Anyone who owns a foreign-made vehicle can attest to the fact that finding a quality auto repair shop specializing in foreign cars can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there is a foreign auto repair shop in Conway, AR, that can handle any of your needs: Riverdale Automotive, at 941 Locust St.
One of the particular quirks of owning a foreign-made car is the issue of finding just the right motor oil to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Not too many years ago, organizations like the American Petroleum Institute set standards for oil quality. But in the 2000s, auto manufacturers began coming up with their own standards, largely to promote better fuel economy and reduce emissions.
As the push for higher standards proceeded, attention has shifted in the past decade or so to the development of advanced internal combustion engines, which are designed to meet these stricter environmental requirements. Another key part of meeting the requirements is motor oil, new, synthetic versions of which have been created for use with newer engines. It is in response to these new technologies that manufacturers have begun to develop their own oil quality standards.
Why is it important to use only the specified motor oil?
Due to the technological advances made in recent years by BMW, Mercedes, the Volkswagen Group and other auto manufacturers, petroleum-based oils simply aren’t going to provide the protection and longevity your foreign-made car requires.
These newer vehicles are designed to meet strict requirements in fuel economy and emissions, and the synthetic motor oils you should be using with these vehicles are the ones the manufacturer recommends, or even requires, because they have been designed for optimum compatibility with your vehicle.
The consequences of using anything other than the specified motor oil can be serious and costly. Among the possible complications resulting from the use of different oil are damage to the engine components, decreased fuel economy and an increase in emissions. Use of anything other than the required motor oil can also void certain vehicle warranties.
The importance of extended oil change intervals
Something else you’ve probably noticed if you drive a foreign-made car is that getting a routine oil change can cost a lot more than it usually does for American-made vehicles. Then again, you’ve probably also noticed that “routine” oil changes also need to happen a lot less frequently with foreign vehicles.
Some manufacturers recommend 20,000 miles between oil changes, a far cry from the 3,000 more American automakers recommend. But the difference is that the synthetic oil used in foreign vehicles is specifically made to last for an extended period. Using the right oil will be better for your engine and will extend the overall life of your vehicle. Don’t be dissuaded by the cost—it more than pays itself off in the long run.
Maintenance performed on foreign cars can be very expensive, and it’s often not easy to find a repair shop in the first place. Let Riverdale Automotive be your first stop whenever you need a foreign auto repair shop in Conway, AR. We have the expertise that makes us a trustworthy and dependable mechanic for your foreign-made vehicle, and the track record to put your mind at ease.