15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
Luke's posts regular blogs to offer you great information and advice about your car maintenance. Check back often for new posts. Search for a specific topic!
Luke ShaffKeep Your Engine Running Strong with Regular Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of your engine—it keeps everything moving smoothly, reduces friction, and helps prevent overheating. But over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt and debris, making it less effective. That’s why regular oil changes are one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running at its best.
Why Oil Changes Matter
As oil circulates through your engine, it lubricates key components, reducing wear and tear. It also helps control engine temperature and removes harmful deposits that can build up over time. Without regular oil changes, dirty or degraded oil can lead to poor engine performance, lower fuel efficiency, and even costly repairs.
Types of Engine Oil
There are three main types of engine oil:
Conventional (Petroleum-Based): A traditional option that works well but breaks down faster.
Synthetic Blend: A mix of conventional and synthetic oils that offers better protection and longevity.
Fully Synthetic: Designed for maximum performance and durability, synthetic oil lasts longer and resists breakdown under extreme temperatures.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but our team at Luke's Automotive can assess your vehicle and driving conditions to recommend the best oil change schedule. Whether you drive short city trips, long highway miles, or tow heavy loads, we’ll make sure your engine stays protected with the right maintenance plan.
Oil change recommendations have evolved over the years. While older guidelines suggested changing oil every 3,000 miles, many modern engines—especially those using synthetic oil—can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Some high-performance or synthetic-equipped engines even push 10,000 miles between changes.
Skipping oil changes or waiting too long between them can lead to engine sludge, overheating, and even breakdowns. Our experienced mechanics are here to help you avoid those headaches with quick, professional oil change services that keep your car in top shape.
Stop by Luke's Automotive or give us a call at 425-885-4333 to schedule your next oil change. Your engine will thank you!
When Back to the Future co-writers Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale were developing the script, their first idea for a time machine was completely different. In early drafts, time travel was powered by a device called the "Time Chamber," which was housed inside a lead-lined refrigerator. The idea was that the main character, Marty McFly, would climb inside the fridge, and a nuclear explosion (yes, really!) would generate the necessary power to send him through time.
However, this concept posed a couple of major problems:
So, they scrapped the refrigerator idea and started looking for something cooler—literally.
Why the DeLorean?
The choice of the DeLorean DMC-12 as the time machine wasn’t random. Robert Zemeckis wanted something that looked futuristic, and the DeLorean, with its stainless-steel body and gull-wing doors, had the perfect sci-fi aesthetic. But there was one more key reason:
🔹 The Joke About a Flying Saucer – In the movie, when Marty McFly travels back to 1955 and crashes into a barn, the people who discover him think he’s an alien because of the car’s sleek, spaceship-like design. This scene worked perfectly with the DeLorean’s unusual look.
The DeLorean DMC-12: The Car Behind the Legend
Before Back to the Future, the DeLorean wasn’t exactly a superstar. The car was designed by John DeLorean, a former GM executive who wanted to create a futuristic sports car. Here are some key facts about the real-life DeLorean:
🚗 Model Name: DMC-12 (though people just call it "the DeLorean")
🚗 Years Produced: 1981–1983
🚗 Engine: 2.85L V6 (130 horsepower—not very fast!)
🚗 0 to 60 mph: Around 10 seconds (which is why it needed movie magic to hit 88 mph!)
🚗 Body Material: Brushed stainless steel (no paint, just raw metal)
🚗 Doors: Gull-wing style, which open upward
While the DeLorean had a futuristic look, it wasn’t the greatest performance car. It was heavy, underpowered, and expensive. The DeLorean Motor Company struggled financially, and production ended in 1983. But when Back to the Future was released in 1985, the DeLorean found new life as a cultural icon.
A Legendary Movie Car
Thanks to Back to the Future, the DeLorean is now one of the most famous cars in the world. Even though only about 9,000 were ever made, its place in film history ensures it will never be forgotten.
And to think—it all started with a refrigerator!
What do you think? Would Back to the Future have been as cool if Marty had time-traveled in a fridge? Let us know in the comments!
