The Original Synthetic Motor Oil

Latest News and Information in the World of Lubrication

Reprinted from The Direct Line & The Action News

January-March 2007

Past issues of Auto Technology & Lubrication News

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Briefly

Diesel Owners Report Excellent Fuel Efficiency

According to the Environmental Protection Agency's "YourMPG" database, diesel vehicle owners are reporting 4.3% greater fuel efficiency than indicated on their new vehicle window stickers. The data was collected from 221 diesel vehicle drivers who calculate their own fuel economy and report it to an Internet database. Gasoline vehicle owners, on the other hand, reported 1.4% to 1.7% decreased fuel economy compared to the window sticker, while hybrid owners reported 8% decreased fuel economy. 'It's long been known that diesel is the most fuel efficient internal combustion engine ever produced, typically providing 20-40% greater fuel efficiency than other technologies," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "These reports from real diesel drivers across the country reaffirm diesel's superior fuel efficiency, and will help consumers make future buying decisions when the next generation of clean diesel vehicles arrives over the next several model years."

Top-Up Container Tip

Noria Corporation recommends using only top-up lubricant containers that can be sealed air-tight, and they should always be resealed tightly between uses. "Don't use top-up containers to store oil next to machines. Instead, place containers in a nearby locker of cabinet between uses. Inspect containers routinely for dirt, sludge and debris."

The Increased Popularity of Imports

The aftermarket has responded to the ever-increasing popularity of import vehicles.

While import vehicles were once an afterthought in the aftermarket, retailers have quickly learned the importance of catering to owners of imported vehicles. Asian manufacturers, in particular, have consistently increased their sales numbers in the United States since 1980, while domestic manufacturers struggle to maintain market share. In fact, Toyota is on the cusp of surpassing General Motors as the world's largest automaker.

According to Mike Emley, co-owner of All Parts Auto Stores in San Jose, Calif., imports comprise at least 50 percent of his business. "I've just watched the market shift dramatically," says Emley. "In 1968, it was British,French and German vehicles. Now those are a rarity. Now it's Asian. We stock everything possible for imports. (But) it gets a little clouded and confused when you have to know your VIN number and whether the Toyota was made in America or Japan.

Twenty years ago, imports comprised 14 percent of vehicles in operation. That number increased to 22 percent by 2005, and experts expect import sales to continually increase in the future. According to Joerg Dittmer, industry analyst with Frost & Sullivan, 46 percent of new vehicle sales will be imports by 2012.

"This year's (2006) Motor Trend Car and Truck of the Year were both Hondas: the Civic and the Ridgeline," said Ray Birden, senior vice president of marketing at Carquest. "And Toyota is building their new pickup in Texas. Where the domestic brands have traditionally held their own has been the truck and SUV market, and clearly the import manufacturers have their eyes on that market as well."

According to Dan Buss, president of D&R Autoworks, a service center in Illinois, he saw domestic service at his business fall by eight percent in only a year's time. "I think every territory is going to see imports grow - maybe not at the percentage we've seen them, but they're going to see them grow," he says. "I think people's tastes have changed. If they're going to spend $20,000 on a car, they'd rather buy a three-year-old Mercedes than a brand new Chevy. I think the more you hear an Asian import driver rave (the more imports will grow). I have a customer who went from domestic to Asian and asked why he didn't do it sooner."

Birden praises the quality of import vehicles. "One trend we see on the import brand vehicles is the quality of the vehicle really is causing them to have a much longer life," he says. "And so the part categories we see most of the demand for will be in the typical categories of brakes, belts, hoses."

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils offer unsurpassed protection and performance for all vehicle investments, domestic and foreign. By reducing friction, heat and wear, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide maximum power, performance and fuel efficiency, keeping vehicles on the road longer.

Briefly

AMSOIL Among Best-Selling Synthetic Motor Oils

According to the 2006 Fast Lube Operators Survey published by National Oil & Lube News, AMSOIL is among the best-selling synthetic motor oils at fast lube companies operating less than 30 stores (LT30):

Drum Storage Tip

When storing a lubricant drum outdoors with a drum cover for an extended period, Noria Corporation recommends marking where the bung is on the side of the drum before placing the drum cover on. "Ninety degrees to the bung, lay a wicking device (such as a strand from an industrial mop) over the chime so that half is on top edge of drum and half is hanging outside of the drum. Install drum cover as normal. If possible, set the back edge of the drum on a 1x2 board or equivalent to create a slope so that any condensation forming inside of the drum cover can be directed downward toward the wick and out to the ground. Note: Wick, if placed 90 degrees from board or on downside of slope."

