How to make you car last forever...
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Suffolk
Make your car a life time
I am a retired mechanic and agree that it is best to service your car every year use good oil I use Mobil 1 change gear box oil at around 30000 Miles make sure it is the correct oil change supercharger oil approx.60000 due all this despite what Jaguar say . I have had mine wax oiled including behind the
plastic sill covers. Repair any kerb damage to wheels my STR has 19" alloys to easy to hit kerb.
plastic sill covers. Repair any kerb damage to wheels my STR has 19" alloys to easy to hit kerb.
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 33
From: San Diego, CA
When clients come in and complain about odd running conditions, stalling after filling with gas, poor idle occasionally but no MIL lit up, I immediately hook up my handheld and look at all the running parameters, fuel trims, freeze frame data (to see if historical exists) etc.
I can honestly tell you that 90% of the time there are no codes, the client has just filled up with Costco gas. Maybe it's my locale, but this has been a pattern for at least 5 years!
I had 4 clients who were willing to track data for me. I asked them to drive their vehicles for 2,000 miles using only Costco gas and note the mileage. Then drive for 2,000 miles using non-Costco gas. Every client experienced a gas mileage increase with non-Costco gas. It ranged from 1.5 mpg on an X308 to 5 mpg on an X350.
One of my clients works for the fuel and oil sales industry, and he stated it's due to the Ethanol content, which is what I had suspected but couldn't prove.
The Ethanol content may vary from state to state, but this is my experience.
I can honestly tell you that 90% of the time there are no codes, the client has just filled up with Costco gas. Maybe it's my locale, but this has been a pattern for at least 5 years!
I had 4 clients who were willing to track data for me. I asked them to drive their vehicles for 2,000 miles using only Costco gas and note the mileage. Then drive for 2,000 miles using non-Costco gas. Every client experienced a gas mileage increase with non-Costco gas. It ranged from 1.5 mpg on an X308 to 5 mpg on an X350.
One of my clients works for the fuel and oil sales industry, and he stated it's due to the Ethanol content, which is what I had suspected but couldn't prove.
The Ethanol content may vary from state to state, but this is my experience.
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 11,057
Likes: 2,271
From: Perth Ontario Canada
Costco gets their fuel at the same refinery as everyone else in the area. The only variation from one brand to another is to do with type and volume of additives, none of which could have any immediate effect on fuel consumption.
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 33
From: San Diego, CA
I have no technical hard data, other than the feedback from the four clients, which is not extremely scientific but does point to a trend.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,733
Likes: 2,201
From: on-the-edge
my way:
make a list of every liquid used in the vehicle from bumper to bumper.
consider them consumables and schedule changes at a comfortable interval
this includes taking guidance from manufacturers other than Jaguar who use the same components. for example, the supercharger is used in many makes and other makes who use the supercharger in greater volumes specify a change interval as little as 30K miles whereas Jaguar considers the unit to be "sealed for the life of the unit". ditto for the Merc transmission. Both Merc and Chrysler specify a change interval starting at 60K miles while Jaguar thinks you should run it to death and buy a new one. Ummm ... no thanks.
make a list of every non-liquid consumable and schedule an appropriate check and replace interval.
the key word in both sections is every.
the second key concept is to think, observer and learn rather than rely on arm chair quarterbacks quoting the owners manual as if were the tablets carried by Moses.
and finally oil spray everything you can get to and then some. repeat every two or three years. there is no such thing as too much rust protection. it also keeps those chassis fasteners in better shape for the inevitable bushing replacements.
make a list of every liquid used in the vehicle from bumper to bumper.
consider them consumables and schedule changes at a comfortable interval
this includes taking guidance from manufacturers other than Jaguar who use the same components. for example, the supercharger is used in many makes and other makes who use the supercharger in greater volumes specify a change interval as little as 30K miles whereas Jaguar considers the unit to be "sealed for the life of the unit". ditto for the Merc transmission. Both Merc and Chrysler specify a change interval starting at 60K miles while Jaguar thinks you should run it to death and buy a new one. Ummm ... no thanks.
make a list of every non-liquid consumable and schedule an appropriate check and replace interval.
the key word in both sections is every.
the second key concept is to think, observer and learn rather than rely on arm chair quarterbacks quoting the owners manual as if were the tablets carried by Moses.
and finally oil spray everything you can get to and then some. repeat every two or three years. there is no such thing as too much rust protection. it also keeps those chassis fasteners in better shape for the inevitable bushing replacements.
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,733
Likes: 2,201
From: on-the-edge
I have no technical hard data, other than the feedback from the four clients, which is not extremely scientific but does point to a trend.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,733
Likes: 2,201
From: on-the-edge
I did my original set on a series of long trips on the same route that I take regularly. Each leg takes a tankful so it was easy to duplicate roads and conditions.
Veteran Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 27,505
Likes: 4,902
From: Yorkshire, England
Actually you can get hard data. Monitor LTFT on the two brands/grades of interest. The LTFT will trend higher with higher ethanol content. Mine is near zero on Shell V-Power, but put ethanol blended premium in it and the LTFT is closer to +8. Change back, and it is near zero again.
The higher LTFT is the same (near enough) on both banks, is it?
Does it stay higher throughout the rev range (maybe not at WOT) and regardless of whether revving parked or just driving?
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 11,057
Likes: 2,271
From: Perth Ontario Canada
I have no technical hard data, other than the feedback from the four clients, which is not extremely scientific but does point to a trend.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
I tried it on my 05 XJR, and the result was about 2 mpg worse with Costco gas. Admittedly my driving habits are far from identical every day, but this was over 2,000 miles so there was a bit of averaging.
