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Mobil 1 – 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil Review

Written by Chris in Reviews

Mobil 1 – 5W-30

My truck uses many quarts of motor oil, and now that I have over 100,000 miles, I use synthetic motor oil to keep it running well. 

The Mobil 1 – 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil is one of the finest motor oils available on Amazon.com today. It is made and formulated by Mobil, an American multinational company based in the United States. 

Motor oil is a part of a good maintenance program for your engine to keep it running smoothly. It will help clean your engine and help it operate quietly and smoothly. Motor oil (or engine lubricant) is used to lubricate moving parts of an internal combustion engine. These lubricants clean, reduce tear and wear, inhibit corrosion and typically add life to your engine.

Product Features

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1. Excellent Performance

The Mobil 1 – 5W-30 may have one of the widest ranges of uses in the automotive industry. This oil uses an advanced synthetic formula that helps prevent wear, lubricates, cleans, stands up to heat, and helps lubricate during cold engine starts.

2. Average Viscosity

Viscosity has an important role in motor oil performance. The “5W” rating indicates the oil as having a good flow even in low temperatures. The “W” indicates winter. The 30 is how thick it is at normal engine temperatures. The specification, 5W-30 grade, means that this oil is thinner than one with a rating of 10w-40, which is useful for a wide variety of vehicles.

3. All-season Oil (ILSAC G-5 Certified)

This motor oil is certified by ILSAC G-5 grade motor oil, meaning it is designed to provide high-temperature protection. It helps keep engines clean and helps you get better gas mileage. It works to control emissions better and works with a wide variety of engines.

4. For Gas and Diesel

In the product description, it says, “It is recommended for all types of modern vehicles, including high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks. “

5. For All Types of Modern Vehicles

This oil is highly recommended for use in all modern vehicles. That would include turbo-charged high-performance engines and multi-valve fuel injection engines such as those of SUVs, passenger cars, trucks, pick-ups, small vans, and compact cars. It is also ideal for supercharged gasoline engines.

6. Increase Mileage

Compared to conventional motor oil, synthetic engine oil is not made from crude oil, which was usually the case decades ago. This type of oil could give you more mileage for your vehicle as this oil is cleaner, gives your engine a better environment to operate in, and diminishes engine wear even in harsh temperatures. The oil can liberate well even in cold weather. 

7. Choice of Premium Cars

The Mobil 1 – 5W-30 grade motor oil is the choice of champion car manufacturers, like Corvette and others. The reason is not hard to believe because it meets the most stringent specifications set by General Motors for their Corvette, such as GM 6094M and GM 4718M, among others.

It also met Ford’s similarly stringent specifications for its vehicles, such as WSS-M2C929-A, ACEA A1/B1, and ILSAC GF-4 (API Certified – Starburst), as we have stated in this specification above. These specifications for strict oil use are typically under warranty.

8. Satisfactory Rating From Customers?

Checking the rating from customers can help you decide if this is the type of oil you are looking for. Look for your car model and what users say about its performance. Not all oils perform the same in all cars, even the same model, so having a good idea if it will work in your car, can help you make the final choice of whether to buy it or not.

Conclusion

I hope this brief description of Mobil 1-5W-30 can provide you with some ideas about this synthetic oil that may meet your car’s needs. The specifications set by world-renown car manufacturers, such as Ford, GM, and other Asian and European brands, are met by this oil, so many people can use it in their cars.

Whatever oil you choose, synthetic oil like the Mobil 1-5W-30 will provide excellent protection for your car to help it last a very long time. 

What are the Best Car Brakes?

Written by Chris in Auto Parts,Cars

The Best Car Brakes

I never think about my breaks until a service center says that it’s time to replace them. Brakes are a critical component of your car, but they are usually maintenance-free until they need to be replaced. 

The best brakes for your vehicle are ones specifically sized for your car or truck. Knowing the correct size and what your budget is will help you choose a good option. The best brakes are the same or close to the same as the car manufacturer suggests for your use. 

The times I’ve had to stop on a dime are the times I was glad my brakes worked so well. I tend to drive at normal speeds and don’t drive on hills too much, so regular rotors and brake pads work fine for me. Others will want higher-performing brake components for more demanding conditions.