New AMSOIL Products

New Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil and reformulated PI gas additive provide unsurpassed performance and fuel economy benefits.

Many vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Honda, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota, are now recommending fuel efficient 0W-20 and 5W-20 motor oils in many of the vehicles they produce. AMSOIL currently offers its XL 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (XLM) in this viscosity range, but to further meet the growing demand, AMSOIL has introduced new 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (ASM). A longer drain alternative to XL 5W-20, Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil provides maximum protection and outstanding fuel efficiency for extended drain intervals of 25,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, in normal service and 15,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first, in severe service.

AMSOIL Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil delivers extraordinary lubrication for automotive gasoline engines. Formulated with the industry's premier synthetic technology and additives in a light viscosity formulation, it withstands high temperatures and delivers outstanding fuel economy and cold temperature performance. Its light viscosity properties reduce drag, while its uniform molecular structure helps it lower friction between metal surfaces. Anti-friction additives are included to further improve energy efficiency.

• Low Volatility
• Excellent protection in temperature extremes
• Up to 25,000-mile drain intervals
• Outstanding fuel efficiency
• Superior wear protection
• Prevents sludge

Applications

AMSOIL Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil is recommended for Honda, Acura, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Ford and all other applications where SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 is required with the following specifications:

• API SM/CF, SL, SJ...
• ILSAC GF-4, 3...
• ACEA A1/B1
• Ford WSS-M2C930-A
• DaimlerChrysler MS-6395N

PI Performance Improver (API)

Today's fuels vary in quality and additive treat levels from the refinery. Although a certain level of detergent additive is required by law to be formulated into gasoline, cost restrictions cause refineries to use low quality additives in the lowest additive concentration (LAC), a level insufficient to prevent deposit accumulation. Deposits accumulate on fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers within just a few thousand miles, disrupting spray patterns, affecting electronic sensors and causing a multitude of problems. Fuel system deposits result in lost fuel economy and power, poor throttle response, failed emission tests, poor drivability, engine knocking (pinging) and rap and difficult starts.

The newly formulated AMSOIL PI Performance Improver is the most potent gasoline additive available today. As a concentrated detergent, it is unsurpassed in cleaning combustion chamber deposits, intake valve deposits and port fuel injector deposits, eliminating the need for expensive fuel injector cleaning procedures. It is ideal for use prior to emissions inspections, and it helps maintain peak engine efficiency, fuel economy, power and drivability in newer low mileage engines. In engines with accumulated deposits, testing showed AMSOIL PI provided the following clean-up benefits after only one tank of gasoline:

• Improves fuel mileage an average of 2.3% and up to 5.7%
• Reduced emissions

• hydrocarbons (HC) up to 15%
• carbon monoxide (CO) up to 26%
• nitrous oxides (NOx) up to 17%

• Restored power and performance
• Reduced need for costly higher octane fuel
• Reduced noise from carbon rap and pre-ignition
• Better drivability
• Smoother operation

The new PI formulation offers greater potency than the old formulation and delivers extra benefits, including increased fuel economy improvements, improved intake valve and combustion chamber cleaning and lower emissions. Because it is recommended to be used once every 4,000 miles, rather than with every tank of gas, the new PI formulation is also more convenient to use. Its new smaller neck makes it easier to pour into the tank, and because the flip top has been eliminated, leakage is minimized.

Although the new PI formulation costs slightly more per bottle than the old formulation, its more powerful potency saves money in the long run. For example, in a vehicle with a 20-gallon tank receiving 20 miles per gallon, the new PI costs 15% less over the course of 4,000 miles The old PI formulation treated fuel at a rate of one oz. per 10 gallons of gasoline. A vehicle receiving 20 mpg consumes 200 gallons of gas and 20 ounces of the old PI over 4,000 miles, equating to a $7.50 Dealer cost or a $9.81 suggested retail cost for the 20 ounces of PI necessary for 4,000 miles ($6.00 Dealer/$7.85 suggested retail per 16-oz. bottle when purchased by the case). Similarly, only one 12-oz. bottle of new PI is recommended per 4,000 miles of driving equating to a Dealer cost of $6.50 and a suggested retail cost of $8.60 when purchased by the case. Additionally, old PI required an initial clean-up dose of six ounces per 10 gallons of gas, further increasing its cost. Owners of vehicles receiving less than 20 mpg save even more by using the new PI formulation.

