Allison Can You Explain What i3 Is?

The modern, sleek design of the BMW i3 has everyone talking. What is it about this revolutionary car that stands out from the others on the market? The BMW i3 has a carbon-fiber/aluminum structure, allowing the vehicle to go from zero to 60mph in under 7 seconds. Here is the real kicker, the car averages 81 miles per charge, and it has a small gas tank allowing the car to run an extra 150 miles if you run out of battery power.  The BMW i3 is the future of cars as it will drastically reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air, and reducing the risk of global warming.

How the i3 is Different
BMW is known for producing sporty sedans, so to see a smaller car that is energy efficient with an awkward design is unusual from this massive car manufacturer. The top speed of the BMW i3 tops out at 56 mph. The interior has a climate-controlled system, only blowing unconditioned air from the outside.

Responsive Braking System and Engine
BMW found that drivers rely on the engine brakes 75% of the time when they are driving. They found a way to use the braking to their advantage to recharge the engine, and limit the size of the engine. Some people call the i3 the “little engine that could” as it comes in at 3-cylinders, but is still powerful enough to take you over 300 miles. The confusion with the i3 lies in the way you drive it. When you pull your foot off the accelerator, the engine will initiate a regenerative braking scheme that begins converting kinetic energy into electricity. You don’t even need to brake with the i3 once you figure out the responsive deceleration system. It doesn’t slow abruptly, but it will slow the car to a complete stop. The regenerative braking system is a step forward in progressive car design. In as little as 160 feet, the car can come to a complete stop even if it starts at 70 mph all thanks to the responsive braking system.

Construction
The BMW i3 is built in factories that are powered by wind. Using electric energy to run, the i3 is near-silent when it drives. The large glass windows bring sunlight into the car, giving the driver a feeling they are part of the environment instead of closed off from it inside a car.

Winterizing Your Car

Winter is a time of year that brings snow, sleet, frozen ice and dangerous driving conditions. Despite hazardous weather conditions that make driving difficult, for most drivers, hibernating all winter is not an option. If you find yourself needing to get somewhere at a time when the roads are covered in snow or ice, there are many ways to ensure that your drive is as safe as possible.

Auto Advice Every Driver Needs- It is never a good idea to warm up a vehicle in an enclosed space, such as a garage. Starting and warming up your vehicle inside of a garage causes increased carbon monoxide in the air, which can be lethal. It's also a good idea to never let your gas tank be more than half empty during the winter. Empty or near empty gas tanks are more prone to freezing. All drivers should have their vehicle inspected before winter hits in order to make sure that your vehicle is ready to handle the treacherous weather conditions.

Auto Advice for SUV and Truck Drivers- When driving in wintery weather conditions, your tires are the key to staying on the road. Mixing radial tires with other types of tires is not a good idea during the winter months. It is also crucial to ensure that your tires are fully inflated before driving. Accelerating and decelerating slowly is the best way to navigate slippery roads while driving a large vehicle. Once you get to your destination, ensure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow or ice.

Auto Advice for Sedan Drivers- If you are driving a sedan on wintery roads, it can be easy to lose control of your vehicle. Never use cruise control while driving through wintery weather conditions and avoid using your parking brake when driving on slick roads. Using low gears only is the best way to create the most traction on the road.

Auto Advice for Motorcycle Drivers- Motorcycles are one of the most difficult types of vehicles to maneuver on icy or snowy roads. It is best to avoid driving a motorcycle during snow, sleet or hail. Tire chains can make driving a motorcycle in the snow much safer. It is also crucial to ensure that the battery is in good condition before taking your bike out on the road.

Too Flush or Not To Flush

Your auto mechanic recently did some maintenance on your automobile, and suggested that you needed a brake fluid flush. Right now, you're probably feeling a bit confused about having the work done, and wondering how much money it will cost you. You might also be thinking, "Do I really need to have this done?" Well, here is some good advice about why it is important to have the old brake and flushed on your automobile. You can avoid getting taken for a ride, so to speak, and ripped off by your auto mechanic, when you get a second, or third opinion from other auto mechanics. However, if your current auto mechanic suggests that you need these types of repairs, make certain that you get the work done right away.


