Determining the Cause of Oil Degradation

What could be causing our lube oil to degrade faster?

There are many causes that can result in the degrading of your lube oil. The most common are oxidation, thermal breakdown of the lube oil, micro-dieseling, additive depletion and contamination.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the reaction of oil molecules with oxygen molecules. It can lead to an increase in viscosity and the formation of varnish, sludge and sediment. Additive depletion and a breakdown in the base oil can also result. Once an oil starts to oxidize, you may see an increase in the acid number. In addition, rust and corrosion can form on the equipment due to oxidation.

Thermal Breakdown

The temperature of the lubricant should be a primary concern. Besides separating the moving parts within a piece of machinery, a lubricant must also dissipate heat. This means the lubricant can and will be heated above its recommended stable temperature. The Arrhenius rate rule for temperature states that for every 18 degrees F (10 degrees C), the chemical reaction doubles. In other words, for every increase of 18 degrees F for your oil, the life of the oil is cut in half. Keeping the oil as cool as possible when in use will extend its life and reduce the reaction of thermal breakdown.

Micro-dieseling

Also known as pressure-induced thermal breakdown (degradation), micro-dieseling is a process in which an air bubble transitions from a low-pressure region in a system to a high-pressure zone. This is very common in hydraulic systems. Micro-dieseling results in adiabatic compression of the air bubble within the oil, which then cooks the surrounding oil molecules, causing instant oxidation of those molecules.

Additive Depletion

Most additive packages in oil are designed to be sacrificial and used up during the life of the oil. Utilizing oil analysis to monitor additive levels is important not only to assess the health of the lubricant but also to provide clues as to what is causing the depletion of the additives.

Contamination

Contamination such as dirt, water, air, etc., can greatly influence the rate of lubricant degradation. Dirt containing fine metal particles can be a catalyst that sparks and speeds up the degradation process of your lubricant. Air and water can provide a source of oxygen that reacts with the oil and leads to oxidation of the lubricant. Here again, oil analysis can be helpful in monitoring your lubricant’s contamination levels.

TIPS

TOP 5 MOST COMMON VEHICLE PROBLEMS DURING WINTER

The first snowfall of the year is a cause of celebration for many folks. There’s just something special about seeing those pretty flakes flying for the first time in November or December. But, the onset of winter also means it’s a good time to ensure your vehicles maintenance is up-to-date. Freezing temperatures can lead to issues with your vehicles. Read on for the five most common problems—and how to prevent them this year

  1. Your battery may die in colder weather. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested every time there is a routine service (like an oil change) performed on the vehicle. It also helps to keep your car or truck in a garage during the winter months if possible.
  2. Fluids thicken. To stay ahead of this common winter problem, be sure to have your trusted auto technician regularly check your oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Leaks can also occur; it helps to warm up your vehicles before driving them.
  3. Parts corrode. Road salt laid down to melt the ice and help prevent slide offs can stick to your car’s metal components. If it’s left there, it can cause these to corrode. Wash vehicles regularly to protect the undercarriage, brakes and wheel wells.
  4. Your tire pressure will drop. Most tires lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees F of temperature drop. Under-inflated tires do not perform well in icy weather, so it is crucial to check your tire pressure throughout the winter season.
  5. Spark plugs may fail. A bad spark plug, ignition component or clogged filter may cause your vehicle not to start, so it’s smart to check these ahead of the harshest driving conditions.
TIPS

6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CAR TRAVEL READY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Here are a few easy ways you can prepare your car for a road trip:

  1. Check Tire Pressure – This step is essential because you can get better gas mileage when you drive on properly aired tires. Not only will you be able to save some money in doing this, but you’ll decrease your risk of a dangerous blowout as well.

  2. Have Any Warning Lights Diagnosed – If you have some warning lights on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring up until now, you’ll want to have them diagnosed before a long-distance trip. .

  3. Look at Your Fluids – The fluids in your engine enable it to run correctly, so you don’t want to be without them! You’ll want to check your oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washing fluid.

