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Myth #13
- I don’t drive under severe conditions.
Fact:
Even with the best oil, after a while the additives are
depleted and the oil becomes too dirty to function
effectively. Although improvements in engines and oils
and the use of unleaded gasoline have extended
“normal-service” oil-change intervals to as long as
10,000 miles for some vehicles, the recommended interval
for “severe-service” conditions is three months or 3,000
miles, whichever comes first. Because most drivers
operate under severe-service conditions, Havoline
recommends a three-month/3,000 mile oil change interval.
The time limit may come before the mileage limit. Your
vehicle owner's manual specifies the correct oil-change
intervals for the car—under both normal and
severe-service conditions.
The automobile manufacturers set their oil drain
intervals based on laboratory engine test results, fleet
test results, and used oil analysis results. They also
base intervals on the assumption that the consumer will
follow recommended preventative maintenance practices,
and maintain proper oil levels. Engines that operate
with oil levels lower than the full level by as little
as one quart, dramatically increase the severity of the
conditions on the oil remaining in the sump. Even though
some manufacturers recommend oil changes at more than
5,000 miles for normal service, Havoline recommends oil
and filter changes at 3,000 miles or three months,
whichever comes first, unless the vehicle manufacturer
recommends a more frequent change interval.
Myth #14 - Bulk oil is a different
(lower) quality than bottled oil.
Fact:
Consumers may believe that bulk oil is a lower quality
because the price is generally less expensive than
packaged product. With some oil marketers, this may be
true; however, with Havoline® motor oil, our bulk oil
quality is the same high quality as the packaged
product. The price difference is generally the result of
lower packaging costs.
Myth #15 - Adding oil additives means
you can extend drain intervals. Adding oil additives
means I can get longer engine life.
Fact:
Engine oil technology has rapidly advanced in the past
decade, making today's high quality engine oils second
to none. Now, vehicle owners have a choice between
conventional, synthetic blends, and full synthetic
engine oils positioned to provide the best protection
for their application and driving needs. However, there
are consumers who want to provide value-added protection
to their engines through the use of engine treatments.
Although there are several engine oil supplements on the
market today, consumers must remember that the Original
Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have stated in the
vehicle owner’s manuals (i.e. 1999 Silverado page 6-15),
"Don't add anything to your oil. Your dealer is ready to
advise if you think something should be added.”
Havoline finds that some engine oil additives may have
detrimental effects on engine parts and engine oil
performance.
When using high quality motor oil products such as
Havoline Motor Oils, engine oil supplements are not
needed. However, if consumers wish to provide
value-added protection to their engines through the use
of other engine treatment products, and those products
are under Havoline's quality control for formulation and
manufacture, we will honor the use of those products for
our limited product warranties. Havoline encourages
consumers to change their oil every 3,000 miles
regardless of whether an engine oil treatment is
utilized. We also warn that the use of some engine oil
treatments and additives may alter motor oil's
effectiveness and should not be used.
In light of the foregoing, we only recommend products
under the control of our company and our product
technology organization; we ensure compatibility of
these formulations in order to deliver the benefits of
these quality products to the consumer.
Myth #16 - The brand of oil used can
cause the oil dipstick to rust.
Fact:
Not true. Generally, rusting of engine parts indicates
neglected maintenance or a severe service environment
that requires more frequent oil change intervals. All
high quality motor oils are formulated to help protect
against rust and corrosion. However, to maintain that
protection, the oil and filter must be changed according
to the recommended maintenance intervals.
Myth #17 - A coolant leak is present
only if the fluid separates into two parts.
Fact:
When coolant contaminates engine oil, high fluid
temperature will cause the water portion of the coolant
to evaporate, leaving the ethylene glycol portion of the
coolant behind. This results in a loss of lubricity of
the engine oil product and sludge to form within the
engine. Severe cases of coolant contamination or a
neglected internal engine coolant leak could lead to
complete engine failure.
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