Briefly

Natural Gas-Powered Garbage Trucks

The environmental group Inform reports that an increasing number of U.S. cities are switching their garbage trucks from diesel to natural gas, with approximately 1,500 of the nation's 136,000 garbage trucks currently powered by natural gas. "Replacing diesel fuel-powered trucks with trucks powered by natural gas is a tremendous opportunity not only for cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods but also for reducing reliance on a fuel coming from risky and unreliable foreign sources." said Inform president Joanna Underwood.

Be Wary of Maximum Payload Numbers

For years, pickup truck manufacturers have assigned their vehicles maximum payload numbers to indicate the total weight the vehicles are capable of carrying. The number is calculated by subtracting the weight of the truck from the manufacturer's specified gross vehicle weight rating. However, an unspoken practice among many manufacturers has been to understate the maximum payload number, allowing owners to exceed the weight limit without problem. Truck owners should be aware that not every manufacturer follows this practice, and it is up to them to figure out exactly how far over or under the maximum payload number they can load their trucks. For example, according to Truck Trend, the unibody Honda Ridgeline reports a higher payload capacity (1510 pounds) than the heavy-duty Dodge Ram Mega Cab (1500 pounds), but tests showed the Ram easily handling its maximum payload capacity while the Ridgeline's rear coil springs were almost fully compressed when loaded to its maximum capacity.

A Future of Alternative Fuels

Biodiesel and ethanol are poised to help ease the nation's reliance on foreign oil.

For motorists concerned about high fuel costs, there is reason to be optimistic. Alternative fuels and new vehicle technology present hope for lower fuel costs and increased fuel efficiency. Although suppliers are somewhat limited, biodiesel and ethanol fuels are both currently available, and they are poised to eventually supplant traditional diesel and gasoline fuels.

Due to cost restrictions and limited production and distribution, experts say alternative fuels will not immediately replace petroleum. However, alternative fuel development is winning support from high places, including President Bush and American Trucking Associations. Bush's goal is to replace 75 percent of the nation's Mideast oil imports with ethanol and other energy sources by 2025. Many individual states offer incentives for using alternative fuels, including special traffic-lane privileges, alternative fuel price deductions and grants toward flex-fuel vehicle purchases.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is composed of diesel fuel mixed with vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled restaurant grease, and it can be used in almost any diesel engine. According to the National Biodiesel Board in Jefferson City, Mo., biodiesel is being produced in 53 plants in 26 states, with more plants in development. Meanwhile, diesel-electric hybrid vehicles are showing promise as a technology of the future, with overnight carriers such as UPS reporting positive results with the technology.

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), only pure biodiesel (B100) is considered an alternative fuel by government standards, but lower blends such as B20 (20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel) are gaining popularity in heavy-duty vehicles such as refuse haulers and military support vehicles. An advantage of B20 is that it generally does not require engine modification, while B100 "may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems and may not be suitable for wintertime use."

According to Mike Frailey, a project engineer at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo., owners of older fleets of vehicles should exercise caution when switching to biodiesel because it can dissolve the sediments in diesel fuel tanks and cause filter plugging issues. These problems usually occur during the initial transition from conventional diesel fuel. In addition, the Union of Concerned Scientists reports that B100 requires special additives or heating systems to flow as well as petroleum diesel in cold temperatures. To avoid congealing problems, fleets using biodiesel in cold temperatures often switch to blends with higher levels of kerosene.

Ethanol

According to DOE, ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel that is derived from fermenting and distilling starch crops such as corn, barley and wheat or trees and grasses into simple sugars. It is used to power cars and light trucks designed to run on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), but its most common lower concentration is E10, which can be found in many gas stations but is not considered an alternative fuel by government standards.

Consumer demand for flex-fuel vehicles is on the rise, and manufacturers have been increasing their offerings of vehicles capable of running on E85. Demand is also driving up production of ethanol, with 95 plants now producing the fuel and 30 more in development.

AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and diesel oils offer unsurpassed protection and performance for all vehicle investments, extending equipment life and improving fuel economy.

Fuel Economy Tips

According to Kenworth, trucking fleet managers can maximize the fuel efficiency of their vehicles by following these tips:

1) Take advantage of aerodynamic vehicle designs. About half the energy used by a truck traveling 55 mph is used to move the air around the truck, while at 65 mph, about two-thirds of the energy is used to cut through the air.

