FOR THE MOTORIST

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 207, 26 August 1932, Page 7

FOR THE MOTORIST

LOW PRICED OILS ARE THEY CHEAP? Extensive investigation has proved that lubricating costs of an automobile are less than 2 per cent, of the total running costs. Efficient lubrication affects depreciation and repairs which are found to amount to nearly 50 per cent, of the total costs of operation. Even if the lubricating costs were cut in half by buying cheap oil, only 1 per cent, of the total operating cost is saved, but consider the effect on depreciation and maintenance in the endeavour to save the 1 per cent. Low-priced oils are lacking in the essential qualities of a good lubricant. They definitely allow increased wear to take place, hastening the day when extensive repair work is required. Not only that, but increased wear reduces efficiency, thereby increasing petrol consumption to an extent where any saving in lubricating costs are counteracted by increased petrol bills alone. Many garages and service stations are being kept by misled operators who have changed to a cheap brand of oil “to reduce operating costs.” The saving in actual outlay by using cheap oil would seldom exceed £1 per annum per car, whereas the cost of replacing a big-end alone may amount to at least 50s excluding any incidentals such as towing, or scored journals which usually accompany such breakdowns.

A quality oil cannot be made cheaply; extensive plants are necessary, large staffs of trained chemists and engineers are employed to ensure the car owner a constant supply of a uniform product which do the job in the most efficient way. Constant research is being carried out, plant, by no means worn out, is replaced by more uniform units in an endeavour to improve quality. With the rapid increase of knowledge of lubricating oil product, the good oil of to-day is history to-morrow, and only a large staff of trained chemists and engineers with adequate marketing facilities can afford to make history and better oils. Quality oils are tested before being placed on the market. Laboratory tests, dynameter tests, and’road tests under actual service conditions, carried out under strict supervision prove their suitability for the service they are intended. Recommendations are made for various types of engines, and by complying with a few simple instructions, the motorist is assured of the correct grade of oil for his particular engine. He reaps the benefit of the experience of the refiners staff and the enormous amount of money spent in research, experiment and tests. Physical tests are of little value in estimating the quality of an oil, but cheap oils are bought on the open market on physical specifications alone. No uniformity can be expected, nor is the jobber in the position of the larger refiners who are striving for quality, uniformity and service, maintaining as high a guarding a good name. Quality is superiority, and alstandard as possible and zeajously though the initial outlay is slightly more, quality oil is a low premium on the life insurance of your engine. Wise motorists are guided by instruction book compiled by the manufacturer of his car—“ Lubrication is of vital importance,” “When selecting engine oil, make certain that it is of the highest quality” etc.