Decide Whether to Utilize Older CI-4 Rated Diesel Oil Instead of the Newer CJ-4?

By Michael Kaufman

It is common to hear individuals talking about the relative positives & negatives of the CJ-4 vs. the older CI-4 diesel engine oils. So, it seems worthwhile to layout the relative similarities and differences between using diesel engine oils that meet each of these respective API classifications.

Many of our customers are seeking our 15w40 viscosity AMSOIL synthetic diesel motor oil. Most often, this is either because they have some misgivings with regard to switching over to a "lower" viscosity oil or because they've been told "bad things" about the new CJ-4 oils.

Key Additives Reduced in CJ-4 Oils

For the record, our AME 15w40 synthetic diesel engine oil has not been blended to meet the latest CJ-4 specs because to meet CJ-4 classification requirements lubricant manufacturers were required to make significant reductions in the levels of key additives that play a significant role in acid fighting. In other words, the TBN was lowered.

Are Oil Drain Intervals Shortened?

As a result of these changes in TBN of CJ-4 oils, many diesel owners are making the assumption that the extended drain capabilities of CJ-4 oils have been compromised as compared to CI-4 oils with higher TBN values in order to blend a diesel motor oil that is more likely compatible with EGR systems found on those vehicles sold as a 2007 model or beyond.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation units installed on 2007 model and newer diesels are leaving very HEAVY soot load on the lubricant in the crankcase. This has necessitated an increase in detergents and dispersants in the new CJ-4 oils - keeping things clean is always a good thing.

Moreover, lesser quality CI-4 oils (those using petroleum or lower quality synthetic basestocks) have been forced to make improvements to their base stock quality in order to successfully meet CJ-4 specs. As a result, the API CJ-4 oils are, in respects to their basestock, a more advanced motor oil. However, if you are making comparisons between premium SYNTHETIC CJ-4 rated oils, the basestocks are likely pretty similar to their CI-4 precursors since the original basestocks were likely already able to meet CJ-4 classification requirements.

In actuality, in most respects, API CJ-4 rated diesel oils offer better performance than oils meeting only the CI-4 or CI-4+ classification. In actuality, the shorter drain interval possibility is really the only potential drawback to moving from a CI-4 to a CJ-4 oil. Of course, it's a pretty good bet that, if you don't often take your oil to the limit of it's drain interval capabilities anyway, you probably won't notice this difference between the two oils..

Chances are good that you are one of the many users that change their oil long before it's necessary, simply because they don't trust their oil to "go the distance". Thus, it's entirely possible that users may never even notice the potentially shorter CJ-4 drain interval, since they've never extended their oil drains with CI-4 rated oils.

Also important to note is that CJ-4 users' oil analysis results are beginning to paint a picture which suggests CJ-4 oils, although lower in INITIAL TBN, may have the ability to RETAIN their acid fighting ability better than their CI-4 predecessors. Thus, it is possible that, even with the lower initial TBN, the CJ-4 oils may still offer similar drain interval capability. Only time and more testing will show this for sure.

So, the end result is, if it is unlikely that you'll want to take your oil to the max drain intervals possible, and even if you do, you may not be at all affected by the lowering of the TBN values for CJ-4 oils. On the flip side, wear protection and detergency of a CJ-4 oil can only help make the switch to a CJ-4 oil a beneficial one. Hence, for many companies and individuals owning diesel engines, the CJ-4 rated oil MAY actually be the better choice, whether you have a newer model diesel or not. - 21396

About the Author:

To find more details in regard to our 5w40 CJ-4 synthetic diesel oils (and CI-4 rated oils) as well as quite a few other lubricant and filter related articles & FAQs please visit my BestSyntheticOil.com AMSOIL website.

How To Find One Way Rental Cars Online

By Anne Durrell

One-way rental cars are an important thing to consider when planning a long travel and a lot of vacationers as well as business travelers are in agreement with this. One way rental cars are also a good choice for individuals as well as families that are moving out of state.

