Conventional or Synthetic? (Switching to Synthetic Oil)

If you keep up on technology trends, then you may be intrigued about synthetic motor oil. It was introduced in the 1960s when Mobil came up with it. Mobil’s oil was different from conventional motor oil because it was first broken down to its basic molecules. Then, Mobil removed additional impurities from crude oil and “tailored them to the demands of modern engines.”

Synthetic oil is becoming more popular now because of its advantages over conventional oil. It’s more resistant to sludge forming in an engine. It is more efficient and protects engines better under temperature extremes. Because it allows drivers to go longer between oil changes, many feel it’s more convenient.

The downside is that synthetic oil is more expensive, but because it doesn’t need changing as often, the cost can be pretty comparable in the long run.

Those who drive high performance vehicles (think Audi, BMW, Mercedes) are already using synthetic oil if they’re following their manufacturer’s guidelines. Other manufacturers recommend a synthetic blend. So for those who are using conventional oil, you may want to consult your service advisor for some recommendations if you want to switch to synthetic.

If you’re the type who always waits until the last-minute or doesn’t ever get in quite in time for the recommended oil change interval, the longer gap required between changes with synthetic oil may appeal to you. In some cases, you can go up to 15,000 miles/24,000 km between changes.

If you drive in a very cold climate, synthetic oil can flow more easily at startup and may offer quicker engine protection. On the other hand, in hot climates, synthetic oil can resist heat breakdown better.

Or you may be one of those drivers who have been getting along fine with conventional oil changes. Millions do. Just remember that changing your oil is considered the most important maintenance you can do on your vehicle, so make sure it’s done at the right time and with the oil that best suits your driving needs.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

Prepare Your Windshield for Winter (Wiper Blades and Fluid for Freezing Temperatures)

Winter and freezing temperatures present challenges for different parts of your vehicles. For example, winter tires give you better traction on snow. But some parts of your vehicle that may need special attention for winter are your windshield wipers. You may have found yourself in the middle of a snowstorm when your windshield wipers are doing nothing but streaking slush that ices up on contact on the glass. Now you’re more blind than you were before!

Obviously being able to see during a snowy or icy winter event is important for the safe operation of any vehicle. So keeping your windshield and rear window clean can go a long way to guarantee you can see your surroundings.

Let’s start with the wipers. Blades that are good for hot weather may not be robust enough for freezing weather. You can buy special winter wiper blades that stay flexible during sub-zero temperatures. The stiffer frames that hold them have a rubber covering that prevents ice and snow from building up. Another style is beam wipers that have a one-piece design, intended for use all year long. Since these have no separate frame, ice can’t build up like on traditional frame wipers.

If you’ve ever had salty road brine kicked up on your windshield, you know it can blind you in a second. So you absolutely must have windshield washer fluid available to clear your vision. The fluid you use during the warm weather months will often freeze below 32°F/0°C, and that can actually make things worse by icing up your windshield when you spray it. Worst of all, it may freeze in your washer reservoir.

Be sure to use washer fluid that is meant for sub-freezing temperatures; special formulas will remain a liquid in weather as cold as -30°F/-34.4°C. Some contain alcohol to keep them flowing; some have a little antifreeze that will melt snow and ice. If you do use these liquids, make sure to keep them away from small children and pets because they’re poisonous if they drink them.

Each climate is different, and there are windshield products to meet your needs. Your service advisor can recommend which ones will work best for you. The idea is in winter, you need to be able to see.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

St. Peter Safety Systems: Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of driving around St. Peter on underinflated tires. Admittedly, it’s hard to tell when a radial tire is underinflated. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends 35 pounds of pressure, your vehicle tires are considered significantly underinflated at 26 pounds. The tire may not look low until it gets below 20 pounds.

New laws require all vehicles to include a tire pressure monitor system, or TPMS. This technology has been used by race car drivers for years. They are able to head off problems from underinflation by closely monitoring tire pressure on the track. It’s up to your vehicle’s manufacturer to determine which of many TPMS systems available they’ll use to comply with the law.

Obviously, all of this doesn’t come free for St. Peter drivers. Government studies have estimated the net costs. Of course, the TPMS system itself will cost something. Maintaining the system will have a cost, replacement of worn or broken parts and tire repair cost increases.

Your safety has always been a priority at Autotronics of St. Peter. We want you on the road and accident free. We’ve traditionally provided things like tire rotations, snow tire mounting and flat fixes at a very low cost. We’ve been able to quickly and cheaply provide the service and pass the low cost on to you as an expression of our good will.

Like all other St. Peter service centers, here at Autotronics of St. Peter we’ve had to purchase new scanning equipment to work with the TPMS sensors and to update expensive tire change equipment to better service wheels equipped with the new monitoring systems. Our friendly and knowledgeable service technicians at Autotronics of St. Peter have been thoroughly trained on many systems and new tire-changing techniques. All of this adds up to significantly increased cost to perform what was once a very inexpensive service for you.

So when you start so see the cost of tire changes, flat repairs and rotations going up at Autotronics of St. Peter, please keep in mind that it’s because of government mandated safety equipment. We want to keep you safely on the road – and we’re committed to doing it at a fair price. This safety equipment will help you avoid the most common types of vehicle failure in St. Peter, and possibly a catastrophic accident.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com