nrv@ulysses.UUCP (07/13/83)
Strange, but someone once told me that any Pennsylvania crude based motor oil was good because it was a paraffin based oil. That most other oils (Valvoline included) were tar based oils, and were as such, to be avoided. I had no reason to doubt this, as the source was well informed in things automotive. I have also heard some very mixed reviews about Valvoline oil in particular, ranging from "arrgggg, you don't use Valvoline, do you?", to "Valvoline is the best thing thats ever happened to me, its even better than sex." Everyone seems to have an opinion in these matters, so here's mine. I have always liked Quaker State oil. It is a Pennsylvania oil. I have a little 4 cylinder Opel that I had abused for 100,000 miles (high rpms, general foot to the floor driving), when one day I decided to rebuild it to make it a bit faster. (it was really a stone in stock form) When I took it apart I noticed that the crankshaft, bearings, and all such internal parts were in dandy condition, considering what they had been through. I had always changed my oil at 3000 mile intervals, and I used Quaker State oil. Big deal. I really don't think the brand of oil mattered as much as the frequency of changing it. If you drive alot on the highway, always heating your oil up well (evaporating any moisture that condensed in it) you probably can get away with less frequent oil changes. However, those of you that only drive to church on Sunday could wait years for 3000 miles to go by. Time and the chemical byproducts of combustion can do a number on motor oil. Change it more often, maybe every three months or so, with the changing of the seasons. More than enough said. One final bit of advise though. Never believe anything you hear about cars from anyone, no matter how impressive their credentials, unless five other people tell you the same thing. Rich V. (Btl @ Murray Hill)