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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-10-14, Page 32PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987. The protection and performance advantages of synthetic oils are being experienced by increasing numbers of motorists worldwide. Many motorists have discovered the difference scientifically advanced motor oils can make. Every motorist should be well- versed in the importance of proper engine lubrication. Reduced to its simplest form, an engine is a mass of precisely machined compo­ nents, all whirling, sliding and grinding against one another. Without a good, dependable film of motor oil to cool and protect these surfaces, friction and wear can quickly turn an engine into a useless lump of smoldering metal. The environment inside the engine is harsh, however, and it rapidly takes a heavy toll on engine oil. The hostile temperatures, combustion gases, and the con­ stant pounding and shearing that take place work to degrade the oil - breaking down its molecular chains, and depleting its special additives - causing it to rapidly lose Swiss dream of sun-powered cars Swiss commuters could by the 1990s be driving to work in silent, light-weight cars that are cheap, efficient and cause no pollution. Such, at least, is the dream of the engineers - professionals and enthusiastic amateurs - who claim to have made Switzerland the world leader in developing cars powered by sunlight. “There are more solar-powered cars in Switzerland than in any other country and our technology is generally more advanced,’’ elec­ trical engineer Urs Muntwyler said. Muntwyler is the organizer of a “World Championship’’ race of solar-powered cars credited with stimulating interest in electricity as a pollution-free alternative to the internal combustion engine. The annual race, known as the “Tour de Sol,’’ was started by engineering students in 1985. The cars work by “catching” sunlight in large solar panels and converting it into electricity which is stored in batteries for use when the car is in motion. Around 50 solar cars are already licensedtodrive on Swiss roads and three or four specialist com­ panies manufacture them, though on a very limited scale. But the key is financing. One study said the launch of a mass-produced solar-powered car selling for around $6,500 would cost millions of dollars. Switzerland has no car industry of its own and foreign producers with the necessary financial mus­ cle have so far shown no serious interest in this new field. its ability to cool and lubricate properly. Thus, despite the mess and the expense, keeping engine oil clean and effective by changing it at frequentintervals is something with which we are all familiar. According to Byron Selbrede, customer services director for AMSOILInc. of Superior, Wiscon­ sin, synthetic motor oils offer a better alternative. “By dramatically improving the quality of lubrication,’’ says Sel­ brede, “synthetic oils are able to extend the period of time that oil can remain safely inside an engine. In a nutshell, synthetic oils im­ prove upon or solve many of the shortcomings of ordinary non­ synthetic motor oils.’’ The history of synthetic lubri­ cants is testimony to their effec­ tiveness in specialized situations. During World War II, bitter cold winter temperatures along the Russian Front caused the lubri­ cants in German tanks to freeze solid. German scientists respond­ ed by manufacturing oils that remained fluid even in these extreme temperatures. Shortly after the war, when jet engines were developed, it was clear that only synthetically pro­ duced lubricants could stand up to the extreme temperatures and pressures these engines generat­ UKK/^Special Purchase BHM Only at Listowel Chrysler OVER 150 CARS & TRUCKS IN STOCK NOW! 1987 PLYMOUTH CARAVELLE Equipped with 2.5 litre4 cyl. engine, automatic, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, tintedalass, powertrunk. $11,900 1987 CHRYSLER LEBARON Eguipped with power windows, power roof, power mirrors, and much more. $17,900 1987 PLYMOUTH TURISMO 2.2 litre4cyl. engine, automatic, rear defroster, power steering and brakes. $8,900 1987 PLYMOUTH EXPO 2.2 litre engine, deluxe interior, automatic, power steering and brakes. $7,499 I46F KNOW PRICE SELLS CARS! LIMITED TIME OFFER LISTOWEL CHRYSLER 754 Main St. E. Listowel OPEN DAILY TILL9P.M., SATURDAY TILL5P.M. We just want to be the BEST *Low mileage short term lease returns Plymouth CHRYSLER ed. Subsequently all jet airplanes and space vehicles have been lubricated with synthetic fluids. In the late 1960s, when scientists seriously began tailoring synthe­ tics to the specific problems of combustion engines, a new era began in automotive lubrication. This soon resulted in the deve­ lopment of the first 100 percent synthetic motor oil to obtain an API Service Classification rating. The performance advantages of modern synthetic motor oils clearly illustrate the power that science has brought to the field of engine lubrication: •Synthetic oils are engineered with a higher degree of lubricity, or “slipperiness”. This means syn­ thetics will reduce friction and drag, causing less engine wear, cooling engine temperatures and improving fuel economy. •Because they contain no waxes or paraffins, synthetic oils flow readily at much lower tempera­ tures than their petroleum coun­ terparts. This results in easier cranking and almost instant engine lubrication in cold weather. •The molecules in synthetic oils are of uniform size and length. There are no lighter portions to boil away at high temperatures, nor any extraneous compounds to break down and form dirty engine deposits.- Because synthetics do not dirty” themselves and are highly resistant to the destructive effects of heat, they stay cleaner, lubricate betterand last longer than non­ synthetics. This last point is especially important because it explains why synthetic oils can remain in engines for such extended periods of time. The fact is, synthetic oils do have much longer lifespans than non­ synthetics; in many cases, oil change intervals of up to 25,000 miles or one year are possible and, in fact, commonly recommended by the manufacturers! Such extraordinary perfor­ mance improvements will doubt­ lessly raise a few eyebrows among car enthusiasts, especially those who religiously change engine oil every 2,000 miles. But synthetic oils are not just some new gadget aimed at captur­ ing a few dollars from motorists’ pocketbooks. They represent auto­ motive science’s best shot at solvingthenumerous problems that traditionally plague combus­ tion engine lubricants. &