Flushing The Brake Fluid On Your Automobile 

When the brake fluid in your automobile turns black, you should have the repairs made to keep your brakes functioning properly. Flushing the old brake fluid from your automobile can help remove moisture and debris from your system. Look for a reasonably priced auto mechanic with a good reputation that will completely flush the old brake fluid out of your automobile. Some mechanics perform various brake flushing methods, such as suction or pressure to flush out the old brake fluid on an automobile. However, before you attempt to have any repairs made, always read your owner's manual. Then, determine, which brake flushing method is best for your automobile. Be sure to ask your friends and family about their auto mechanics, and which type of brake fluid flushing method he uses, when they have their brake fluid flushed. 



Summer Means More Car Washes

Here are some things to consider:

- Use products sold specifically for automobiles. Household cleaners can contain harsh detergents, abrasives and additives that strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.

- Clean your wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes brake dust, which can blacken your front tires.

- Be sure to follow the directions on the container of your cleaning products because applications can vary.

- Once your vehicle is clean and dry, check the vehicle for foreign particles on the paint, then apply a wax as directed. The wax will protect the finish and make subsequent washing easier.

Washing Your Car This Weekend…

Planning on washing your car this weekend? Here are some things to think about:



- Use products sold specifically for cars/trucks. Household cleaners can contain harsh detergents, abrasives and additives that strip the wax from the paint and damage the finish.



- Clean your wheels with a wheel cleaner that removes brake dust, which can blacken your front tires.



- Be sure to follow the directions on the container of your cleaning products because applications can vary.



- Once your vehicle is clean and dry, check the vehicle for foreign particles on the paint, then apply a wax as directed.

The wax will protect the finish and make subsequent washing easier.

Hope you have a great weekend!

To Maintain My Warranty I can Only Have My Car Serviced at a Dealership

Service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in automotive service. Keep all receipts as proof of completion, and have the service provider fill out the Maintenance Record.

The Maintenance Schedule in your vehicle owner’s manual specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what areas need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of dependability and safety, to protect the environment, and to enhance and maintain your vehicle’s value.  The Certified Service Technicians at Metric Wrench are qualified to meet your service requirements. Build a long-term relationship with your Certified Service Technicians at Metric Wrench.

Not Sure If That Sound Means Trouble Or Not?

While driving your vehicle, you hear a new sound and you’re not quite sure if it’s trouble or not, don’t panic just yet! Here are a couple of sounds and what may be causing them.

That Knock, Knock Sound is no joke – a distant knocking sound that seems to be coming from your engine. This sound could be caused by any number of issues including: bad or stale gas, low oil or it could mean a more severe engine issue. When you hear this sound, you should take your vehicle to a certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to find out where the sound is coming from. Squealing doesn’t come just from girls – a high pitch squeal when accelerating, this loud, indisputable sound is more than likely caused by a worn fan belt. You should have your fan belt replaced. As always, we recommend that you check your owner’s manual or bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to ensure that it is replaced with the right size. So what do you need to know? – Anytime you hear a strange sound coming from your BMW, Mercedes, Audi or any vehicle, it is best to bring it in to your certified service technician at Metric Wrench Billings to get that sound checked out. This will give you the added peace of mind that you’ve had your vehicle fixed before any further damage can be done and/or you don’t break down on the side of the road.

Timing Belts

With vehicles engines as with life, timing is critical. One vehicle element often overlooked during routine maintenance is the engine-timing belt. If it snaps, the engine will stop and the car will coast to a stop. The unfortunate driver may be stranded on the side of the road until the timing belt can be replaced. But that may be the least of your worries; this could badly damage your engine as well.



This potential disaster can be completely avoided if you have your timing belt checked regularly and having it replaced. Check your owner’s manual and see how often that they recommend replacing your timing belt.

The timing belt is a toothed belt that is connected from the crankshaft to the camshaft. The camshaft is responsible for operating (opening and closing the intake and exhaust valves). When the timing belt breaks or the rubber teeth shear off there is often a collision between the valves and the piston causing major damage.

