[TxGreaseMonkey]

This is really more about having good brakes. Brake failure is the No. 1 fear of drivers, particularly women. Brake fluid should really be changed every 2 years.

[J_9]

Will keep that in mind. Hey, great pic.

Is that you? LOL

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Yes, I was in the Air Force. Picture taken over Otis AFB, MA (Cape Cod), going into a barrel roll.

[J_9]

OMG, is that really you?

What a cool pic!!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Are you going for your BSN at the University of Memphis?

[J_9]

I thought you asked about my BSN and U of M.

I am currently going for my AAS at DSCC, then will attend U of Memphis, GO TIGERS!!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

You will enjoy nursing--it's a great career field.

[J_9]

Thank you... I really do appreciate your help.

Oh, yeah, funny thing...

Nothing will be done to the car till Friday,

But when I ran some errands this afternoon it acted as though nothing was wrong.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

When I was in engineering school, there were many nursing students in my chemistry classes.

[J_9]

Oh, Chemistry is tough, especially if you get a professor who barely speaks english like I had.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I had a Chinese lab assistant who wanted me to become a chemistry major, but all I wanted to do was become an aerospace engineer and be an Air Force test pilot.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

I always wanted my son to become interested in working on cars, planes, and electronics. I wasn't to be. He's a 32 year old securities lawyer, working in Los Angeles. However, he did learn something--he uses Mobil 1 Extended Performance oil in his car and regularly gets his brake fluid changed. He knows if he doesn't, he could have big problems on the L.A. freeways.

There's nothing worse when you are young and get that unexpected bill to rebuild an engine or transmission. I've been there and now try and help young people learn through my experiences. You can learn synthetically through the experiences of others or you can learn from the school of hard knocks.

[J_9]

You are too funny!!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did you get your spark plugs and fuel filter?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Will your plugs and fuel filter be installed today, as planned?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Did you get your car fixed?

[J_9]

TX,

The car is running FANTASTIC now. Thank you for your help. It is almost like I have a new car.

Thanks again. I wish you were here as my mechanic. I cannot tell you how much help you have given.

Wonderful advice... You are GREAT!!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Thank you! Did your mechanic replace the plugs and fuel filter? Did the ETS light go out with the new spark plugs?

Remember to:

. Record the work that was done in your Maintenance Log,

. Switch to synthetic oil next time (change at 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first), and
. Change the brake fluid with Valvoline SynPower.

Good luck with your nursing studies and happy motoring!

[J_9]

He replaced the plugs and filter with the ones that you recommended. I printed out the log of our virtual conversation and he agreed you were right on the money.

However, he did say something about Castrol Oil and that it is better, what is your opinion on that.

Hubby recorded all the work and keeps all receipts.

You are a life saver. Thanks for all your help.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

If price was not a factor, I would only use Amsoil or Mobil 1, which have pure polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oils. These are Group IV oils (best). Castrol Syntec is a "good" oil, but it is only a Group III oil. Castrol markets Group III oils at Group IV prices.

Castrol does make a "World Class" oil, however, in their German Castrol 0W-30. This is available at Autozone but not many other stores.

Cost is a factor, with most people, and I would recommend you only buy oils on great sales; e.g. Valvoline right now. Basically, if you buy any of the main brand synthetics at a great price, you have a great deal. The worst synthetic is better than the best conventional mineral oil.

In the Air Force, we only use synthetics in our jet engines, just like all commercial jet airliners.