Author: John Baker

John Baker

Recent Posts by John Baker

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil: The Definitive Guide

John BakerJohn Baker|
AMSOIL, conventional vs. synthetic oil, cold pour

In the battle of synthetic vs. conventional oil, most motorists today know that synthetic oil emerges victorious. It’s widely understood that synthetic oil provides improved wear protection, engine cleanliness and fuel efficiency, among other benefits. Synthetic oil also lasts longer, offering increased convenience and cost savings. But what makes synthetic oil better than conventional oil?

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How to Pick the Right Motor Oil for Your Car

John BakerJohn Baker|
conventional and synthetic oil

The glut of motor oils available can quickly induce analysis paralysis. How do you pick the right motor oil for your car?



What Motor Oil is Best for Winter? (And Other Cold-Weather Questions)

John BakerJohn Baker|

Synthetic oil is best for winter. We’re done here. If only it were that simple. But most people want empirical data to support such claims.



What is the Shelf Life of AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Pouring oil

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are designed to retain their original performance after a reasonable period of time in your garage or storeroom. Proper storage ensures the freshest, most effective products possible.



How Engine Wear & Deposits Kill Horsepower

John BakerJohn Baker|
custom show truck at show

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.



Should I Change Fluid in a Filled-for-Life Transmission?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Automatic transmission

Casual motorists generally take no interest in crawling under their vehicles on a Saturday afternoon. And, when was the last time you heard someone express excitement over dropping their car off at the dealership for maintenance?



How Much Oil Does My Car Need?

John BakerJohn Baker|

The answer seems simple: probably about five quarts. But, if you drive a small car with a four-cylinder engine, it’s likely closer to four quarts. However, the V-8 engine in your truck could require about seven quarts. My in-laws’ RAM diesel pickup takes 12 quarts of motor oil.



Is an Engine Flush Good or Bad?

John BakerJohn Baker|
engine flush after

To flush or not to flush. It’s a question whose answer is obvious in the bathroom, but vigorously debated in the garage. Let’s get right to the point. Is an engine flush good or bad?



Expert Tips for Fixing Rust on a Vehicle

John BakerJohn Baker|
Fix rust on a vehicle

Most vehicle-restoration projects eventually run into rust. At some point you’ll need to repair rust holes or rusty panels. For starters, it’s unsafe; once rust starts, it tends to spread and eventually weaken the vehicle’s structure. And it looks horrible.



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.