2) Spec components that minimize mechanical rolling resistance. Larger gear sets usually have lower efficiencies, while larger capacity tires have more resistance. To increase fuel economy, use low-profile tires and aluminum wheels, and use all-position tires on the rear with the same tread as the steer-axle tires. Over inflation of tires is not effective as a fuel efficiency improvement method. Use wide base radial tires instead of less fuel efficient dual tire assemblies.

3) An engine with excessive power can sacrifice fuel efficiency, while automated transmissions can enhance fuel economy through computer-controlled shift logic.

4) Proper vehicle maintenance can yield significant fuel economy improvements. Remember to maintain proper tire inflation pressure, check tire wear, replace air and fuel filters at proper intervals, keep drive and steer axles properly aligned, monitor fuel quality, make sure the vehicle is not receiving dirty fuel that causes the fuel injectors to clog or disrupts the spray pattern, use quality synthetic oils and transmission fluids and avoid using a higher viscosity oil than is required for the operating conditions.

Briefly

More Accurate MPG Estimates on the Way

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is changing the way it calculates the miles per gallon (mpg) estimates posted on new vehicle window stickers, and the new standards will be implemented in time for model year 2008 vehicles. By including factors such as high speeds, aggressive accelerations and cold temperature driving in its tests, the EPA expects the posted fuel economy estimates will be more consistent with what the customer experiences.

Wealth of Information Available in Oil Reservoirs

According to Noria Corporation, oil reservoirs that support rotating machinery, hydraulics and mechanical power transmissions are both treasure chests of information and ideal places to perform remedial tasks. "Hard-working lube oils travel their circuits many times depending on the quantity of oil in the system. However, every drop of oil must return to the reservoir; the time it takes the oil to return depends on the system. A reservoir is like the Indy 500 grandstand: every unit of oil passes in front of it for review. But unlike race cars, that same drop of oil decelerates as it enters the reservoir, lingering while it waits its call to make another trip around the lube-oil circuit. Reservoir residency varies, yet while within the reservoir, lube oil is conveniently accessible to operators for analytical and remedial action."

Proper Wheel Bearing Maintenance

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease provides superior protection for automotive wheel bearings.

According to Brake & Front End magazine, because wheel bearing failure can cause loss of steering control and separation of the wheels from the vehicle, indications of wheel bearing problems cannot be ignored. The first symptom of trouble is usually a rumbling, growling, chirping or cyclic noise from the wheels. This noise is often proportional to driving speed, but unlike differential, transmission and U-joint noises, it does not change when accelerating, coasting or decelerating. Although the noise may change while turning, it should not b confused with the noise created by a worn or damaged outer CV joint on a front wheel drive car, which usually makes noise only when the vehicle is turning, not when driving straight.

A recent trend in the automotive industry is the return of serviceable wheel bearings. The 2WD Ford F-Series and GM Colorado and Canyon models, for example, feature wheel bearings that are not factory-sealed. While a problematic sealed bearing assembly must be replaced, serviceable bearings may be removed, disassembled, cleaned and inspected. If the rollers, balls and races show no signs of wear, pitting cracking or damage, they may be reused.

Factory-sealed wheel bearing and hub assemblies do not require re-greasing and have a typical life expectancy of between 85,000 and 100,000 miles, while serviceable bearings typically call for cleaning, inspection and repacking with fresh, clean wheel bearing grease at 30,000 mile intervals. Brake & Front End recommends use of a quality high temperature wheel bearing grease, such as a #2 NLGI lithium-based grease, or a synthetic wheel bearing grease.

In order to remove contaminants, the old grease should be removed and the bearings cleaned and inspected prior to repacking them with fresh grease. Because used seals can leak and contaminate brake linings or lead to premature bearing failure, new grease seals should be used when installing wheel bearings.

When a vehicle experiences a wheel bearing failure, it is a good idea to pay close attention to the other hubs on the vehicle, especially if the vehicle has a lot of miles. If one bearing has failed, chances are the other bearings require service as well.

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose NLGI #2 Grease (GLC) provides superior protection and performance in automotive wheel bearings. Composed of premium quality synthetic base oils and lithium complex thickeners, Multi-Purpose Grease provides superior film strength, shear resistance, adhesion properties and mechanical stability, and it excels in temperature extremes.

