“You don’t want to put off fixing something like engine noise,” says Steve Palthe, owner of Precision Tune Auto Care in Redwood City. “If it’s a problem with loose bolts, it can be corrected for under $100, but if the bolts come off and damage the engine, it could cost up to $3,000 to fix.”
Mr. Palthe advises to think of scheduled auto maintenance as a positive thing, not a scam. “Every car needs to be checked periodically. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles and keep up with scheduled inspections and maintenance, your car can virtually last forever.”
Follow the viscosity recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of oil to use. Most modern vehicles are factory-filled with 5W-30, which improves cold starting and fuel economy. Many vehicle manufacturers also approve 10W-30 for year-round driving. 10W-40 and 20W-50 provide better protection at higher temperatures, but they’re too thick for cold weather (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit).
Another option is synthetic motor oil or synthetic blends. They’re more expensive, but they provide superior hot and cold temperature performance compared to conventional, petroleum-based motor oils. They’re especially good for turbocharged and high output engines, and they experience less viscosity breakdown over time.
For maximum engine protection, always adhere to factory-recommended oil and filter change intervals. Also, consider a crankcase oil additive. Some are designed to reduce oil consumption in older, high mileage engines. Others, such as the Teflon-based crankcase treatments, are designed to reduce engine wear.