Check Your Vin Number When Buying a Used Car

When buying a used car, make sure that the VIN on the car matches the VIN stored in the on board control units. In a recent car purchase, the purchaser found out shortly after the purchase the VIN read out of the car with a scan tool was not the same as the VIN displayed on the car in 2 places. The VIN displayed on the car was checked thru Carfax and reported good. However the VIN read out of the car was the correct VIN for the car and as a result the manufactures warranty was void and the history of the car is very questionable. WHAT A MESS! This is one reason for a pre-purchase inspection and it needs to be done at a shop that has the capability to read the internally stored VIN; something we at Metric Wrench Billings have added to our PPI list.



Don’t run the risk of buying used cars with costly hidden problems. Get your VIN number checked before purchasing a used vehicle

Repairing Your Old Car vs. Buying a New or Newer One

As a car owner, there comes that inevitable time in which you will be faced with the dilemma: Repair your current car or buy a new one?

It is at this point in history, coming out of a recession, when we are starting to see more and more used cars on the road. And I have to say that these drivers may be on to something, but you decide…

At Metric Wrench Billings, we think that you should consider the value of your broken car that needs a $4000 repair(s), probably about $0. Add to that the cost of repair $4000 in this case and another $1000 for unexpected failures in the next year. So what would you rather have, your car fixed or the car that you could buy for $5000, or the car you could buy with the $5000, plus monthly payments. And suppose you spend $5000 and the car only goes for another year, that’s about $420 per month, a high price to pay for transportation in an older car. So if you're facing that type of repair do the math first.

But we wanted a few more opinions so we found them for you, all evidence points toward going with a used car, repairing and maintaining it as you go along. The Car Care Council (CCC) and Engine Repower Council (ERC) both highly recommend repairing over buying new. Having a well-maintained used car and a little extra money in your pocket is a great feeling, and a choice that has continued to grow in popularity.

If you have questions about repairing your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Stress Management Works for Holidays and Automobiles

Holidays bring their own kind of stress to most of us, so don’t let you car add to that stress. Failing to plan for maintenance for your vehicle can turn small problems into bigger ones, putting a serious dent in your automotive budget. The price of procrastinating on vehicle maintenance can range from a heater that runs cold to a battery that won't start your car.

Take care of your car's seasonal services immediately and make plans to get ahead of the game next year. An early visit to Metric Wrench Billings provides the opportunity to budget for unanticipated repairs.

Here is a few things you may want to have checked:

Engine performance

If your engine isn’t properly maintained it maybe difficult to start in cold weather, if even at all. It may run rough and lose power. Have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.

Battery and electrical system

How old is your battery? If it's three or more years old, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.  Have your battery terminals cleaned and tightened, because loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Visibility

Replace old wiper blades and be sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer solvent in your vehicle.

Cooling system

A vehicle's antifreeze should be changed annually, or as recommended in the owner's manual. Have the system pressure tested for leaks and check hoses and drive belt(s) for tension and condition.

Tires

Inspect, balance, check inflation and rotate tires. Check inflation on the spare and make sure the jack is in its place.

Lights

Check all lights and replace burned out bulbs

Exhaust System

Have the vehicle put on a lift for an inspection of the exhaust system. Leaking exhaust fumes can be deadly.

If you have questions or concerns about your vehicle, please call Metric Wrench Billings today and talk to a Certified Service Technician.

Time To Improve Your Vehicle’s Health

The break down of your car’s performance and mileage can go undetected at times, causing costly repairs. With the economy the way it is, there has never been a better time to check your car's health. Here are a few vehicle checks that you shouldn’t overlook…

•                Important enginemaintenance - Check the service schedule for your car. If you’re run the kids all over town, work, errands, etc. it’s probably time for the “hazardous duty” schedule.

•                Belts and Hoses - Belts and hoses need to be replaced at the appropriate service times or when they become cracked or worn. These signs are usually visible, so check them yourself or have a certified technician at Metric Wrench do it for you.

•                Thermostat – Vehicle’s today with low-emissions engines tend to be more sensitive to changes when it comes to operating temperature. Have your car's thermostat checked, be sure that it still opens and closes at the right temperature.

•                Replace air and fuelfilters - they clean out impurities from the fuel or air before they get into the engine. A clogged, neglected fuel filter can lead to expensive repairs such as premature fuel-pump failure or clogged fuel injectors. Replacing an air filter is simple and will improve your fuel economy and performance.

