Month: September 2018

Lucas Oil Stabilizer/Fuel Treatment

Posted on by Ham's NAPA

Car Care Tips from our Team

Recently we started a series sharing basic car care tips and advice from our managers. We began with Charles’ recommendation for using dielectric grease, and now we’re back to give you Alan McCullars’ plug for oil stabilizers and fuel treatment. 

Reynolds Store Manager

Alan McCullars

“I use Lucas oil stabilizer and Lucas fuel treatment. And always, regular oil changes”

We hope we don’t need to convince you of the need for regular oil changes, but we will take a minute to provide some information regarding oil stabilizers and fuel treatment. Alan chooses Lucas Oil but there are many options on the market.

Oil Stabilizers are petroleum products that are significantly thicker than most engine oils. Mix them in to regular engine oil to help reduce friction and prevent wear. According to Lucas Oil, their oil stabilizer “creates a coating that clings to metallic surfaces, eliminating dry starts.” This thick coating is especially beneficial if you drive an older car or suspect you have a small oil leak. It won’t be a final fix, but can help to coat and possibly seal the leak. Lucas Oil makes stabilizers specifically for the heavy duty industry, high mileage vehicles, and imports or vehicles using synthetic oil.

Adding fuel treatment to your gasoline (or diesel fuel) at a given ratio and serves several purposes. Among those are improved fuel efficiency, cleaning for your fuel system, and lower exhaust emissions. Users commonly report at least a half a gallon better mpg using the product. 

Though the benefits of these products can be debated, many people believe in them to prolong their engines life. If you think oil stabilizers or fuel treatments are something you’d like to try, talk to Alan at our NAPA location in Reynolds! You can also read this Q and A from Lucas Oil. 

 

Dielectric Grease

Posted on by Ham's NAPA

Car Care Tips from our Team

We asked some of our parts professionals for their number one car care tip – the one thing they always do for their own cars – and we’re sharing their advice with you. Without further to do, here’s installment number one, Charles’ recommendation for dielectric grease.

Forsyth Store Manager

Charles Claybaugh

Dielectric grease is a silicone based grease that is used to protect electrical components against corrosion. It is especially important for vehicles that will be exposed to harsh conditions like mud and humidity. The grease is a thick translucent substance that repels moisture and withstands high temperatures. It is effective in marine and outdoor applications.

“I use dielectric grease for everything electrical connector related – it can go on bulbs, wires, connectors, really anything that carries voltage.”

This grease is commonly used on spark plugs. It seals and protects the plugs from corrosion and keeps the boots from sticking when they need to be removed. Rub it inside the spark plug boot when you install the plug.

You can also use dielectric grease to protect battery terminal connections, just apply a thin coat directly on battery posts. 

Use of dielectric grease with push on connectors will seal out moisture and reduce lost voltage in electrical connections. Apply a this coat in the beginning and when you secure the connectors they will displace enough grease to allow current to flow.

The grease comes in spray-on or rub-on form so you can use whatever suits your fancy. Charles personally recommends CRC dielectric grease in the pressurized can. If you have questions about its use or properties, stop by or call our store!