I can't explain the running condition issues at work with any degree of scientific fact. I can tell you that for at least 4.5 years, i have had many (more than a hundred I would guess) clients with inexplicable intermittent rough running conditions that went away after switching from Costco fuel. It may be the Ethanol, I have no way of knowing. All of these clients had no fault codes or MILs.
It might be worth noting that Costco is one of the greatly revered retailers of 'Top Tier' fuels. You can fuel some of the people some of the time, etc.
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 11,057
Likes: 2,271
From: Perth Ontario Canada
As mentioned, Costco has been certified as being one of the 'Top Tier' brands. Given the discrepancies noted, The OP's list of recommendations should be disregarded.
I love the unput guys, and I'm not to bring anybody down here (especially because the people that said this are very smart in this forum and have given tons of advise and taught me a lot!) but somebody said "there is little proof that the manufacturers recomendation is not optimal" I am the guy that takes apart engines and sees the customers history, and I see that those who religiously change it at 5000 miles AND put a superior oil have a brand new engine on the inside (why do u open it if its so good? Because you know, timing chain tensioners :/) and those cars have less or no leaks and their engine parts look silver (like they were from brand new). Those who follow manufacturers specs (most of my customers) have sludge inside. I SEE IT AND THAT'S ENOUGH PROOF TO ME. Transmissions, like I said, flush that mineral crap and put something better, it'll last forever. But again, no disrespect to anybody I respect everybody's opinion. I just felt like posting this list because is what I do for my car based on 8 years of Jaguar fixing experience.
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 11,057
Likes: 2,271
From: Perth Ontario Canada
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,733
Likes: 2,201
From: on-the-edge
I tend to look at it during cruise at highway speeds.
The onboard "average mpg" display will also follow the trend.
Veteran Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,733
Likes: 2,201
From: on-the-edge
I love the unput guys, and I'm not to bring anybody down here (especially because the people that said this are very smart in this forum and have given tons of advise and taught me a lot!) but somebody said "there is little proof that the manufacturers recomendation is not optimal" I am the guy that takes apart engines and sees the customers history, and I see that those who religiously change it at 5000 miles AND put a superior oil have a brand new engine on the inside (why do u open it if its so good? Because you know, timing chain tensioners :/) and those cars have less or no leaks and their engine parts look silver (like they were from brand new). Those who follow manufacturers specs (most of my customers) have sludge inside. I SEE IT AND THAT'S ENOUGH PROOF TO ME. Transmissions, like I said, flush that mineral crap and put something better, it'll last forever. But again, no disrespect to anybody I respect everybody's opinion. I just felt like posting this list because is what I do for my car based on 8 years of Jaguar fixing experience.
There is much truth in the old and often repeated mechanics' saying: "pay me now or pay me later".
Usually followed by a laugh and a shrug.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 678
Likes: 104
From: Enumclaw, Washington U.S.A.
Yeah I know, the title is out there, and is meant to catch your attention. As a mechanic with some years of experience under my belt and seeing how I am nuts and I treat my car like a giant baby (love that commercial), a friend came and ask me: I just bought a new car, what are the steps you took to ensure your will last forever?
Forever is a big word, but I did do unusual things. Why did I do them? I can read a lot in the internet, in the forums, engineering books, etc, but nothing beats seeing something for yourself. I see the chosen few crazy as me customers that do these things, my boss and I of course, and I see the results. If 10 XKs come to the shop and their engine runs rough at 80'000 miles, and one customer comes with 120'000 and his engine runs better, I wonder why, look at the service history and and draw conclusions. My boss and his 30 years of experience also explain to me and after everything is said and done, these are the things I DO (I STAND BY WHAT I WRITE BY DOING THIS ON MY BRAND NEW BABY) because I know better. Because I'm the guy that opens up engines and sees what is inside. I write this knowing that some people are going to hate, but is what I believe. And some of you might want to try it. Here I share MY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:
jaghelp.com: How to make your car last forever
Forever is a big word, but I did do unusual things. Why did I do them? I can read a lot in the internet, in the forums, engineering books, etc, but nothing beats seeing something for yourself. I see the chosen few crazy as me customers that do these things, my boss and I of course, and I see the results. If 10 XKs come to the shop and their engine runs rough at 80'000 miles, and one customer comes with 120'000 and his engine runs better, I wonder why, look at the service history and and draw conclusions. My boss and his 30 years of experience also explain to me and after everything is said and done, these are the things I DO (I STAND BY WHAT I WRITE BY DOING THIS ON MY BRAND NEW BABY) because I know better. Because I'm the guy that opens up engines and sees what is inside. I write this knowing that some people are going to hate, but is what I believe. And some of you might want to try it. Here I share MY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:
jaghelp.com: How to make your car last forever
Last edited by Nookieman; Mar 29, 2015 at 04:06 AM.
Veteran Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 210
From: Gloucestershire UK
Historically the Brits have a different attitude to motoring than the USA . We tend to drive smaller cars with smaller engines ( & diesels ) & do less miles P/A. we also change our cars more often. We tend to service our cars " By the book " In fact my Peugeot 308 150 SE Auto recommended oil changes every 48 months or 20.000 miles . We don't have the history of 1950's Chevy stovebolt 6's that needed an oil change every 3000 mile or 10 mins. Also we never had ,cheap , throw away , oil like the USA & with high fuel prices , we always had to watch the pennies . as far as motoring is concerned .
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BrentGardner
XJ XJ6 / XJ8 / XJR ( X350 & X358 )
29
Dec 16, 2024 12:13 AM
Sshenton1975
XJ6 & XJ12 Series I, II & III
6
Aug 30, 2015 09:29 AM
SingBlueSilver
XJ6 & XJ12 Series I, II & III
6
Aug 27, 2015 02:20 PM
Vector
US Lower Atlantic
0
Aug 26, 2015 05:36 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)