To avoid costly repairs, have your vehicle inspected by a certified technician at Metric Wrench today!

Potholes Can Cause Severe Damage to Vehicles

Even though we didn’t get much snow here in Billings this year, we are still experiencing an abundance of potholes and uneven pavement that can cause significant damage to your vehicle, especially in the following areas:

• Strut and Shock Absorbers: Uneven road condition caused by potholes, can crack, bend or damage your vehicle suspension. If you experience excessive vibration or change in vehicle handing, this can be due to your vehicle suspension system.

• Wheel Alignment: Wheel alignment is making sure the wheels are running parallel to one another, and that the tires meet the road at the proper angle. It is done by adjusting the angles between the suspension and steering parts, the wheels, and the vehicle frame. Pot holes can cause the tire angles to get knocked out of line. When this happens, it can cause the vehicle to handle badly or the tires to wear unevenly.

• Wheel Balancing: A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights on the tires. An out of balance tire can affect ride quality as well as shorten the life of tires, bearings, shocks and other suspension components. If your vehicle has a vibration that is dependent on speed, and usually becomes noticeable around 40-45 mph and increases as your speed increases, it's probably balance related.

• Tires: Tires provide the best protection between a car and a pothole. Check the tires for uneven wear and or damage. We also strongly recommend to maintain tire pressure as stated in the owner’s manual to ensure optimized cushion between your car and the road.

To avoid costly repairs, if you experience any of the above symptoms have your vehicle inspected at Metric Wrench Billings today!

EPA Estimated Fuel Mileage vs. Actual Mileage

EPA Estimated Fuel Mileage vs. Actual Mileage what is the real story or actual numbers that we all should be looking at? For most of us, we tend to think that the large black numbers on a car's window sticker, which list the EPA estimated fuel economy rating, are what they will actually get while driving that car.

But before you believe this, you should in essence, “Read the fine print!” What the fine print really means is that the actual mileage may vary depending on a whole lot of things. And the truth is, that the gas mileage you get could be less, in fact, a lot less.

How do they come up with these gas mileage estimates? Well, the government puts a great deal of time and care into testing for fuel economy. And these estimates provide important information when it comes to comparing two vehicles. What critics say is that, as part of the test program, a number of assumptions were made about driving habits. Those assumptions are now outdated; and that is why we have inconsistencies when comes to EPA estimated fuel mileage vs. actual mileage.

New vehicles are tested by the manufacturer according to guidelines outlined by the EPA. The EPA in turn reviews the results and confirms 10 percent of the test results with additional testing in the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL), in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The cars are tested by putting the drive wheels on a "dynamometer," a machine that allows it to simulate driving conditions while remaining stationary. The car is tested according to two different "schedules" to produce the city and highway ratings posted on a car's window sticker.

The two schedules are meant to simulate different styles of driving that would be encountered in the two types of driving:

City: The test is started with the car's engine cold. The car then is operated in such a way as to replicate 11 miles of stop-and-go rush-hour traffic. Periods of idling are included in the test; average speed is 20 mph and top speed is 56 mph.

Highway: This test represents 10 miles of a mixture of rural and interstate highway driving. The engine is warmed up before the test begins and the average test speed of about 48 mph is maintained. The top speed reached is 60 mph. No intermediate stops or idling are included in the test.

The EPA fully admits that test results MAY differ from real-world fuel economy ratings. It attributes the difference to the fact that the test cars are in optimal mechanical condition, along with a few other attributes and thus perform better. But by looking at the EPA's testing procedure, it is clear that real world drivers are not duplicated. On most highways, speeds of well over 60 mph are common resulting in much lower fuel economy ratings. Furthermore, although the EPA tried to duplicate city driving by introducing periods of idling, today's congested roads produce far more prolonged stops.

So be sure to read the fine print when it comes EPA Estimated Fuel Mileage vs. Actual Mileage.

How To Properly Connect Jumper Cables

In the world of automotive emergencies, as a car owner, there are a few things that you should know how to do just to be safe. The top two that I can think of are know how to change a tire and know how to connect jumper cables so that you are prepared if an emergency should occur!

