RepairPal Blog:

 Mechanic's Corner

Advice from experts concerning automotive parts, repairs, and services





Everyone knows what an engine is, right? It’s what makes your car go! But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look; it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Since we started using synthetic oil, the quandary has always been how often to change it. There is no question synthetic engine oil lasts longer than conventional mineral-based oil. However, most synthetic oil manufacturers simply defer to the auto manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. 

Everyone in my generation (fifty-something) and older grew up with cars that required a tune-up as often as every year or 12,000 miles. There were moving parts (ignition points) inside the distributor to wear, and additives in the gas (lead) that left deposits on the spark plugs. As preventive maintenance, the fuel and air filters and PCV valve were commonly replaced, as well. Carburetor adjustments and ignition timing were also checked as part of a tune-up.

Lately, some of us at RepairPal have been traveling to different auto repair shops in our area. Our goal is to determine what makes a great repair shop. From a technical side, that is pretty easy for us to determine. We can look at the training, qualifications, and years of experience of the service advisers and technicians.

