New Orleans Auto Repair

    Synthetic Oil vs. Conventional Oil – what is the difference?! We get this question a lot. Most modern vehicles require synthetic engine oil, but where does it come from? Most importantly, why is synthetic oil the right choice for your vehicle's oil changes if it is required?  Synthetic Engine Oil uses a synthetic base stock. Many times the beginnings of the base stock comes from crude oil but that is just the beginning. The base stock goes through a much more involved process where the molecules are broken down and then re-built into uniform shapes. Additives, friction modifiers and cleaners are added to the synthetic base stock and it is ready for use. Synthetic oil does a superior job of reducing friction, limiting wear and being able to lubricate in tighter tolerances (less space). Conventional Engine Oil uses refined crude oil as its base stock. Crude oil is cleaned, filtered and held under pressure and heat and one ... read more

Oil changes are the single most important investment you can make for the long term health of your engine. Over time engine oil breaks down, absorbs contaminates and in most vehicles a small amount burns off. Engine oil breaks down whether the vehicle is being used or not. Solvents and additives in your oil evaporate as well as the oil begins absorbing water from humidity. While many manufacturers are recommending extended oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or longer it is important to read the fine print. While under optimal conditions engine oil may last longer than 5,000 miles, but it is important to realize most of us do not operate our vehicle under optimal or normal conditions. Most drivers in the United States, especially those of us that live in colder or warmer climates operate our vehicles under “severe conditions.” Honda Motor Co. defines severe driving conditions as: Frequently drive less than 5 miles per trip in above freezing or 10 miles p ... read more