Category: Vehicles

Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission Drain & Fill

I’ve decided to do a yearly drain and fill on my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander transmission fluid instead of the flush every 2 years as suggested in the manual. The dealership flushed the fluid after the first two years so I’m sure most of the contaminants from break-in are out of the system and now it’s just a matter of keeping the fluid fresh and making sure it isn’t breaking down. Transmission fluid quality is important for all vehicles but what stresses it the most is high fluid temperatures which can be generated while towing or on loose surfaces like sand and to a lesser extent snow.

Amsoil doesn’t sell a transmission fluid that meets the specifications of the DiaQueen J2 fluid for this vehicle at this time. I appreciate that the company does not push consumers to a generic ATF product if it doesn’t meet the spec. Amsoil stands behind their lubricants with their warranty secure program so if the application guide suggests an Amsoil product for your vehicle you can use it with confidence.
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Fall Maintenance

The leaves turning, nights getting cooler and mornings crisper is a signal that the seasons are changing. It’s time to start thinking about putting away summer equipment while looking over any winter gear that may need some work before the snow flies. Don’t forget to maintain those daily drivers to help them make it through another winter.

The fall is the perfect time to change the oil on your daily driver if you’re on an extended 6-month/15,000-km schedule using either the Signature Series or the XL Series from the 3 tiers of AMSOIL engine oils. Our 2005 Vibe was changed last weekend and is now good until May of 2013 or 20,000-kms.

I think it’s too soon to put the bikes away but those early morning starts without synthetics in the crank case may become a bit more harsh. Try one of the AMSOIL motorcycle oils to help with extream temperatures like cold starts and hot idling in the heat of the summer. In my opinon fresh oil is the best way to store any piece of equipment/vehicle. AMSOIL motorcycle oils have excellent anti-corrosion additives that lesser oils may be lacking.

How do you remember what needs to be done? Especally if you’re maintaining the equipment for an entire house, family or small fleet?
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OE 5W-20 and 5W-30 Now Available in Gallons

AMSOIL Original Equipment Synthetic Motor Oil is ideal for cost-conscious customers and customers hesitant about taking advantage of extended drain intervals. Now OE 5W-20 (OEM) and OE 5W-30 (OEF) are available in gallon containers – no mention yet of the other viscosities and if they will be available in gallon containers.

  • Provides excellent wear protection
  • Delivers optimum fuel economy
  • Maintains low emissions
  • Protects in all temperatures
  • Helps keep engines clean

I don’t normally stock OE oils but put your order in before my weekly trip to the distribution centre on Thursday evenings. Contact me to place an order or if you have any questions.

AMSOIL Synthetic Power Steering Fluid Reformulated

AMSOIL has given their Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid a formulation tune-up to meet more specifications than ever. This fluid now covers most all applications to go with its other merits which include all-weather capabilities and smooth performance.

Like many components on your vehicle, the power steering system will benefit greatly from a good synthetic fluid. Synthetics have the innate ability to resist breakdown in extreme heat and yet remain fluid under frigid conditions. That painful growling noise that you hear during cold start-ups is your power steering pump starving for oil. This product virtually eliminates that issue, providing tremendous year-round wear control and smooth operation. The power steering system is one of those over-looked maintenance items, but the benefits offered by this inexpensive upgrade are well worth it.

Here are the latest specifications met by AMSOIL Multi-Vehicle Synthetic Power Steering Fluid:
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Castrol Syntec @ Costco

Did you miss the sale of Castrol Syntec at Costco last week? $9 off is an ok deal on 6 quarts of “synthetic” oil but there is no need to wait for Costco to put Castrol on sale for a quality oil change at an excellent price.

AMSOIL Original Equipment is available any time you need it at wholesale pricing for 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 or 10W-30. If you live near one of the Canadian distribution centres in the GTA or Edmonton areas you can eliminate minimal shipping charges by picking up your order directly at the distribution centre.

Your $30/year membership fee gives you access and wholesale pricing to top quality AMSOIL synthetic oils, oil and air filters – including partners like Wix, Mann and NGK.

Contact me to discuss how to get you set up with a Preferred Customer account to gain access to the private warehouse and wholesale pricing.

Mitsubishi Outlander Oil Change

I spent Friday evening making a mess changing the oil on my 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. This was my first DIY oil change on the vehicle. Below are some notes and photos specific to the Outlander, in general it’s very similar to other vehicles but hopefully this can help some others get started. Any questions or comments post below in the comment section.
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UOA: 2006 Pontiac Vibe – 14,000-kms

Posted the second UOA for my wife’s 2006 Pontiac Vibe on bobistheoilguy.com for review.

Everything remained fairly constant between the two samples. The AMSOIL XL line of oils is a pretty stout product. We ended up pushing it out to 14,000-km/7-months which is a month overdue on time and 2,000-km under in mileage for the product service life.

UOA: 2006 Pontiac Vibe – 9,000-kms

I received the used oil analysis report from the Oil Analyzers lab in Edmonton and posted my results on BITOG to get some feedback.

I’m not happy with the fuel dilution in the report but the lab technician seems to think the oil is fit for use for another 5,000-km. I’m interested to see how the fuel dilution number changes as the oil approaches its end of life.

Other than that everything looks good to go for 15,000-km/6-month OCI’s in Laurens Vibe.

Which AMSOIL Tier Is For Me?

Which AMSOIL tier is best for my vehicle?

This can be a tricky question that can depend on quite a few variables including: cost, value, oil quality and extended drain interval expectations. The best way to start the discussion is to introduce the 3 tiers of AMSOIL synthetic oils available:

  1. Signature Series = The top tier product that has a drain interval of up to 24,000-km/1 year
  2. Extended Life (XL) Series = API certified middle tier product for those that prefer to change their oil twice a year with a drain interval of 16,000-km/6-months
  3. Original Equipment (OE) Series = API certified introductory tier with the lowest cost synthetic in the AMSOIL line for those interested in trying AMSOIL products and maintaining manufacturer warranties by using the drain interval specified by the equipment manufacturer

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Can I change my oil and forget about it for a year?

AMSOIL’s Signature Series line of products has a service life of:

  • Normal Service – Up to 40,000 kilometres or one year, whichever comes first.
  • Severe Service – Up to 24,000 kilometres or one year, whichever comes first.

Here in Canada everyone is limited to the Severe Service schedule so that simplifies things even more. But knowing the service life of the product doesn’t mean you can simply forget about your oil or your vehicle until the mileage or the time expires. That is the same service interval as 4 “normal” oil changes!

Below are some situations when you should check your oil level:
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