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Engine Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It reduces friction, lessens wear, provides lubrication, forms a seal between the pistons, rings and cylinder walls while helping to cool engine parts. Without the cleaning action of new oil, carbon and varnish buildup would be toxic to the engine. And engine oil even dampens the shock and noise of moving parts.  But remember, engine oil breaks down with time and should be replaced regularly for optimal effectiveness.

South Star Chrysler technicians can select the right oil for your vehicle, inspect your car's air filter and check the levels of vital fluids for brakes, power steering, automatic transmission and coolant/antifreeze.  We'll look inside, outside, under the hood and underneath the car, then explain the findings and give you a written report.  And that's important. Because taking care of your car's oil, filter and fluid needs is one of the simplest, most effective and inexpensive ways to help keep it running smooth and strong.  

Rest assured, at South Star Chrysler we adhere to Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep factory guidelines, ensuring the right services for your vehicle at the right time.

Engine Oil                          

Most cars on the road today use multi-grade oil - one that can work efficiently in cold and hot weather. A multi-grade oil is rated by two numbers, such as 5W-30.


Oil classification                                   

Each engine oil comes with a classification indicating its viscosity, which is its friction or resistance to flow. In a multi-grade oil, the first number indicates how the oil will flow when it is cold. The lower the number, the lighter the oil and the better it will perform at lower temperatures. The second number indicates the thickness of that same oil at high temperatures. For example, a 5W-30 oil will flow as a 5-weight oil at zero degrees
Fahrenheit and as a 30-weight oil at 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why viscosity is a concern

During cold starting, only a small amount of oil is present in the upper parts of engines. To lessen the friction when upper engine parts, such as the valve train, pistons, overhead cam and cam bearings, scrub against each other, a lower viscosity allows the oil to reach the components more quickly.

Why 5W-30 and 5w-20 oils are so popular

Many vehicles today leave the factory with 5W-30 or 5w-20 engine oil. Vehicle manufacturers recommend them because they are lighter oils that perform well in a range of temperatures and help improve gas mileage.

Synthetic oils

Not all motor engine oils are 100% petroleum. Synthetic oils, which are primarily chemically compounded lubricants, are also available. They can provide:
o    Higher viscosity stability over a wider temperature range
o    Reduced oil thickening
o    Reduced wear and increased load-carrying ability.

Which oil is right for your car?
The simplest and safest way to find out is to check your owner's manual...or talk to the experts at South Star Chrysler.


CJ-4 Diesel Oil

The new API CJ-4 oils are made for high-performance diesel engines designed to meet 2007 diesel emission standards. API CJ-4 oils exceed previous performance requirements and are specifically designed to protect emission control systems, help comply with emission standards, reduce engine wear, and control piston deposits and oil consumption.

While compatibility with Diesel Particulate Filters is the primary reason API CJ-4 was developed, overall oil performance was also enhanced in several key areas that will benefit new and current diesel engines. Improvements were also made to provide increased soot-related viscosity control, increased control of piston deposits and oil consumption, to help protect against engine wear, piston deposits, soot, high temperatures, oil foaming and aeration, viscosity loss due to shear and minimize blocking of the Diesel Particulate Filter.  API CJ-4 oils are also engineered for use in previous model year engines.

Why was the new API CJ-4 oil performance category developed?
New emission standards for heavy-duty engines will be phased in between 2007 and 2010. Engines meeting these new standards will be equipped with advanced emission control technologies, including diesel particulate filters and in most cases exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The new API CJ-4 performance category was developed to address both the unique needs of these new engines and to protect older engines while enhancing the life of the emission control system as required for regulatory compliance.

Does Chrysler recommend use of API CJ-4 oils to protect 2007 emission-controlled engines?
Yes, API CJ-4 oils, used in engines running on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel, are critical for the durability and performance of 2007 and newer engines that utilize advanced emission control technologies. These oils have been subject to the most severe qualification testing requirements of any API engine lubricant category.

How does the performance of API CJ-4 oils differ from previous categories like API CI-4 or API CI-4 PLUS?
API CJ-4 oils have additive systems specially designed to improve the protection of both the engine power system and advanced emissions control systems like DPFs. Use of these new oils will help maintain the life of the emission control system as required for regulatory compliance. API CJ-4 oils are formulated for improved wear protection, deposit and oil consumption control, soot-related viscosity control, prevention of viscosity loss from shearing, used oil low-temperature pumpability, and protection from thermal and oxidative breakdown when compared to previous API performance categories.

Do API CJ-4 oils protect older engines as well as API CI-4 or API CI-4 PLUS oils?
Yes, API CJ-4 oils are designed for use in new engines as well as the existing on-highway fleets.