When it gets cold out, we tend to need to boost a battery more often. Jumper cables or cables on a portable battery booster must be connected correctly so that you are able to avoid sparks, which can cause an explosion of the hydrogen gas emitting from a battery. Besides an explosion which is pretty serious in and of itself; connecting your jumper cables incorrectly can damage critical, and expensive, electronic components – including accessories, such as cell phones connected to your vehicle’s power outlet.

So here is an easy “How To Guide:”

1. Connect the positive (+) clamp to the positive terminal of the healthy battery

2. The other positive clamp to the corresponding terminal of the dead battery.

3. Then, the negative (-), or ground, terminal on the good battery.

4. And lastly, the negative clamp to the engine block, frame or other grounded metal as far as possible from the battery. Make sure that you avoid sparks near the explosive hydrogen gas that emits from the battery. Do not connect it to the ground terminal (negative).

More and more people are using portable battery boosters; the process is pretty much the same.

1. Connect the positive clamp of the booster cable to the positive clamp of the dead battery.

2. Next connect the negative cable to the engine block or other grounded metal away from the battery.

Do NOT have your car running that is being jumped from to avoid a voltage surge that could damage electronics. If it is necessary, it may be OK to start the car after the cables are hooked up. If the car being jumped doesn't start give up and call a tow truck. It is possible to inflict way more damage than the cost of the tow.

If your battery is three-years old or older and you haven't had it checked, it's a good preventive measure to get it checked out! A battery's power is reduced as the temperature drops. And that's when the engine's starting demands are greatest.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you have problems with your vehicle this winter, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Avoiding Damage From Road Salt on Your Vehicle

Road salt is great when it comes to saving most of us from icy accidents, however it can be harsh on a vehicle’s paintwork and exterior trim.

Road salt can accelerate the corrosion of unprotected paintwork, not to mention exposed plastic and rubber surfaces. Be sure to completely wash your vehicle once it’s been exposed to road salt and give it a quality polish or waxing to be sure that your vehicle has a long-lasting protection from the elements.

During the winter months, spray from the roads can easily build up on headlights and windows. Be sure to clean your vehicle’s exterior glass as well, to help maintain good visibility.

Here are some other suggestions as well:

· Break up or remove the mud and salt that can collect under wheel arches.
· Protect your car by using a premium-grade polish or wax.
· Take a few minutes from time to time to clean your car during the winter months to prevent a build-up of dirt.
· Carry a good de-icer to clear ice from windscreen, mirrors, wipers and locks.
· Check your car’s washer fluid to make sure that the solution won’t freeze as temperatures drop.
· Never use liquid soap or household detergents to wash your car, this has the possibility of stripping the protective coatings from your vehicle.
· Never use boiling water to melt ice on your windshield, because it can crack the glass.
· Never drive until your front and rear windows and side windows are clear of ice – it is illegal to drive with poor visibility.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you have problems with your vehicle this winter, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Winterize Your Vehicle

The last thing that any of us need at this time of the year is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. The most important thing that you should be doing at this time is winterizing your vehicle, so you don’t end up out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.

Nothing brings on stress more than the thought of emergency repairs like engine not starting or otherwise being stranded, and those things happening in freezing winter weather can be even more stressful not to mention costly. Being prepared, getting your vehicle checked and winterized can give you peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during the harsh winter months.

A few tips for winterizing your vehicle:

• Make sure car heaters, defrosters and wipers work appropriately. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid.
• Get your battery and charging system checked for top performance. Cold weather can be hard on batteries.
• Don’t forget to check your tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem where you live, think about winter tires, they are designed to grip slick roads. During the winter months, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
• If it’s time for your vehicle’s tune-up, get it done before winter really settles in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
• Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

Another quick tip, keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Remember to check the tire pressure of the spare in your trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

Take good care of your car so that it can take care of you. If you have problems car engine, visit Metric Wrench Billings today to have a certified technician check it out for you. Visit Metric Wrench Billings today for all of your vehicle solutions today!

Stress Management For Your Vehicle

Did you know that if you fail to plan for maintenance it can turn small problems into larger ones, increasing your stress level as you try to figure out how to pay for your unexpected vehicle maintenance. The regrets of procrastinating on vehicle maintenance can range from a heater that runs cold to a battery that won't start the car.

