My Most and Least Favorite Automotive Fluids
A Short List of Runny Stuff
By Kevin Blumer
Photography: Kevin Blumer
To me, runny stuff that comes in screw-top plastic containers is way, way down on the list of exciting off-road hardware. All the same, our rigs couldn’t survive without a variety of specialized automotive fluids. I’m just glad that other people are willing and able to study chemistry and invent fluids that make our lives better, both on the pavement and on the trail. As for me, the best day of chemistry class in college was when I realized I’d better drop the class, or else live with a “D” or worse. The instructor wasn’t all that fazed when I came to his office with a ‘drop’ form. I was far from the only one to happily accept a ‘W’ in chemistry. Here’s a short list of runny stuff that I either love or loathe.
Synthetic motor oil—I dig this stuff. Synthetic oil lubricates better and lasts longer than conventional motor oil. Engines that are treated to synthetic motor oil end up living longer. Every time I dump a bottle of synthetic oil into the crankcase, I feel like I’ve just done something good.
Conventional motor oil—No, it’s not as good as synthetic, but it’s also about half the cost and it’s easy to find. The price of an oil change is infinitesimal compared to the price of an engine overhaul, so it makes sense to change your oil sooner rather than later. Good stuff.
Brake cleaner—Brake cleaner rocks! It cleans thoroughly and evaporates quickly. Yes, it’s good for cleaning brake parts, but it’s helpful anywhere you need a strong solvent that leaves nothing behind but clean, dry parts. Brake cleaner is useful in metal fabrication, because it cleans oil off of metal quickly and prepares it for welding. Brake cleaner eats paint and attacks some plastics, so be careful where you shoot this stuff.