In a "Winter" car care schedule I saw somewhere a page shows, "Change oil every 3,000 miles; consider changing to a "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate." I could not help but hear my inner voices scream with oppostion and actually wrote the author with "You need to make a disclaimer. You need to add the fact that new (Twenty First Century) cars have superior engine lubricants. Their Owner's Manual state that oil change service intervals should be at 5,000 miles, or as in Canada - 8,000 kms. or a maximum of time, ie. six months etc."

Superior lubricants are synthetics that have tested and proven benefits that all participants in the car care business know about but still insist on keeping the 21st Century car owner shackled to the redundant 3,000 mile or as in Canada, 5,000 kms oil change interval.

21st.Century car owners need to know their options when it comes to choosing the optimum lubricant products. Keep in mind the "apples vs. oranges" adage. Not all oils and certainly not all synthetics are equal or what you might think the label says. It boggles the mind why 21st century thinking car and truck owners of all sizes and types insist on using cheaper, but what turns out to be less cost effective lubricants on their scientific marvels on wheels. They complain about a product that cost three and four times more but deny the facts that a significant reduction in operation and maintenance makes such an option a no brainer.

Credible engine oils will show API and SAE numbers and letters on their lables. The most current API Service rating is SM but SL, or SJ and SH are sufficient for most relatively currect vehicles. As time moves along it could show SN or SO. depending on the API's policy governing this designation method.

The application peramiters should also be on the lable. These should look like: ILSAC, GF-3, GF-2, Ford WISS-M2C205A, M2C153G, GM 4718M, 6094M, Chrysler MS 10440,MS 6395H, ACEA A1, B1, JACO VTW. Your preference may not have these but at least you know what to look for.

It is more logical to choose a multi-grade engine oil that spans the range that will protect from late fall, winter and into early spring temperatures. Synthetic lubes that have the scientific integrity to get this done will range form SAE 0W-30 and SAE 0W-40. Referring to your Owner's Manual will give guidlines on this. A 100% synthetic 5W-30 will quite adequately keep your car's engine protected if you do not venture far north of the forty nineth parallel in the dead of winter. When you travel into the mountains, it doesn't make sense to do an oil change just for that brief change in elevation. Wind chill is something that will sneak up on you and may cause an untimely interuption to your holiday.

Before you think I'm assuming that the 21st century tune-up is easily done by the average DIY'er, I will emphasize the opposite. It's about being informed and planning your next scheduled maintenance appointment that will include understanding what product options your service technician is supplying. If you have what meets the demands of the 21st century, then supply him with that to make your new car what you paid for.