There are many perks to one way rental cars such as discounts and flexibility. Mileage restrictions are also often eliminated with one way rental cars.

Sometimes it is not feasible to drive a round trip. This is where one way rental cars can come in handy.

One-way rentals also come in easy for people who want to have a road trip, but they don't have time to drive both ways. Renting a car and then flying home allows travelers to have more extra days of holiday.

A lot of rental car companies offer greatly discounted rates, so that financial savings are inevitable with one way rental cars.

Vacationers will have extra money to spend on their trip by saving some money on their car rentals. This makes car rentals inexpensive for business travelers as well as vacationers.

Flying by airplane can be stressful at these days to say the least. Increased security restrictions since recent terror attack in the United State have made for long lines at the airports.

One-way rental cars save the time as well as hassle of having to go through airport security, purchase your tickets, check your luggage, and board a plan. All you have to do with one way rental car is get in the car and then drive!

Traveling by minivan, truck, or car is also a fantastic way to see the sights during your trip. You will enjoy roadside diners, visitor's centers, and the opportunity to get out and stretch whenever you please.

Another advantage to using one-way car rental is that you will save the odometer on your car. It is very important that you keep your cars up to date a well maintained so that they will last for a long time, and by choosing to use a rental car, you could save hundreds of miles on your own vehicle.

Most of rental cars come with a roadside assistance, which means if you should break down the car rental company will pay to have the car towed as well as they will see to it that you get another rental vehicle to change your previous car as soon as possible.

If you have a plan to take a trip soon, you should defiantly consider choosing a rental car, since one way rental cars can save you a lot of money. - 21396

About the Author:

Anne Durrell comes from Stockton, California. She has written a number of articles on Car Rentals . Please also check out her other guide on one way rental cars tips, and ez car rental guide!

How to Prevent A Car Breakdown

By Harry Johnson

Second only to life itself, owning a car to most people is essential. The freedom, adventure and satisfaction that is derived from owning a car is an indispensable part of their lives. That is, at least until they experience a car breakdown on the roadside. At time, it can possibly become their worst nightmare. Listed here are some things to know about car breakdowns.

A car breakdown can be emotionally draining given any person's lifestyle. Panic could set in, creating a double breakdown on the roadside. Remaining calm, and simply call a tow truck or someone that is able to help.

Those of you on the highway are more prone to breaking down. I'm sure you have already noticed a few of these lonely cars along your route from time to time. You may even spot some in close proximity to each other. What's the deal? Why does this happen so frequently?

Neglect, quite frankly comes to mind. People find excuse after excuse as to why they can't keep up with the maintenance of their cars. For something that is so very important to the overall livelihood of keeping their jobswe don't put too much effort into maintaining this livelihood. Car mechanics work normal work weeks just like me and you. Trouble is after a breakdown, you discover that your car needs parts. Getting these parts become quite an obstacle for the mechanic and hence you. Because of this lack of help, you are then in need of a taxi to drive you to and fro.

If you were to treat your car like a person whom needs proper medical attention, your car will live a longer life. Just like a physical at your doctor's office, your car will be looked over by the mechanic from head to toe. Once that checks out, he or she will then look further for possible internal injuries sort of speak. Keep up with all the work performed on the car both inside and out and have this available to your mechanic. This information is similar to patient history. The mechanic can only determine the health of your car based on what you say about its performance.

Car breakdowns are embarrassing to the driver. They hold up traffic at traffic lights, cause wrecks if there is a malfunction, and draws attention from other drivers who wreck. Car breakdowns can really backfire!

For your sake, put a bit more interest in the overall condition of your car. Keep up with the maintenance and you will be less likely to be the one stuck on the side of the road. With a little effort, you and your car can go far together! - 21396

About the Author:

Get the best in birmingham car recovery today!

286 HP1996 Impala SS

By Smith Barns

One day I was walking driving home from work when I saw a 1996 black Impala SS race right by me. The car looked stunning and I knew I had to own one.

