. Keep an eye on your power steering and transmission fluid level is important but doesn't require it as often. If you have a good running car and take it in for scheduled servicing, your dealer should have a good handle on doing that for you.

If you think your only responsibility is filling it with gas and making the payments, do yourself a favor and open the hood and get your little pinkies dirty at least once a month, (latex gloves are cheap).

Learn more about this author, Ralph Hebert.
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