Do-It-Yourself Tips

Aftermarket Business offers the following oil and filter change tips for do-it-yourselfers:

1) Be sure to properly dispose of used motor oil. Failure to follow proper procedures could violate environmental laws. Do-it-yourselfers are also encouraged to recycle used oil filters.

2) Do not over tighten the oil drain plug. Over tightening could strip the threads in the oil pan.

3) When removing an oil filter, be sure the mounting base is clear of all signs of the old gasket and filter.

4) Changing air filters isn't as easy as it used to be. Some manufacturers have made the housing more difficult to access, and changing filters requires removing housing plates and air intake hoses.

5) Watch for bulges on oil filters. A bulging oil filter has received to much pressure and can cause loss of motor oil.

Briefly

Synthetic Sales on the Rise

According to Auto Services Operator, high mileage and synthetic motor oil sales have been steadily increasing in recent years, currently representing nearly nine percent of the total passenger car motor oil market. In addition, nearly nine out of 10 quick lubes offer high mileage and synthetic motor oils. Auto Services Operator encourages quick lube operators to promote the benefits of high mileage and synthetic motor oils to their customers. "Regularly selling the benefits of high mileage and synthetic oils not only gives a healthy boost to the bottom line, it solves very specific customer needs. As an ever-increasing number of operators will say, doing so also strengthens bonds with customers because it promotes and atmosphere of trust." AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are ideal for the quick lube market, offering superior protection for both new and high mileage vehicles for extended drain intervals.

Customer Awareness Survey

According to a national survey sponsored by Jiffy Lube International, about half the respondents were aware that under-inflated tires, dirty air filters, incorrect wheel alignment and loose gasoline caps can reduce gas mileage. About half were also aware that the normal life expectancy for many windshield wiper blades is between six months and a year. However, less than half knew the function a cabin air filters. "Many vehicles on the road today are equipped with cabin air filters that need periodic replacement - and many drivers don't know it," said Jiffy Lube technical expert Mark Ferner. "Many vehicle owner' manuals list how often a cabin air filter should be replaced."

Superior Transmission Protection

AMSOIL Synthetic ATF is recommended for the latest manufacturer specifications.

Automatic transmission technology has been quickly evolving over the past few years. Six-speed transmissions are becoming more common, and automakers are demanding higher quality, longer lasting transmission fluids to protect these transmissions.

General Motors, for example, recently introduced its DEXRON® VI specification. Established to provide extra protection for 2006 vehicles equipped with six-speed Hydra-Matic transmissions, DEXRON VI fluids are also recommended for transmissions built before the 2006 model year. DEXRON VI represents a significant upgrade over previous specifications. In order to minimize fluid degradation and ensure improved performance in extreme conditions, DEXRON VI fluids require greater oxidative and shear stability, foam performance and protection against pitting. According to GM, DEXRON VI fluids provide more than twice the durability and stability in friction tests than fluids meeting previous specifications.

Ford Motor Company, on the other hand, recently announced the retirement of its MERCON® V specification that requires improved anti-oxidation, antiwear and anti-shudder properties. Ford also introduced its MERCON® SP specification in 2004. Designed for high torque six-speed transmissions, MERCON SP fluids have lower viscosity requirements and more stringent cold-temperature Brookfield viscosity requirements.

AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission (ATF) exceeds the performance requirements for domestic and foreign automatic transmission fluid applications, and is now recommended for cars and trucks calling for DEXRON VI, MERCON V & SP, NAG 1 & 2 and Nissan Matic J & K transmission fluids. AMSOIL ATF provides automatic transmissions, power steering units and hydraulic equipment with excellent lubricating protection and better performance over a wider temperature range than conventional automatic transmission fluids.

• Resists thermal and oxidative degradation
• Ensures cool transmission operation
• Provides outstanding low temperature protection
• Improves fuel economy
• Provides smooth shifting
• Maximizes transmission performance and service life
• Reduces maintenance costs
• Offers extended drain intervals

AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended for use up to 60,000 miles in severe service and up to 100,000 miles in normal service, or according to the vehicle manufacturer recommended intervals, whichever is longer. Drain intervals may be extended further with oil analysis.