  4. Replace Old Windshield Wipers – Putting up with inefficient windshield wipers gets old after a while. Replace old ones before a trip, so you don’t end up frustrated, or unable to see, in the rain.

  5. Notice Unusual Brake Noises – If your brakes have been making a whining or grinding noise recently, it’s probably time to take your car in for brake service.

  6. Check Your Lights – If your headlights aren’t working, visibility while driving at night can be an issue. If your brake lights or turn lights are burnt out, you pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers. Have a spotter assist you in checking your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn lights.

TIPS

8 Signs of Auto Transmission Failure

While an auto transmission failure isn’t a death sentence for your car, it can definitely be a major repair. It usually means a lot of downtime and a huge bill. Your transmission is an amazing work or art. Ok, you might not want to mount it over your fireplace, but you have to admit that it is rather fascinating how all these gears and bearings and interestingly shaped parts are put together to create a system that actually propels your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Some people say that the transmission is the second most important part of the car, next to the engine. But, I respectfully disagree. It’s really a team effort – you can’t have one without the other. While, I guess you can, but they are rather useless independently. They are like the heart and the brain of your car. They work together. So, a problem with your transmission can affect the operation of the engine. And if you don’t fix it, you could have even bigger issues to deal with.

But, contrary to popular belief, an auto transmission failure doesn’t always have to be scary (are you breathing a sigh of relief now?) While it can be a costly adventure, in a lot of cases, the problem is actually quite minor. And, as with anything mechanical, if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to avoid more serious issues. But, you can’t always count on mechanics to offer you the easy way out. After all, they are in the business to make money. So, when they see a woman walk through their doors, they get dollar signs in their eyes.

Transmissions are complex and complicated systems so fixing them usually requires a professional. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept whatever diagnosis you are handed. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Or, better yet, learn how to recognize the most common signs of auto transmission failure and how to rule out simple fixes before you authorize an expensive auto transmission repair. Replacing or rebuilding may be necessary, but it is important to check out other possibilities first. You never know, some basic knowledge could save you thousands of dollars.

Signs Of Auto Transmission Failure

  • Slippage. This is when your motor is revving but your car isn’t responding. It’s similar to the way your vehicle would react if your tires were slipping on ice or stuck in the snow. You are pushing the gas pedal and you can hear the engine roaring, but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Slippage affects your transmission’s ability to propel the car forward and if it gets really bad, eventually you may not move at all.
  • Leaks. Check under your car on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any leaks. In most automatic transmissions the fluid is red, so if you notice a colored puddle on the ground, you should probably have your car checked out. In fact, if you notice any puddle at all (except for the ones made from your AC) you should investigate further.
  • Smells. If your fluid level is low, your transmission can overheat. When your transmission or transmission fluid gets too hot, you may notice a burning odor. Check your fluid level and add if necessary. You may also want to find out why the level was low in the first place.
  • Sounds. Knocking, whining, humming, buzzing, clunking, and grating can all be signs of transmission problems. These sounds can be a result of wear and tear, but they also can mean a low fluid level.
  • Delayed Engagement/Lack of Response. Sometimes your transmission doesn’t want to do what you ask when you ask. Just like your kids, right? But, unlike your children, there are times when motherly negotiations (aka bribing) will not convince your vehicle to behave properly. There are varying degrees of delayed engagement, and sometimes we are in danger of letting things for too long.
  • Rough Shifting. Again, your car should transition between gears smoothly. If you notice shaking, jarring, bumping, clunking, or abrupt/hard shifting, this may be a sign of transmission problems.
  • Fluid Color. Transmission fluid is red, clear, and has a slightly sweet odor. Look at a sample of new, clean fluid so you know the correct color and smell. If the fluid in your vehicle is murky, dark, or dirty, this could be an indication of problems. Sometimes changing the oil or doing a transmission flush will fix the issue. In some cases, more serious repairs may be necessary.
  • Check Engine Light. Sensors in your car can pick up small vibrations or other problems even before you notice them. The check engine light could be a warning of transmission problems, especially if you are also experiencing any of the above signs.
TIPS

7 Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.

