Author: John Baker

John Baker

Recent Posts by John Baker

How Often Should I Change Front or Rear Differential Fluid?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Chevrolet silverado 1500 Towing Camper

How often you should change front and rear differential fluid depends on your vehicle, driving conditions and differential fluid quality.



Automatic Transmission Fluid & Manual Transmission Fluid: What’s the Difference?

John BakerJohn Baker|

Back in 2006, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) offered buyers the choice between an automatic and a manual transmission in 47 percent of new cars. Fast forward to 2018, when only 2 percent of vehicles sold had a manual transmission, according to edmunds.com. 



What is a CVT Transmission?

John BakerJohn Baker|
CVT transmission

CVT transmissions are gaining popularity due to their efficiency. But you need to use a dedicated CVT transmission fluid to maximize performance and life.



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

John BakerJohn Baker|
Glowing red brake rotor from heat

The primary difference between DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid is their respective boiling points. I suspect I know your next question. But first, some background. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) classifies brake fluid into four main categories:



What Should I Do with Used Motor Oil?

John BakerJohn Baker|
Container for used motor oil recycling

While most motorists pay someone to change their oil, 25 percent of us still crawl under our vehicles and do it ourselves. When we’re done, what do we do with the used motor oil?



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. Well, take a look at the video. We cooled a conventional 5W-30 motor oil and AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil to -40º. As you can see, the conventional

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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.