A Smooth Way To UpgradeA Car’s Performance (NAPSA)—Here’s a tip for drivers looking for a quick and inex- pensive way to improve a car’s performance and reliability— select the right motor oil. There are meaningful differences in oils and choosing the right one impacts how well your car runs. Two components determine how well motor oil will perform in your car. Onefactor is the baseoil and the other is the combination of chemicals (additives) that are addedto the baseoil. Base Oils The two primary types of base oils used are mineral and syn- thetic. Mineral oils are by-prod- ucts of crude oil. These are the cheapest and most widely available oils, which provide minimum levels of performance and protection. Refining reduces the impurities in these oils but leaves molecules of all shapes andsizes. Synthetic oils are man-made compounds whose molecules are all the same size and shape; consequently, synthetic oil provides less friction and performs signifi- cantly better than mineraloils. In fact, synthetic oils are often the factory fills in many new performance andluxurycars. Additives aise HWA @@ e Mineral Oil Synthesized Hydrocarbon The uniform shape and size of synthetic oil molecules reduce friction for improved performance. Advances In Lubrication A handful of “boutique” manufacturers now specialize in developing high-performance lubricants. For example, one high-performance lubricant company, Royal Purple, has developed lubricants that outperform both leading mineral oils and other synthetics using a proprietary additive technology it calls Synerlec. Its oil has been proven in numerous independent tests to reduce engine wear, increase horsepower and torque, and re- duce fuel consumption and emissions. Cars using its oils can also go farther between oil changes, saving time and moneyand reducing the impact on the environ- ment. You can learn more at www.royalpurple.com. How To Choose Your Motor Oil For a used car with little life Regardless of the base oil used, chemicals must be added to give left in it, stick with the cheap needed to do its job. Typical additives that may be addedto baseoil include detergents to reduce the formation of residue, defoamants to deter absorption of air, antiwear agents, antioxidants and others. Some of the biggest technolog- years and wantto get a little bet- motor oil the characteristics ical advances in lubrication are now coming through advancements in chemical additives. mineral-based motor oil. For a car you plan to keep for a few ter performance from, you should at least upgrade to synthetic motor oil. To get the most performance out of your car, truck or RV, or to protect a vehicle you really care about and want to last, upgrade to one of the new high-performance boutique motor oils.