The Average Car Battery Life

n average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years.  One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.

Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.

Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:

1. Limit Short Rides

Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded..

2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened

A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.

3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit

Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.

4. Control the Corrosion

Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

5. Test Your Battery Often

Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.

6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling

Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.

7. Care for Your Whole Car

Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

TIPS

The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Car Keychain

A cluttered keychain can be a constant source of frustration and inconvenience. When it comes to car keys, organization is key, no pun intended. An organized car keychain not only makes it easier to find your keys but also helps prevent damage to your vehicle’s ignition and locks. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to organize your car keychain efficiently.

  1. Remove Unnecessary Keys

The first step in organizing your car keychain is to declutter. Remove any keys that you no longer need or use. This might include keys to old locks, padlocks, or doors that are no longer relevant. Reducing the number of keys on your keychain will make it more manageable.

  1. Separate Keys by Function

Once you’ve identified the keys you need to keep, separate them by function. Group your car keys together, your house keys together, and any other keys for different purposes. This separation will help you quickly locate the key you need when you need it.

  1. Use Key Rings and Key Tags

Key rings and key tags can be incredibly useful for organization. Assign a different color or shape key tag to each set of keys, making them easily distinguishable. Additionally, use separate key rings for different sets of keys. This way, you can remove the keyring you need without having to fumble through a jumble of keys.

  1. Invest in a Key Organizer

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated solution, consider investing in a key organizer. Key organizers are compact devices that neatly hold your keys in a foldable or stackable fashion. They not only reduce the bulkiness of your keychain but also protect your pockets from being scratched by keys.

  1. Use a Keychain Accessory

There are various keychain accessories available that can help you stay organized. Some keychain accessories come with built-in tools like bottle openers or small flashlights. These can be handy in various situations, reducing the need for carrying additional tools.

  1. Keyless Entry and Remote Start

If your car is equipped with keyless entry and remote start features, consider using these instead of traditional keys. Many modern vehicles allow you to use your smartphone to unlock and start your car, eliminating the need for physical keys altogether.

  1. Secure Your Car Keys

For added security, especially if you have a keyless ignition system, consider using a key signal blocking pouch or a Faraday bag. These devices block the signals from your key fob, preventing thieves from remotely accessing your car.

Conclusion

A well-organized car keychain not only reduces frustration but also ensures that you have quick and easy access to your keys when you need them. By removing unnecessary keys, separating keys by function, using key rings and key tags, investing in key organizers, and considering keyless entry options, you can keep your car keychain neat and efficient. Remember that an organized keychain is not only convenient but also helps protect your vehicle and enhance your overall driving experience. So, take a few minutes to declutter and organize your car keys, and you’ll thank yourself every time you reach for them.

TIPS

Driving Safety Tips For Teen

Driving safety is essential for everyone, but it’s particularly crucial for teenagers who are new to driving and may lack experience. Here are some driving safety tips for teens:

  1. Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. Ignoring these rules can lead to accidents and tickets.
  2. Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. It’s best to keep your phone out of reach or use a hands-free device if you need to make a call.
  3. Always Wear Seatbelts: Seatbelts save lives. Make sure you and all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts at all times, no matter how short the trip.
  4. Mind the Speed Limit: Speeding is a common cause of accidents, especially for young drivers. Always drive at or below the posted speed limit and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions.
  5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The three-second rule is a good guideline. This gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.
  6. Use Turn Signals: Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers. This helps reduce the risk of collisions.
  7. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Road rage and aggressive driving can lead to dangerous situations. Stay calm and patient, and avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating or excessive speeding.
  8. Adapt to Weather Conditions: Adjust your driving to match weather conditions. Slow down in rain, snow, or fog, and make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working correctly.
  9. Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substances. Even small amounts can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  10. Limit Nighttime Driving: If you’re a new driver, it’s a good idea to limit nighttime driving until you gain more experience. Reduced visibility and fatigue can make nighttime driving riskier.
  11. Stay Alert and Rested: Fatigue can impair your ability to drive safely. Get enough rest before getting behind the wheel, and if you feel drowsy while driving, pull over and take a break.
  12. Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents caused by the mistakes of others.
  13. Know Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with your car’s controls, including lights, wipers, and emergency features. Regularly check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and other critical components.
  14. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. These courses can teach you advanced driving techniques and safety strategies.
  15. Limit Passengers: Having too many passengers in the car can be distracting. In many places, new drivers are subject to passenger restrictions for the first few months of driving.
  16. Plan Your Routes: Before heading out, plan your route, and consider using a GPS or a navigation app to help you stay on track.

