Changing your oil is the single most important thing you can do to preserve the life of your engine. It is also the simplest and least expensive investment you can make in your engine’s life. In addition to having your oil changed, it is equally important to change your oil filter.
The reason you need to change your oil and oil filter is to get all of the contaminants out of the engine that have been created by the combustion taking place in your cylinders. The contaminants pollute the oil and neutralize the oil additives that were made to keep wearing parts in your engine from becoming corroded and pitted. The lubrication quality of the oil breaks down as well. For example, many who have older cars may notice that the longer they go without changing their oil the more it seems to burn.
I have found that it is imperative to change the oil—using the highest lubrication quality—and oil filter every 2000 miles to get the longest life out of your engine. When it comes to normal street driving conditions, the synthetic oil does not last any longer than paraffinic base oil. On the other hand, if you are running your car at 350 to 375 degree oil temperatures and revving it over 7000 to 8000 rpm for a 500 mile race then specialized synthetic racing oil may be what you need. However, since most people drive on the streets, this high-priced synthetic oil serves to no advantage.
Contrary to the 2000 mile benchmark, car manufacturers recommend oil changes in the 7,500 mile neighborhood. This is to sell the consumer on low maintenance costs and service with little regard for the life of the engine. The average engine can survive the 36-48 month warranties even if there is oil neglect; while, engine failures from oil neglect begin to appear in the 75,000 to 100,000 mile neighborhood. In addition, so-called long life motor oils that we see advertised more frequently still cannot withstand more than 2,000 miles of use.
To support our theory, we have had oil samples tested in control lab settings from different vehicles for varying lengths of use. The results indicated even the highest quality oils’ additive package was used up at approximately the 2,000 mile mark.
With so many oil brands to choose from, it is important to able differentiate between them. Some oils are more rapidly affected in this breakdown process. Buying the finest quality oil assures the highest quality of lubrication. Over my years of testing on and off the track and testing in the lab, I have found that Kendall Motor Oil GT1 20W50 worked best under the most extreme conditions. Against all others, Kendall Motor Oil maintained lubrication at lower pressures and higher temperatures. Throughout my racing career, with or without Kendall Motor Oil sponsorship, I have always run their oil.
I do not believe that all oil manufacturers give their sponsored cars the same oil you buy off the shelf; however, I know Kendall does. It is for this reason as well as their standards of excellence with all their products that I continue to use their oil. So in short, change your oil and oil filter often and use the best.
"And that’s the way I see it."
Frank Fahey
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