How do You Know if they are Good Brakes?

Brakes are comprised mainly of brake pads and rotors. You can choose to get the low-cost option for both brake pads and rotors, and you will likely be fine with getting your car to stop well, although it’s best to use the type of brake pads suggested by your car manufacturer. 

Brake pads and rotors need to meet certain specifications from the manufacturer of the vehicle in order to operate correctly. Some car manufacturers will install ceramic brake pads; others use semi-metallic brake pads.

Although most manufacturers use organic brake pads from the factory, probably because they are cheap and get the job done if you have a heavier car, it may have semi-metallic brake pads because these offer better stopping for larger vehicles.

To find out if the brakes you are going to buy are good, consider what they were made of. Consider the product’s quality compared with others you are looking at. It may be difficult to find all the information you need, but with some searching, you will find pertinent information. 

Here are some things to look for when buying brake rotors and pads.

Brake Pads

Rotors / Disc Brake

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  • Look at the back backing plate to see if it is galvanized or coated. Some are painted but don’t provide much protection against rust. 
  • If it has a noise-reducing shim in the back (most do), check that it wraps securely around the backing plate.
  • What is the brake pad made of?
  • Is it rated at a certain number of miles?
  • Do you use the brakes a lot in one period of time? Consider brake fade resistance (or how brake pads can endure heat and continue to stop a vehicle)
  • Noise creation levels
  • Dust creation Levels
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  • Are they made of higher-quality iron? Higher quality can perform better. They can also be made from steel. (See Article)
  • Are they slotted? Slotted rotors can help a bit with braking performance.
  • Do they have fins for heat reduction? Thicker fins mean less heat reduction.
  • Are they drilled? Good for normal driving stopping power but not good for long stopping periods or when rotors get hot.
  • How long are they rated to last? It can sometimes last 2-3 times longer than pads.
  • Are they coated?

After Market, OE / OEM, and Original Parts

When trying to find good parts for your brakes, you will want to compare different brake pads and rotors to find which ones are best for you.

Original parts and OE (Original Equipment) or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) should function the same, whereas aftermarket products may work better, the same, or worse than the others. 

Generally, you want to stay away from aftermarket products unless you see they have a good track record, deliver good performance, and have good customer reviews.

You can find a good brake that is original or OEM because the manufacturer has determined the specifications that need to be met for good braking on the vehicle they sell. Original and OEM are made in the same way, with the same specifications, so you can get similar results for good-quality rotors and pads. 

Brake Pads Characteristics

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A ceramic brake pad may be used on a lighter car for good stopping and a lower cost of maintenance for your car since it won’t wear your rotors as fast. A brake pad may say it’s ceramic, but different companies will put different parts and mixtures in the ceramic, making it perform differently from another ceramic pad.

Doing a little research will help you find the materials used in the brake pad and how customers rate the performance of the pads. Search online for the specific brand and part to find more information. 

The different types of materials in brake pads may impact stopping power, heat absorption, and rotor wear. Brake pads come in ceramic, semi-metallic, and organic. Here are some examples of each type and their characteristics

Brake Pad Type Examples
(Amazon Product Links) 		Description & Longevity Noise Level & Braking Power Temperature & Rotor Wear

Ceramic

 

Ceramic brake pads use ceramic mixed with other fibers to increase friction. They can last for long periods.

Low Noise levels generally. They have good stopping power.

Generally, work best at warmer outside temperatures Generally, cause low rotor wear.

Semi-metallic

 
 Semi-metallic brake pads use resin and metallic fibers to increase friction.

They can last for average periods.

Some noise generally. They have very good stopping power.

Generally, work well at any outside temperature. Generally cause high rotor wear.

Organic

 

Made of resins, glass, rubber,  carbon, and Kevlar.They last for shorter periods.

Low to average noise levels generally. They have average stopping power.

Generally, work well at warm temperatures. Generally, cause low rotor wear.

 

Rotor Characteristics

A rotor is made from iron or steel. Different grades of iron can be used, so each rotor can perform differently. Most rotors use recycled steel or iron and come with a flat, non-drilled surface from the manufacturer.