Remember that safe driving is a responsibility, and your choices behind the wheel can have far-reaching consequences. Always prioritize safety and make responsible decisions while driving.

TIPS

Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

Here’s how to tell if your car needs an alignment.

  • Drifting: Your car drifts left or right, especially when you apply the brakes.
  • Hard to steer: An excessive amount of steering input is required to keep you in the lane.
  • Shaking: The car’s steering wheel shakes.

Before you take the car in, check if your tires are deflated. Having one tire measure substantially more or less than what the owner’s manual calls for could cause the same effect of drifting left or right or vibration in the steering.

Imperfections in the road surfaces could be your vehicle’s worst enemy in keeping proper alignment. If you regularly drive on poorly maintained roads or one riddled with potholes or accidentally hit a curb or a parking bumper, you may knock your vehicle out of alignment.

TIPS

Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

Here are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries:

  1. Preventing ejection. Ejection greatly increases the chance of death or serious injury. The chance of being killed in a crash by being ejected from a vehicle is one in eight. Safety belts virtually eliminate ejection. The belted driver stays inside the car and is better protected from injury.
  2. Shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body’s structure. To get the most benefit from a seat belt, be aware of the following points:
  • The lap belt should be worn low over the pelvis with the bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs snugly.
  • The shoulder belt should be worn over the shoulder and across the chest, not under the arm and over the abdomen. Make certain that the shoulder belt is not worn so loosely that it slides off the shoulder.
  • Pregnant women should wear the lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly.
  1. Spreading crash forces over a wide area of the body. Safety belts reduce the possibility of injury from “hostile” surfaces inside the car (steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, controls, etc.). Even if the belted driver collides with some of these surfaces, it happens with much less force and often results in less serious injury.
  2. Keeping the body more closely in the “proper driving posture.” The belt keeps the driver “in the driver’s seat.” The belted driver is better able to deal with emergencies and often avoids more serious trouble.
  3. Protecting the head and spinal cord. The belted driver is less likely to be stunned or made unconscious by the crash and is better able to cope with the situation. Research has found that proper use of lap/shoulder belts reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50% (for occupants of light trucks, 60% and 65%, respectively).
TIPS

Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Car

If you drive a lot for work or have kids and pets, you know how hard it can be to keep the inside of your car clean. Here are cleaning tips and tricks to make your car’s interior sparkle again.

  • A plastic laundry basket is ideal for this task because it is lightweight, sturdy, and has handles that make it comfortable to carry. However, there are plenty of other options if you don’t have a plastic laundry basket and don’t want to invest in one for this job. A woven basket, medium garbage pail, large canvas tote bag, or even a grocery or trash bag are perfectly fine—you just want a receptacle in which you can toss a bunch of disparate items and carry them into the house.
  • Similarly, if you do not own a handheld vacuum and do not wish to buy one, you can use a dust broom or your hands to sweep car seats clean.
  • In place of vacuuming the floor mats, remove them from the car and shake or beat them.
  • Microfiber will leave a car’s dashboard and console clean without requiring the use of a separate cleaning agent. Microfiber can also be used to polish glass, without requiring glass cleaner. To remove sticky spills, dampen the microfiber cloth with water for more cleaning power.
  • The use of a timer is optional but recommended, especially for those with a bit of a competitive streak. You’re likely to find yourself racing through the job to “beat” the timer, turning the chore into a game. The use of a timer is also helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by cleaning tasks in general, as it helps to reset expectations around how much time and effort actually goes into performing dreaded tasks.
TIPS