For Better Automotive Performance, Reconsider The Old Maintenance Standbys

For better automotive performance, reconsider the old maintenance standbys like a trustworthy motor oil.

(ARA) - Have you ever wondered why you use certain brands when it comes to products like food, laundry detergent, toilet paper and toothpaste? The same can be said for the kind of tires you put on your car or the automotive products you use. We often make our decisions based on the people who influence us every day. These influencers could be parents, friends, professionals and advertisements in the media or on the Internet.

Unfortunately, what was once the best product to meet our needs a few years ago or even a month ago, may not be what we need in our lives today. This is particularly true when you consider car products such as motor oil.

As a kid you may have watched your dad or older brother change the oil in his car or truck in the garage, and their brand loyalty transferred to your own buying habits. "I used a particular brand for years because that's what my dad used," says Shawn Kelly of Baytown, Texas. The next time you reach for your next quart of oil, ask yourself what made you choose one brand over the others on the shelf.

In the past, there was a common perception about motor oil: "If it's thicker, it must be better." That old adage is no longer true for today's motor oils. As new vehicle models are released each year, engineers are making tweaks and improvements in car designs not only to the body, but under the hood as well. As a result, with motor oil standards set forth by the Society of Automotive Engineers, American Petroleum Institute licensing and emissions standards, motor oil manufacturers must constantly try to meet the needs of the new engines by improving their formulations and product lines.

If you currently use conventional motor oil, there are several reasons to consider using synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple. Synthetic oils are base oils mixed with additives that can provide benefits like protecting the engine from corrosion and extending the drain intervals, which means fewer oil changes and less waste disposed in the environment. Synthetic oils come in a variety of viscosities or thicknesses that are suitable for your vehicle. These include oils for newer models and vehicles still under warranty, like Royal Purple's SAE SN motor oils that are available in mono-grade and multi-grade viscosities. For older vehicles no longer under warranty, and those drivers seeking better performance and protection, Royal Purple offers their High Performance Street (HPS) motor oil series that includes the proprietary additive technology Synerlec.

Next time you're talking cars, ask your dad why he buys the brands he does, and you might find he was influenced by his own dad or mentor. These days, parents are being educated by their children about new products on the market. If you are considering a change to synthetic oil, consult your owner's manual about the correct viscosity motor oil to use and make sure you will not void your warranty. If you have specific questions about Royal Purple synthetic motor oil or products, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section at www.royalpurple.com, or email your specific questions to the Royal Purple Technical Department at rpautotech@royalpurple.com.

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Buy Dad a Book: Father’s Day Automotive Book Review Collection

Bud’s Book

Bud?  Bud Who?  Bud Lyon, that’s who.  You may not know Mr. Lyon, but he’s a brilliant, largely self made, really wealthy car collector guy who may not live too much longer. And his book, commissioned by his rather wonderful wife Thelma, was written by a guy who didn’t live long enough.  The late David E. Davis, Jr., and former Automobile and Motor Trend Art director Larry Crane assembled the story of this most amazing guy, Bud Lyon.  The Lyons are Pebble Beach stalwarts, and have bettered countless car shows and drive events by bringing any of their fine automobiles there. If you own any device containing an electric surge protector, you have Mr. Lyon to thank. Bud built a great family, a terrific car collection, several successful businesses, and a great life by being a good guy, working hard, and having – no doubt about it – his share of good luck along the way.  David E. extracted many wonderful anecdotes from Lyon’s family and friends, and this book reads more like an artfully assembled family scrapbook than a clinical journalistic effort. Go ahead; meet some interesting people like Thelma and Bud Lyon.  It’s worth the fifty bucks.  It’s available from Amazon or Automobile Quarterly’s book store.

GT/CS

That’s as in Ford Mustang GT/California Special.  No matter if you’re a fan of the original ‘68 GT/CS, or the current gen Cal Special, this is the ultimate fan guide.  In fact, its official title is GT/CS Recognition Guide & Owner’s Manual.  And heaven bless its author/designer Paul M. Newitt for doing it.  Newitt is the ultimate GT/CS fan — he sold his own 390 big-block powered Cal Special to finance this book project.  Along the way, he asked me if that was the right thing to do, and I told him I couldn’t really answer that, but that in the end, it was for the greater good of this special breed of Mustang.  He ultimately agreed, and I hope sells enough books to buy himself another one someday.  This hardbound volume is densely illustrated and packed with facts you never knew, and a few you probably won’t care about.  But the archival photos and authenticity information make it more than worth every cent of its $100 cover price.  Just 2000 copies will be printed.  So don’t dally.  Order from the author direct at pmndesigns.com

Ten Days in Sicily

The original Mille Miglia was an impressive test of man and machine, but I personally place the Targa Florio atop the heap of the great Italian open road races.  Author Ton Adriaensens is a serious writer and sports car aficionado.  And he has put together this gem of a book based on the following premise and events: Ten days in Sicily is based on a story of four British young men who went to Sicily in May 1966 to watch the last real road race, the Targa Florio. Arriving in time for the Syracuse Grand Prix, they drove their Fiat 124 saloon press car to Syracuse to watch this first GP race in Europe for the new 3.0-liter formula.

Not all teams had a new 3.0-liter engine ready – except for Ferrari, Brabham and Cooper, all still used ‘old’ machinery. John Surtees won the race in the new Ferrari. Jack Brabham experienced trouble early in the race with his Repco 3.0-liter V-8 and was out as were both the new Cooper-Maseratis driven by Jo Siffert and privateer Guy Ligier.

The next weekend – May 8 – all four were present for the start of the Targa Florio. They experienced the excitement of the pre-race practice runs, combined with a commemorative run to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Targa – the Trofeo Marathon – for veteran and vintage cars with special guest Elisabeth Junek.

This book is a lot of money at $235 U.S., but if you love the Targa like I do, there’s nothing quite like it.  Lots of production quality, great photos, and a great vintage story. Visit Enthusiastbooks.com

Road Hogs

Sounds like a rock group, but it’s actually an homage to American luxury cruisers of the 1960s and 70s. There’s not a lot of new, original journalism or information going on here, but it’s a great collection of photos, ads, and anecdotes about your favorite American parade floats.  Just the thing for the current four-dollar-plus-per-gallon environment.  Lots of color, lots of history, nostalgia, and all the things we love about these old chrome plated boats. Available at Amazon.com or through publisher motorbooks.com

TV Tommy Ivo

My pal Tom Cotter has become quite the author; with his series of barn find books, personality pieces (including Holman and Moody, and the great Dean Jeffries) and now he’s gone and told the story of another Hollywood hot rod legend.  Mr. Ivo is a legendary, interesting guy who generally put racing ahead of his acting career. This book is worth it just for the story, but the archival photos really bring it home. If you or your special dad really like hot rodding and drag racing, stop messing around and just get this book; from Amazon or motorbooks.com

Closing speed

Ted West is a seriously good writer.  I wish I had half his skill. And he really knows racing, because he was there. Ted worked at Motor Trend, and our wonderful old defunct magazine called Sports Car Graphic. When he decided to crank out a novel about sports car racing, I couldn’t wait to read it, because I knew it would be good. And it is. It’s strictly fiction, but you’ll recognize the stories and faces behind some of Ted’s colorful characters. Buy it on Amazon or author direct at ted-west.com

ACD; The Reunion

Fancy Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs?  Then you’ll enjoy The Reunion, a two volume set put out by the ACD club. Great archival pix and solid information from the source that has the stuff (and the museum) on these cars. Proceeds benefit the club, buy direct from acdclub.org.

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