I only have a cold-air-induction installed and can easily pull away from 3rd generation corvettes. I attend a monthly Sonic car show and I get a lot of compliments. When opening my car door to go for a drive, I get a wonderful feeling, which is hard to explain. I also kind of have a camaraderie to my car's body like other proud owners of 1994-1996 B type body owners.

The Impala SS has over 200 HP, so I didn't really need to modify it. The only changes I made to it was a cold air induction upgrade. This allows me to easily over take cars on the free way. One time I ended up overtaking a third generation vette which tried to pull away.

Aside from that, this car packs a punch. Every time I get in for a drive my adrenaline starts kicking. If you ever had a car that could really push you would understand.

The Impala Squeaks and it is a known problem so there is no denying it. This does not mean the Impala has a serious problem. The problem really is that it is really annoying. Some people have come up with ways to fix it or make the squeaks a little less loud.

What I will be talking about though is the things I dislike about this car. Why? Because that is what all buyers want to hear about.

A great little performance boost for your Impala is available by K&N for about 150 bucks. This gives you an additional 26 HP making a fast car just a little bit faster. On a side note, one needs to remember that all vehicles have problems.

It is really difficult to name one make and model that comes problem free. Cars have problems with their radiators, engines, pumps and wires. One thing for sure is that these problems are corrected over the years. - 21396

About the Author:

Smith at Online Car Auctions has lots of Cheap Chevy Impala For Sale.

Engine Oil Evaluation for Minimal Expense

By Michael Kafuman

It is best to rely on oil analysis to establish your oil change interval. Of course, on many smaller vehicles that need only 4-6 quarts of motor oil, the cost of the oil analysis can be nearly as costly as a complete oil change.

Of course, the result is that most folks won't pay for a "true" oil analysis - but they might be willing to perform a simple oil anslysis themselves, if they knew how to do it. It won't give you detailed numbers as you'd get from a lab, but it can give you a fairly good idea of how well your oil is holding up.

As you read this article you'll find detailed instructions for 1 of 6 DIY oil analysis tests which you can utilize to figure out how your oil is performing and whether you should be getting it out of your engine. In this way you can begin to set realistic oil change intervals for your vehicle.

You might also want to consider learning a bit more about oils and filters in general. The following sites may prove useful for this purpose.

- No More Oil Changes - Everything you need to know about oil, but didn't know to ask

- The Motor Oil Evaluator -

- A Motor Oil Forum for discussion of motor oils

Performing the Test

Using just this simple layman's oil analysis test can expose a whole host of possible oil problems that might necessitate an oil change: particulate overload, glycol in the oil, build-up of condensation, fuel in the oil, oxidation products, sludge or dispersant additive failure are all possible problems that this test will find.

Make sure the oil is warm (not hot), pull your dipstick and place one drop of oil on a heavy, white, NON-glossy business card. Lay the paper or business card flat, but so that all but the very ends of the card is suspended. As a possible example, if you're using stiff card stock or a stiff business card (which you really should be) you could set the card across the top of a cup or mug of some sort.

You want to be patient and wait for the oil drop to be completely absorbed which might take awhile. Once all of the oil has dried you should be able to begin evaluating the condition of your oil.

- A colorless spot or slight yellowish outer ring = "good" oil.

- A dense, dark deposit zone = Dispersant additive failure

- A black, pasty area = Anti-freeze in your engine oil

- Center of circle dark with distinct outer ring = Severe oxidation

- Center of circle dark with outer rings = Fuel in oil,Fuel dilution

Details of this test procedure found in: Fitch, J.C., "The Lubrication Field Test and Inspection Guide", Noria Corporation 2000 - 21396

About the Author:

Interested in knowing how the other 5 oil analysis tests can be performed? Take a hop over to my BestSyntheticOil.com website to read the rest of the "Poor Man's Oil Analysis" article to determine your proper oil change intervals............