Should I change to synthetic motor oil in 1994 Celica?

Q: I have a 1994 Toyota Celica and have usually applied regular oil. Really should/can I adjust to synthetic? Can I combine the two?

A: Whilst there are artificial blends, it is under no circumstances a fantastic plan to be a “driveway engineer” and blend oil. On a uncommon event, there can be some compatibility issues with the additives in a variety of brands and kinds of oil. Looking at the age of your automobile, I would adhere with the Toyota advised oil, which is 10W-30 SG regular oil.

Q: Any strategy why no 1 has submitted a lawsuit versus the car business for their faulty headlight lens covers? I think about cloudy lenses a dangerous problem. I truly feel the car business need to swap these lenses at no charge to the shopper.

A: You are suitable that appropriate lights is crucial. In simple fact, AAA did some tests and uncovered that poorly discolored headlights can limit mild output by up to 90%. The clear plastic lenses are issue to discoloration from abrasion, ultraviolet light-weight and incorrect bulb use.

Lenses can also be damaged for the duration of servicing if a fender address is more than the lens and the headlights are on.

The lenses can, with a tiny treatment, last a long time but are regarded a part that can dress in out. Lenses can be restored/polished, and there are also good-excellent, cost-powerful aftermarket headlight assemblies. These aftermarket lights will not just allow greater night driving overall performance but will make improvements to the glance of the auto.

Q: I have two plug-in hybrids. In these automobiles, the electrical motor is major and the gas motor arrives in as a booster to deliver longer variety. Since of that, for most “around city” driving, the gas motor does not operate. If it does operate, it’s only for a brief time.

Nevertheless, on a long excursion, the gas motor does all the operate — immediately after the cost runs down — with the electric motor supplying a enhance when the auto wants further acceleration.

The maker suggests artificial oil, and that is all I have at any time made use of in these engines. Must I make confident the oil is pure synthetic, provided the strange duty cycle of these powertrains?

Tale proceeds

A: Synthetic oil and hybrids, or plug-in hybrids, have been produced for each other. I would just use the oil fat and quality suggested by the maker. I would not be concerned about manufacturer, as extended as it meets the technical specs. As an example, the Prius Key makes use of 0W-16 API SN/RC oil. This is a entirely synthetic oil and the only oil that should really be utilized in that motor/car or truck.

Q: Can you remark on the advisability of installing an AGM (state-of-the-art glass mat) battery in a automobile that was initially outfitted with a common lead-acid battery? Possibly there are variations in the auto charging process or digital controls of the method that would guide to incompatibility?

A: Substituting an AGM battery for a direct-acid battery can get a little controversial.

At AAA, we imagine that you ought to keep with the very same variety and structure of battery that your motor vehicle arrived with. The reasoning is the charging program was made for a selected style and design battery, and that is the battery that should be used in the motor vehicle.

Some battery shops will display great, much better, and very best batteries and listing the AGM substitute as the “best” battery.

Right until auto manufacturers approve upfitting to a different battery, I would use AGM batteries in motor vehicles that arrived with AGM batteries and lead-acid batteries in vehicles that came with lead-acid batteries.

Q: I individual a 2015 Hyundai with 78,000 miles on it. The engine burns oil, but not all the time. I can go 500 miles on the highway and not use a drop. Other moments I can generate 300 miles all-around city and use a quart.

When I went to the supplier since of the 10 year/100,000-mile warranty, they advised me they did not discover any difficulties. What should really I do?

A: Some Hyundai engines had difficulties with the piston rings sticking and triggering oil consumption. The repairs range from an engine flush to an engine substitute.

At this issue, I would inquire the seller to complete an oil use test.

Generate usually and have the supplier check the oil as needed. If the engine is using a lot more than a quart of oil in 750 miles, the repairs ought to be included under guarantee.

John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car or truck Medical doctor. He has more than 40 a long time of knowledge in the vehicle sector and is an ASE-Qualified Master Technician. Generate to John Paul, The Automobile Health practitioner, at 110 Royal Small Travel, Providence, RI 02904. Or email [email protected] and place “Car Doctor” in the subject matter field. Observe him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.

This write-up initially appeared on The Providence Journal: Car or truck Medical professional: Should really I adjust to artificial motor oil?