If you drive a vehicle with more than a few miles on it, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed an occasional drip underneath it that leaves spots wherever you park. Identifying what is leaking from your car will help you determine whether or not it’s a cause for concern, and what to do about it.

Everyone from car mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Mercie J Auto Care in Mesa, AZ, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your car, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about cars. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

My customers have been asking for more information on synthetic oil and how it affects their engine.  Basically the inside of your engine gets really hot because of friction from the moving parts and from burning fuel. Oil lubricates the moving parts to keep them from getting too hot. 

The problem comes when oil turns to sludge, which is kind of a thick jelly. Sludge clogs up little passages so that the oil can’t protect parts of the engine. So the two best ways for auto owners to prevent sludge build-up is to always change their oil on schedule; and to use synthetic oil.