Author: John Baker

John Baker

Recent Posts by John Baker

What’s the Difference Between DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid?

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The primary difference between the two is their respective boiling points. I suspect I know your next question. But first, some background. The U.S. Department of Transportation classifies brake fluid into four main categories:



Help Revive a Lawn Mower (and other equipment) that Runs Rough

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Summer lawn mower maintenance tips

Judging someone’s character can be boiled down to this key question: do they love going to the dump?



Are all Synthetic Oil Groups the Same? Group III vs IV vs V

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The simple answer No. In fact, there are wide performance differences between base oil categories. Generally speaking, Group IV base oils offer the best performance, Group III second best, and so on in reverse order. But be forewarned – there are exceptions. And, you can’t judge motor oil performance solely on base oil type.



What Happens if I Use the Wrong Weight (Viscosity) of Oil?

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It depends on how your engine is built and how it reacts to the specific viscosity of oil you use. That’s pretty nebulous, so here are some examples.



Do Fuel Additives Work?

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Intake Valves PI

Store shelves are littered with fuel additives that claim to provide a number of benefits, including… • Increased fuel economy • Smoother engine operation • Reduced emissions • Extended engine life • Maximum horsepower



What’s New about Reformulated OE Synthetic Motor Oil?

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First Signature Series Synthetic Motor Oil, then XL Synthetic Motor Oil. Now, OE Synthetic Motor Oil is our latest oil to undergo a formulation change and facelift.



Never Overlook This When Maintaining Your Snowblower

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Snowblower won't start? Try this.

Thanksgiving day. 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. Here’s what happened, and here’s how to avoid it.



How Often Should I Change Front or Rear Differential Fluid?

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Chevrolet Towing Camper

It depends on your vehicle, driving conditions and differential fluid quality. That’s a pretty vague answer, but it’s true. If you drive your truck primarily on the highway in temperate conditions and rarely tow or haul, you likely don’t need to change front or rear differential fluid very often.



Reformulated XL Motor Oil: Stronger for Longer

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So, what’s new about reformulated XL Synthetic Motor Oil? In essence, XL protects better for longer, yet costs the same as before. It’s the perfect choice for enthusiasts who want to do something extra for their vehicle.



How Engine Wear & Deposits Kill Horsepower

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Most people equate engine wear and deposits with a sudden, catastrophic engine failure that leaves you stranded alongside the road. In reality, wear and deposits are more likely to erode engine power and efficiency over time. Here’s how it works and what you can do about it.