When driving in snowy conditions, rust may be a concern. You may want to get a coated rotor to help prevent corrosion. An iron rotor can usually provide more braking power than steel, even though steel is stronger.

While iron may crack under extreme braking conditions with high heat and develop hardened areas, and steel may warp. Both brakes, under normal conditions, will work well.

Steel wears longer than iron and is less likely to rust. Iron will cost less and can usually stop vehicles better.   

When shopping for rotors, you can find drilled steel rotors because they are less likely to crack than iron.

So, to sum up, the positive characteristic of iron and steel rotors:

Steel Rotors

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Made of recycled steel. Perform extremely well under normal driving conditions when drilled and slotted.

  • Last Longer
  • Can be Drilled and Slotted
  • Stronger

Iron Rotors

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Made from iron. Performs well under normal conditions.

  • Better Braking Power
  • Cost Less
  • Can Handle Heat well

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Aluminum Rotors

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Made from aluminum and other materials. it May perform better than steel and iron under normal conditions.

  • Good for acceleration and braking
  • Weighs Little
  • Can Handle Heat Very Well

Should I Replace my Rotors with my Brake Pads? 

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When car brake pads are replaced, the rotors are often replaced at the same time. It makes sense to do this because the new brake pads need a flat surface to lie on, but the rotor is no longer flat because of the wear from the previous brake pad. 

You can resurface the rotor, but that may result in more expense since resurfacing costs almost the same as some rotors and doesn’t leave much life on the rotor before it needs to be replaced. Check with the mechanic to determine the cost of replacing it now vs. resurfacing and replacement later.

If you replace it later, consider that you have to take the car in again at an additional cost to replace the rotor, and they will probably want to replace the brake pads because they are no longer flat and will impact stopping ability. 

The Best Brakes Parts for Your Car Will Match how Aggressively you will be Driving

While shopping for brake pads, you may notice that some will emphasize their ability to handle the heat well. Heat is an important factor in car brakes. Car brakes and rotors, as well as airflow through the brakes, need to be taken into account if you ride the brakes or drive aggressively.

When the brakes get hot, this can increase the wear on the brake pad and may cause glazing and cracks on the pads, and rotors may warp. Under normal conditions, a car’s brake system won’t be taxed too much, and heat-related issues shouldn’t be a problem. 

If you are planning on using the brakes often when driving or are involved with heavy braking often, such as with racing, getting brakes and pads that help reduce heat would be helpful. Also, consider the quality of the product and recognize that better-made parts would stand up to the heat better.

When researching rotors, look to see if you can get a high-quality iron rotor because this will impact the performance of the rotors and give them a better ability to handle the heat. Steel rotors can be good as well but may warp under intense heat. 

When researching brake pads, you usually find that higher-tier pads will perform better than the pads from the car manufacturer. Try to get pads that have been galvanized to prevent rust and ensure they can last longer without failing.

Some brake pads and rotors claim to handle the heat well. 

Drilled and slotted Rotors

Slotted Rotors

Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads

Drilled rotors may help with heat, but they are also not effective when too much heat is present. The slotted areas also help with heat and can help a bit with stopping power. 

The vented middle section helps cool the rotor.

The slotted areas help with heat and can help a bit with stopping power. 

The vented middle section helps cool the rotor.

The stainless steel shims are supposed to provide better heat dissipation.

The pad itself is a carbon-fiber ceramic, so it can provide stopping power.

The sound-isolating shims are supposed to provide heat dissipation.

The pad itself is semi-metallic, so it can provide good stopping power.

If you are driving under normal conditions, you should be fine with a part from the car manufacturer, OEM, or a trusted brand. Most any product will work well, although you may want to get the rotor or brake pad that has the characteristics that best suit your driving conditions and specific needs.​

Problems with Over Braking (Riding the Brakes)

If a driver is using the brakes a lot, such as truck drivers going downhill that need to slow down and they are using the brakes until they are too hot, cracks and glazing can occur. Aggressive braking when racing a car can also create these conditions.

