Author: John Baker

John Baker

Recent Posts by John Baker

Never Overlook This When Maintaining Your Snowblower

John BakerJohn Baker|
Snowblower won't start? Try this.

Thanksgiving day, 2016. While my family was gathered in my dining room, imbibing spirits and making merry, I was in the shed disassembling the carburetor on my snowblower, reeking of petroleum as rivers of gasoline flowed under my jacket cuffs and saturated me to the elbows.



How to Winterize your Motorcycle

John BakerJohn Baker|
Removing Fairing Motorcycle

Unless you live in the south or you lost a bet, you’re not riding your motorcycle during the winter. Here’s how to properly winterize your motorcycle to ensure it’s ready to go in the spring.



What is Fuel Dilution (and Why is it Bad)?

John BakerJohn Baker|
check your oil for vehicle longevity

Fuel dilution occurs when gasoline or diesel fuel infiltrate your engine’s crankcase and dilute, or “water down,” the motor oil.



What Causes Engine Oil Oxidation?

John BakerJohn Baker|
How to change your oil

As you might expect, oxygen causes engine oil oxidation. Oxygen comprises about 20 percent of our atmosphere. It’s the third most common element in the universe. Without it we’d all be doomed. And yet too much of it can cause problems inside your engine.



Why Does Motor Oil Turn Black?

John BakerJohn Baker|
How to change your oil

What causes black motor oil? And when your oil darkens does it mean it’s time to change it? Well, there are a couple of factors that can cause the former. Let’s dig in. Factors causing black motor oil Heat cycles naturally darken motor oil During your drive to work in the morning, your engine reaches

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Should I Switch to a Lighter Viscosity Oil in Winter?

John BakerJohn Baker|
frozen diesel - thermometer in winter

Motorists sometimes ask if they should use a lighter viscosity of motor oil once winter arrives. Yes – provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it. 



Why is there Sludge/Slime in my Radiator?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Radiator corrosion

Cooling-system issues account for nearly 40 percent of engine failures. Clearly, it pays to take care of your vehicle’s cooling system.



Why do European Cars Require Special Oil?

John BakerJohn Baker|
BMW

For all the grin-inducing benefits of owning a European car – finely tuned performance, sophisticated styling, prestige – they can be a pain. According to this list, four of the top five most expensive vehicles to maintain hail from across the pond.



How Does Synthetic Motor Oil Increase Fuel Economy?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Positive about Gas Prices

Increasing fuel economy remains a top priority for most automakers. Corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) requirements may be in flux, but gas prices continue to inch upward.



What’s the Difference Between Motorcycle, Dirt Bike and ATV Oil?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Metric motorcycles, crotch rockets

Most people who ask have an underlying question they really mean to ask: Can I use the same motor oil in my motorcycle, dirt bike and ATV/UTV?