The New Reality of Modern Vehicle Maintenance
Kevin S. McCartney
crashh@prodigy.net
209-873-1155
Fluid Documentation
Twenty states now have new programs requiring special documentation for automotive
lubricants on all receipts and invoices. Performance level, SAE viscosity and brand
must be identified on all invoices and receipts.
“Performance Level” includes:
 API & ILSAC service ratings
 ACEA service ratings
 OEM proprietary service ratings
The manufacturer Part number or stocking number is also recommended. The receipt or
invoice must identify the specific product. Valvoline makes at least six different
Synpower 5W-30 full synthetic products. Each meets different performance levels. Most
other oil companies do the same thing. It is the shops responsibility to select the correct
OEM compliant product and identify it on the receipt.
Failure to list all performance ratings may put warranty compliance at risk. API & ILSAC
approval is not sufficient for at least some cars sold by the following manufacturers:
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GM
Honda
Ford
Chrysler
Fiat
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BMW
Mini
MB
VW/Audi
There is no requirement to list OEM or ACEA ratings and no allowance to substitute
such ratings for API & ILSAC ratings.
Many of the best oil products approved for use in current model European cars are still
API-SL/CF approved and may have to be listed with the following claim:
“not suitable for use in most gasoline powered automotive engines built after 2004.”
The inclusion of OEM and ACEA ratings is allowed and highly recommended to
distinguish higher quality fluids.
Dynamic Viscosity - is different than kinematic viscosity and is NOT adequately
identified by the SAE viscosity rating. High dynamic viscosity is required for proper
protection of many engine design features.
GDI Pump Drives – The bucket tappets that drive the GDI injection pump are extreme
pressure/high shear components that require high dynamic viscosity oil for proper
protection.
Timing Chains – Some modern engine designs increase soot production. High
dynamic viscosity and/or special soot control additives are required for normal timing
chain life.
Pistons & Rings – New ultra narrow low tension rings allow advantageous ring
placement for reduced emissions and improved efficiency. But, they require low
viscosity oil for proper oil cooling. With higher viscosity oil they are susceptible to
deposit accumulation and ring sticking.
SAPS – is an abbreviation for Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulfur. Lower SAPS
levels are required to extend catalytic converter and oxygen sensor life.
Wallet Flushing
Early 2013 CA-BAR announced a new “Wallet Flushing” program. “Wallet Flushing” is a
term used to describe services that have no benefit to the motorist but create significant
profit for shop owners. Virtually every other state has the same power to address wallet
flushing and some already do.
Whenever a shop recommends services that are different from OEM requirements, they
must:
 Disclose the difference from OEM
 Provide “objective validation” for any claims
Common Differences From OEM:
 Oil drain intervals (under 15,000 miles)
 Transmission services
 Cooling system services
 Injection cleaning/flushing
 Steering flush services
 Brake flush services
 Anything where the shop schedule is significantly different than the OEM
schedule.
All of the above require full disclosure and objective validation.
Sources of Validation:
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Brake test strips
OEM supplier Claims
Auto Safety Council - http://www.autosafety.org/campaigns/20
Car Care Council - http://www.carcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/UpdatedService-Interval-Schedule.pdf
Motorist assistance Program -http://motorist.org/articles/avoid-expensive-autorepairs-6-tips
Oil Life Monitors – Most of these systems work very well when the proper OEM
approved oil is used.
Are 3,000 mile services really necessary?
Extended drain intervals have been proven effective in:
 Lincoln, NE
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Yuma, AZ
Jacksonville, FL
Mountain View, CA
BMW has had 15,000 mile services for over a decade. Problems rarely if ever occur
before 15,000 miles. Many
Modern oil ratings include about 14 general areas of performance:
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Seal compatibility
Fuel efficiency
Corrosion protection
Emulsion retention
Volatility
Sludge control
Piston cleanliness
Turbo protection
Oxidation/thickening
General wear protection
Chain wear protection
Aeration
Shear stability
Pre-ignition
Emission system durability
3,000 miles verses 6 Months – Two extended services each year costs the customer
about the same as four 3,000 mile services
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Two $80 services costs $160
Four $40 services costs $160
3,000 mile services are a marketing tool that loses money. 6-month services are a more
effective marketing tool that makes money.
The extended service includes slightly more expensive oil and filter. The rest of the cost
is used for more effective inspections and reasonable profit.
Cost of ownership and shop profits both improve when motorists keep their cars well
maintained for 300,000+ miles.
Avoid making lower cost claims that you can’t or don’t validate!
Keep Motorists Happy with their car, not just happy with their shop.
Longer oil change intervals should be combined with more extensive inspections and
better quality materials.
Common Repairs that degrade motorist confidence in their car:
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Aftermarket Alarm
Intake Manifold Gaskets
Water pumps
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Coolant leaks
Spark Plugs
Ignition Coils
ECT Sensor
MAF Sensor
Oxygen Sensor
EGR valve
Catalytic Converter
Loose Fuel Caps
Brakes
Timing belts
Tires
Transmission
Air conditioning
Exhaust
General electrical
Oil leaks
Battery
300,000 mile Service Schedule considerations that help retain motorists confidence in
their existing vehicle:
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Current ramp electric motors
Brake fluid test strips
Transmission fluid analysis
Alternator brush pack replacement
OBDII Mode 6 analysis
Exhaust analysis
Ignition analysis
Detailing
Soft trim
The above do far more to retain customers that increasing the number of traditional
services.
Kevin S. McCartney
crashh@prodigy.net
209-873-1155