Glazing is when the brakes heat up, and the surface where the brake pads touch the rotor is glazed. This prevents the brake pad from applying enough friction to stop the car normally. If you see smoke come from the brakes or hear noises as you brake, it’s time to check for glazing or cracks.

You can ask a mechanic to inspect the brakes. They may recommend replacing the brakes and rotors for safety reasons. Some people still use their brakes after glazing until the glazed part is rubbed off by friction. Others try sanding the glaze off. Either way, your brakes are not as effective until they are flush with the rotor surface.    

Cracks occur when heat and pressure cause the brake pad to split in one or more places. This is a problem that requires the brake pad to be replaced. 

You don’t want part of the brake pad to fall off and ruin your brakes. To prevent problems with cracking, make sure to stay within the limits of normal braking and ensure no undue pressure comes from the brake lines or calipers.

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The best ways to solve heat-related issues are to reduce heat by allowing the brakes to cool down, get high-quality brake pads and rotors, divert airflow under the car so it can cool the brakes, and get the brake system checked by a mechanic or yourself to ensure brake pads are wearing down correctly and everything is working properly.

If you plan on driving with constant use of the brakes, such as braking down hills often, determine if you need to take precautionary methods to cool down the brakes. 

The brake pads and rotors can determine part of the heat build-up. Consider the material used in your brake pads and rotors and how that will impact heat and stopping distance. However, the best solution is preventative. Try driving under normal conditions as much as possible.

Are bigger brakes Better?

Size may matter. A larger size rotor and brake pad could help make the brakes more efficient at dissipating heat. If you upgrade your brake rotors and pads to a larger size, some websites state that this will help stop the car sooner, while others say size does not impact stopping distance. 

When stopping, the brake pad type and rotor type will have the biggest impact, and I think the size of each part plays a part, but it’s secondary. There are many ways to adjust brakes to increase braking power, such as increasing brake line pressure. 

Making adjustments can create issues, though. The best way to add more stopping power is to not make major changes and increase the brake pad and rotor size.

My opinion is that changes tend to create more problems than they fix. Unless you’ve got an extremely safe and accurate system, I would advise staying with the same size brake parts and being extra safe going with OEM parts or original manufacturer parts.

Conclusion

The best brakes are those that fit your style of driving and help you stop well in different weather conditions you are likely to be in. Determine what your average driver will be like to get the best parts for your vehicle.

For most consumers, upgrading to drilled and slotted rotors and getting ceramic, semi-metal, or carbon-fiber brake pads will be your best option.

Although each person’s driving conditions will be different, so determining each part’s characteristics will help you make the best decision. 

How to Drive Safely in the Rain

Written by Chris in Cars

Safely in the Rain

Once I was driving on the freeway while going to community college. I was driving below the speed limit, as well as the other cars on the freeway, because of the rain. Suddenly time seemed to slow down as I saw the car on the far left lane hydroplane into the center divider. 

If you are like me, you may face some situations where driving in the rain can be unsafe. To safely drive in the rain, pay attention to weather conditions, your car, the road, and other cars. Slowing down your speed is essential, and driving defensively will help you stay safe while driving. 

Sometimes we may be faced with situations beyond our control. That’s when we need to be as prepared as possible to avoid accidents. We can do several things to help us stay safe when the unexpected happens, as it has to me on several occasions. We’ll discuss several ways to help drivers stay safe and avoid dangers.

What’s a Safe Driving Speed for the Rain?

Driving safely in the rain can be difficult in some situations. The first rule that most people remind drivers to do when driving on the freeway is to reduce speed. I’ve heard the statement many times that in order for drivers to stay safe, they need to lower their speed by 10 miles per hour below the speed limit.

This practice by many drivers helps ensure a safer driving environment and reduces the number of accidents that occur on the road. But just lowering your speed limit isn’t necessarily all you need to do. 

Consider the tread on your tires, the road conditions, and how hard it is raining to determine your safest speed while driving. The safest speed while driving is one that is slower than the speed limit and where you are fairly confident about safely driving in the current weather and road conditions. 

Avoid Hydroplaning in the Rain?

