Sustained highway driving in hot weather, frequent idling in stop-and-go traffic, towing a boat or trailer, and driving on dusty roads or steep terrain are all considered severe driving conditions.
As Crew Chief for the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil car driven by Kevin Harvick, Todd Berrier knows a few things about severe driving conditions. He offers some important tips on how drivers can prepare their vehicles for the harsh realities of summer driving.
Tip 1
Consider choosing a synthetic motor oil
The motor oil in the Shell-Pennzoil car and in your car is the lifeblood of the engine. Using a premium full synthetic motor oil can provide engines with significant benefits in severe conditions.
On the race track, Richard Childress Racing counts on motor oil to provide the reliability and engine cleansing necessary to optimize engine performance.
The No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil car uses the same adaptive molecule technology found in Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil to help resist breakdown caused by the heat, shear and pressure our engines face on the track.
Additionally, Pennzoil Platinum motor oil’s active cleansing agents seek out and neutralize dirt and contaminants in the oil before they can form harmful performance-robbing deposits.
In fact, in a severe sludging test using SAE 5W-30 the active cleansing agents in Pennzoil Platinum helped remove built-up dirt and deposits three times better than the leading conventional oil.
Having oil that works for you is vital if you are driving in severe conditions such as long distances in hot weather or if you rely on your vehicle for towing your boat or camper.
Tip 2
Check coolant and fluid levels
Coolant is especially important in the summer, as it maintains the engine temperature under all climate extremes and driving conditions. It is recommended that coolant be drained and replaced with a 50/50 coolant-to-water mixture every two years.
If there is coolant in the radiator overflow tank, then the radiator should be full. It is also important to check radiator, battery, transmission, and windshield washer fluids as well as hoses for any signs of wear or damage, as this could be a sign that they need to be replaced.
Tip 3
Use a gasoline that meets the Top Tier standard
Top automakers say that carbon deposits can build up on critical engine parts, which can decrease the power, performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen recommend using Top Tier Detergent Gasolines to help keep engines clean.
All Shell gasoline meets Top Tier standards and stop gunky build-up on critical engine parts to help cars perform at their best. For engines that already have deposit build-up, Shell V-Power goes further. It actively cleans for better performance by removing gunky deposits from critical engine parts.
Tip 4
Check that tires are road ready
Tire performance is essential for the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil car on the racetrack, and the same is true for your vehicle. Proper tire inflation is critical for safe driving and long tire life.
When temperatures rise, so does your tire pressure. Tire pressure rises 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in the outside air temperature.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage for most drivers by 3.3 percent.
Beyond maintaining the proper air pressure, drivers should routinely inspect the tires for adequate tire tread and any signs of damage.
For additional information on the benefits of full synthetic motor oil, visit www.Pennzoil.com.