AMSOIL Synthetic ATF is recommended for transmission, hydraulic and other applications requiring any of the following specifications:

• GM DEXRON II, III & VI
• Ford MERCON, MERCON V & SP
• Chrysler ATF+ through ATF+4®
• Honda Z-1 (Not for use in CVT transmissions)
• Toyota Type T and T-IV
• Mitsubishi/Hyundai Diamond SP II & III
• Allison C-3, C-4, Caterpillar TO-2
• Voith G607, G1363
• ZF TE-ML 14A, B & C
• MB 236.1, 236.2, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9
• BMW 7045E, JWS 3309, NAG 1 & 2
• LT 71141 (ESSO), Nissan Matic D, J & K
• Vickers I-286S & M-2950S

Excellent for power steering units that use ATF.
Not for use in CVT transmissions.

Top-Selling Mothers® Products

AMSOIL announced the addition of Mothers automotive appearance products to its product line in December, allowing dealers to purchase and earn commissions on these high quality car care products. For Dealers who inventory product, the following is a list of the top-selling Mother products based on national sales:

Government Gas-Saving Tips

The following are some of the valuable fuel economy tips compiled by the office of Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX), the original House sponsor of the Fuel Consumption Education Act (FCEA) passed by the House of Representatives last summer.

Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly
♦ Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent.
♦ A vehicle's air filter prevents impurities from damaging the engine.
♦ Replacing a dirty air filter not only saves gas, it protects the engine.
Fuel Economy Benefit: up to 10%     Equivalent Gas Savings: up to $0.31/gallon

Keep Tires Properly Inflated
♦ Keeping tires inflated to the proper pressure can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent.
♦ Every 1 psi drop in recommended pressure of all four tires can decrease fuel economy by 0.4 percent.
♦ Properly inflated tires not only save gas, they are safer and last longer.
Fuel Economy Benefit;     Equivalent Gas Savings: up to $0.09/gallon

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil
♦ Using the manufacturer's recommended motor oil viscosity can improve fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
♦ Using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine specifying 5W-30 can decrease fuel economy by 1/2 percent,while using 5W-30 motor oil in an engine specifying 5W-20 can decrease fuel economy by 1-1.5 percent.
♦ Replacing a dirty air filter not only saves gas, it protects the engine.
Fuel Economy Benefit: 1-2 %     Equivalent Gas Savings: up to $0.03-$0.06/gallon

Briefly

ULSD Standards

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), preliminary surveys indicate approximately 85 percent of highway diesel fuel currently meets Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) standards, exceeding the current federal mandate of 80 percent. By 2010, 100 percent of highway diesel fuel is expected to meet ULSD standards. New diesel engine emission control technology and ULSD are expected to result in billions of dollars in environmental and health benefits.

Bearing Tip

According to the Rolling Bearings Handbook and Troubleshooting Guide, bearings sometimes collect varnish and contaminants after a certain period of operation. Unused bearings can also become contaminated due to broken packages and dirty storage areas. Flushing bearings with clean lubricant during operation can sometimes provide some cleaning. "When the bearings are very contaminated with dirt and sludge, soak them in kerosene, mineral spirits or special commercial solvents. Some solvents can be detrimental to nonmetallic cages, seals or other components. After cleaning with solvents, bearings are extremely vulnerable to corrosion or mechanical damage and should be protected or lubricated immediately. Handling with bare hands can corrode the bearing surfaces because of the acidic moisture on the hands. A clean, dry, unlubricated bearing can be easily damaged by the movement between rolling bearings and raceways. Such bearings should never be spun or subjected to shock or vibration before a coating of lubricant or preservative has been applied."

Best Vehicle Resale Values

According to Kelly Blue Book, the following 2007 vehicles are expected to best retain their values after five years of ownership:

2007 Best Resale Value by Vehicle Category
Sedan: Acura TSX
Coupe: Honda Civic
Convertible: MINI Cooper
Wagon: Volkswagen Passat
Hatchback: MINI Cooper
Luxury: BMW 5 Series
Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
Sport Utility: Acura MDX
Van/Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Hybrid: Toyota Prius

2007 Best Resale Value, Top 10 Models
Acura TSX
BMW 5 Series
Honda Civic
Lexus IS
MINI Cooper
Pontiac Solstice
Scion tC
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen Eos

The average resale value for the vehicles across each of these makes reached an industry high of just under 56% of the original price following five years of ownership.

Production levels, consumer perception and expressive vehicle characteristics play prominent roles in determining which vehicles will retain more resale value. Many of the vehicles with the lowest resale values are vehicles with long life cycles, high production levels and models that are popular in the fleet market. Vehicles with the lowest resale values include the Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Caravan, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Freestar, Isuzu Ascender, Kia Sedona, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Monterey.