If you have driven over puddles on the road and felt a loss of control for a moment, you may have just hydroplaned. Hydroplaning in your car can occur while driving at speeds over 35 mph. It depends on how much water is on the road, the condition of your tire tread, if your tires are pumped up properly, and if there are oily surfaces on the road. 

I was turning a corner at an intersection just after it started to rain, and my tires started to spin, and my truck slid just a bit. I was surprised and realized the oily surface of the road had caused my truck to lose traction. I was lucky that I was going fairly slow, and I didn’t lose control. 

In order to stay in control, it’s important to maintain your tires, drive slower, watch the road carefully as your drive, slow down over shallow layers of water, and come to a stop slower than you normally would. If cars are driving fast and you know it’s not safe, decide for your safety and that of others to be a good example of safely driving, and there will be many people who will be grateful, as long as you’re not going too slow.  

How to Drive Defensively in the Rain?

If you’ve watched race car drivers, you may have noticed they are hyper-aware of the road and other race cars around them. One mistake could mean a crash. That doesn’t mean they are afraid when they drive, but they are careful and calculating to ensure the best results.

When driving in the rain, drivers can remember the acronym R.A.I.N. This stands for Ready to move, be alert, keep eyes (i) moving, and never get distracted. Here’s a list to help with the rain method of defensive driving.

  • Ready to move: Make sure you have a way to avoid collisions if someone in front of you or next to you starts to slide or gets in your way. You’re always thinking about a way to move your car to a safe lane if something should happen. 
  • Alert: You are focused and not sleepy. Your not thinking about your day and letting your mind wander. You’re present in the moment while driving, so you can see, hear, and sense what is going on around you.
  • (I) Eyes moving: Keep your eyes watching the road, cars around you, and anything that might enter the road, such as a car from a driveway. Your eyes are not fixed on one thing.
  • Never get distracted: You avoid phone calls, talking while in the car, and eating in the car. If you have an alert on your phone, you ignore it until you have parked your car.  

If you have a defensive driving mindset when driving in the rain, you’ll be able to act quicker and predict events before they happen more effectively. This will give you a chance to avoid accidents and possible injury.

Tire Tread and Driving in the Rain

Your tires have tread that is designed to allow water to have somewhere to go so your tires can still grip the road. How thin your tire’s tread is and how well your tires are inflated will determine how well they handle wet road conditions. Each tire is also harder or softer, which can also affect traction while driving. 

Tires can handle the road fairly well, but if your tread is thin, you need to replace your tires to ensure safety while driving on wet roads. To test your tread, you can try the penny test.

Place a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down between the treads. If the tread covers his hair, the tread is fine, but if it touches the top of his head or lowers on the penny, then you need to replace those tires.

Tires also need to be checked monthly for air pressure. Ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure, usually indicated on the door frame. This helps the tire get the most traction.

If you live somewhere where it often rains, investing in rain tires is wise. They are specifically made to handle the rain and will generally give you better performance in wet conditions.

What to Do on a Slippery Road?

Sometimes when it rains, the road can become slippery. This usually happens when it first starts raining and oils that have accumulated over time start to combine with the rain and cause the road to becoming slick. This may occur more at intersections where cars idle for a while.

At times when the temperature is low enough, the rain may become frozen water, usually more prevalent on bridges, that creates an icy surface. 

And once in a while, if water from a stream or hillside meets a road, algae can accumulate and make the road slippery.  

The first thing to do when it rains is to be aware of situations when the road could be slippery. Use caution and drive slowly over areas that could potentially be slippery. Here are some ways to handle a slippery road.

  • If your car starts to slide while on an oily road, take your foot off the gas pedal and wait til your tires catch the road, and slowly accelerate again. 
  • If you are crossing over an icy patch of road and your car starts to slide, try to stay calm. There may be little you can do until the tires grip the road again. Once the sliding has stopped, if safe, drive your car out of the way of traffic and proceed with caution. Use extra caution if you suspect icy conditions on a hill.
  • When crossing over areas where water has intersected the road, make it a point to proceed slowly and if your tires slip, take your foot off the gas pedal and wait til your tires catch the road and slowly accelerate again.
  • If you are on the freeway and suspect slippery conditions slow down even more than you would during rainy conditions. If your car starts to slide, make sure not to use your brakes. Point your front tires in the same direction the back tires are starting to slide. 