We all have seasonal services that we need to take care of for our vehicles and now is the time to get started if you haven’t already. By being proactive you’re your vehicle maintenance, allows you the luxury of budgeting for unanticipated repairs.

Maintenance checklist:

Engine performance

There’s nothing worse than that first cold spell and your car doesn’t start! Be sure to have fuel, ignition and emission control systems checked, necessary components replaced and adjustments made.

Battery and electrical system

When did you purchase your battery? Is it time for a new one? You can have it tested and replaced if necessary. Be sure to clean and tighten battery terminals, as loose or corroded connections can cause symptoms of a weak or dead battery.

Oil and filter

Change both as recommended in the owner's manual, generally at 5,000 mile intervals for severe conditions and cold weather operation, especially when most driving is stop-and-go traffic. Check the owner's manual for more information on severe service.

Wipers

Replace old wiper blades and be sure your washers are working. Carry spare washer fluid in your vehicle.

Got a car problem? For more information about Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes repair in Billings, Montana, please contact the professionals at Metric Wrench today!

Keep Your Feet Nice and Toasty in Your Car This Winter

If your car heater fails this winter, you’ll have to bundle yourself in extra clothing and blankets to keep relatively warm. Then you’ll have to pray that your teeth chattering rapidly doesn’t knock out any dental fillings.

However, you can avoid car-heater problems to begin with by recognizing a few indicators that signify pending car-heater trouble:

• Is there a chirping or screeching sound when you turn on your car heater? This noise could imply a worn fan-motor bearing. If the fan motor bearing is going out, then it’s only a matter of time before the motor fails altogether.

• Are you having difficulty moving the heater-control lever in your vehicle? This difficulty may be an indicator of a sticky or inoperative heater-control valve.

• What about moisture, does it build up in your car? If you answered yes, then your car’s heater core—a miniature radiator—might be leaking.

• Are you already experiencing problems with your heating system? It just isn’t working quite right? If your duct hoses leak, your heater will not you’re your or defrost your windows properly. Heater and defroster duct hoses carry fresh air into the system and warmed air to locations beyond the heater core.

• When you turn on your heater do you only feel cold air? This is an indicator of a leaking heater hose (which carries your system’s antifreeze) and if you don’t fix it, you could find yourself stranded in the snow!

If your car heater is working appropriately, you will be toasty warm in your car this winter and your windows will be clear this winter. So, be aware of the warning signs for potential heating problems, and get them fixed before they leave you shivering in the cold.

Synthetic Oil-Does it Really Matter

My new BMW was due for its first oil change. The owner’s manual recommends that I use synthetic oil. What’s the difference between regular oil and synthetic? Should I take the advice?

To begin with I would advise to always take the manufacture’s advice when it comes to servicing a new car. The manufacture shares information that is best for the vehicle that you purchase and you would be wise to follow the recommendations. Synthetic oil is not actually oil at all.

As the name implies, synthetic oil is a man made combination of chemicals that are tailored to mimic the characteristic of crude derived oils. The production process is not new; it was developed by the Germans in the Second World War to augment the lack of crude oil available. They were so successful that by the end of the war their production levels had reached millions of tons. They not only synthesized oil, but, produced fuel and even developed synthetic rubbers.

What are the advantages of synthetic oil?

Synthetic can withstand higher running temperatures and higher pressures than natural oil, without breaking down. Synthetic has a higher lubricity factor (it’s slippier, if that makes sense), offers better lubrication on cold starts (making cold starts easier), increased resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown, and offers extended drain intervals and better chemical stability. It’s just better for the engine overall.

So, why doesn’t everybody use synthetic? Primarily because initial costs are greater than those of petroleum-based oils. Also, the lower friction co-efficient may make them unsuitable for engine break-in although we are starting to see many new car manufactures installing synthetic as the initial fill. There is also the potential of damage to plastic components running in the presence of the chemicals that make up the lubricant.

For the average motorist, synthetic has no real advantage, as these higher stress levels are never reached. However; if you are towing or working the vehicle, synthetic might be beneficial.