Here’s a video that explains what to do if your car starts to slide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZQXuWzBC18

Using Your Windshield Wipers to Stay Safe

Windshield wipers are very important to your safety while driving in the rain. Make sure to check them at least once every six months to ensure they are in good condition. If they are cracking, tearing, or no longer functioning well, replace them as soon as possible.

You may be tempted to set your wipers to one speed and leave them at that speed no matter how little or how much rain is coming down. Be sure to adjust the speed, so you have a clear view of the road as much as possible at all times. Most drivers will use slower speeds with light rain and high speeds with heavy rain, so they get the most effective use of their windshield wipers.

If your windshield wipers are not working well and make it more difficult for you to see, you may find that an application of wax or windshield rain repellent will help temporarily to bead rain off the window so you can see more clearly. Be sure not to wait because you may be caught in the rain unexpectedly.

I used FW1 Cleaning Wax on my windows and washed my car with Meguir’s Wash & Wax. My car window is the one on the left.

Be sure to buy windshield wipers about once a year, so you’ll be ready once the rain comes. You may be able to see OK with light rain, but rain can be very distracting and not allow you to focus clearly on the road, so wipers are a must when driving in the rain, especially during a downpour. 

When Should You Pull off the Road during a downpour?

Sometimes the rain becomes a downpour where a great amount of rain comes down at once. In these situations, most cars will start to slow down and go slowly. Even with the windshield wipers, some downpours are difficult to see through. This is when you should consider pulling off the road for your safety. 

If you’re going under 35 mph, and your visibility is OK because you are driving on city streets, then you may be OK proceeding carefully to your destination. But many situations are just not safe to drive in when visibility is low, and it is raining hard. 

If you are on the freeway during a downpour, consider pulling off at the nearest gas station or diner. Take a rest, refuel, and get something to eat. The rain may let up in a while, and you can be back on the road.

Using Your Brakes in the Rain

The best way to break in the rain is to brake slowly over a longer distance than you normally would. Thinking about rain as a good time to save gas might help put you in the right mindset to brake over longer distances. When you take off and brake slower, you’ll be saving gas and staying safer in the rain. 

As seen in the video in the section about slippery roads, braking when sliding is not recommended. Instead, steer your front wheels in the same direction that the back wheels are sliding. Once you have corrected your steering, you can slow down slowly with your brakes if needed.

Remember that hard braking is not recommended when it is raining. Sliding can occur, so it’s best to be a defensive driver and look for ways to avoid collisions by steering confidently but calmly to a lane that is clear if needed.

Conclusion

To drive safely in the rain, you can make sure to slow down and be aware of your environment. You can prepare yourself beforehand by checking your car tires and windshield wipers. If they are in good condition, then you’ll need to be fully present when driving to help you stay safe if something unexpected happens.

You’ll be safer as you drive with safety as your focus and by knowing what to do when a dangerous situation presents itself. By driving defensively and learning how to handle slippery roads, you can ensure you’ll have a safer experience getting to and from your destination and not have to go through the difficulties associated with an accident. 

Best wishes for safety with all your driving experiences in and out of the rain.

Should I Get a New Car Stereo?

Written by Chris in Auto Parts,Cars

Get a New Car Stereo

When you get a new car, you may be getting the latest in technology with your stereo and not be interested in changing it. Some cars come with only a standard stereo with no special features. 

You should get a new stereo receiver and possibly new speakers if you want an upgrade in technology and functionality. A new stereo can help you do things you couldn’t do before and may impact resale value. If you love to listen to music and want phone connectivity, a new stereo will help. 

I bought a new stereo for my truck several years ago, and now I can connect to my stereo via Bluetooth to stream music and make phone calls. It’s been really helpful, and I’m glad I chose to do it.

New Car Stereos for New Cars

When you have a new car, you will likely either enjoy your new car stereo or wish it was different. If you don’t like it, you might want to replace the stereo with a better one. There’s so much variety out there, and it doesn’t take much time to see what type of options are preferred over others. 

Some Varieties Available