Michael’s Motor Alley Video Podcast Series

Title: Myth Busting with Michael Thomas
Duration: 08:39

Description:
Video with Michael Thomas

[Michael Thomas]
Crank it up. Welcome back to another episode of Michael's Motor Alley, powered by Pennzoil, where motor oil is in motion.

[Background music plays]
Upbeat rock music.

[Title]
MICHAEL THOMAS
Host of Michael’s Motor Alley Podcast
Shell Lubricants Technical Information Specialist

[Video Footage]
Michael’s Motor Alley podcast introduction. A Pennzoil sign on the wall reads “Nothing like the smell of oil in the morning.” Michael closes a cabinet and smiles. Michael’s garage with motorsports memorabilia and toolboxes. A sign reads “Mustang Alley”. Michael holds a toy Formula One car. Michael plays with an electric slot car set. A picture of Michael standing next to a Porsche hangs on the wall. Michael opens up a copy of Hot Rod Magazine and looks surprised. A Ford Mustang’s front end rolls into frame. Michael’s hand is on the gear shifter. Michael drives his Mustang down the street as the background changes to show different streets. Michael stops, leans out the window and gives a thumbs up.

[Michael Thomas]
This episode, we’re gonna get into myths that are very important in our automotive industry.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Break in your engine with conventional motor oil before you use synthetic motor oil.

[Michael Thomas]
You should break in your engine with conventional motor oil before you start using synthetic motor oil. That works when you're rebuilding some old-school hot rods that didn't come with a synthetic, you have to break in the
valves, gotta seat properly, the rings gotta seat properly. A lot of the engines today are coming factory-filled with synthetic or synthetic blend. So again, you can start off with those with the synthetic or synthetic blend with no issue.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Break in your engine with conventional motor oil before you use synthetic motor oil.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Michael Thomas]
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 1-800-BEST-OIL.

[Graphic Display]
White letters with a Pennzoil logo that reads: 1-800-BEST-OIL

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
New vehicles must get oil changes at the dealer to maintain warranty.

[Michael Thomas]
All of today's new vehicles must get oil changes at the dealer to maintain warranty. People said I can't go nowhere,
I gotta go to the dealer, they definitely said that's the only place. If not, my warranty is voided, baloney. That is not the case, maybe if you got free oil changes I would hang out there too. But, you don't necessarily have to go to the dealer and get an oil change, you can go to a place like Jiffy Lube where they can give you a signature service type oil change. They will check your transmission fluids, your coolants, everything. And everything is written in the paperwork that will take care of your warranty, and they will use the correct oil for your engine. I'm not trying to say anything bad about dealers, there's nothing wrong with that. They're great, but you don't just have to go there.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
New vehicles must get oil changes at the dealer to maintain warranty.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Any universal antifreeze can be used in any vehicle.

[Michael Thomas]
Next myth. Any universal antifreeze can be used in any vehicle. Now, let me tell you something guys, antifreeze used to be just your green ethylene glycol for several generations, that was all it was. Then back in the 90's Dex-Cool came on the scene so they were two. I have to tell you guys that there is a lot of antifreeze out there. You got the OAT type of antifreeze, what we call organic technology that has extended life 100 to 150,000 miles. Ford has theirs, GM of course, Toyota has theirs, so you must pick the right antifreeze. Don't just go out here and grab anything because that could compromise the cooling of your engine and coolant system, and you could cause problems. So let's make sure you look in your owner's manual.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Any universal antifreeze can be used in any vehicle.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
When using a full synthetic motor oil, you can leave it in as long as you want and don't worry about OEM oil change specifications.

[Michael Thomas]
Next myth, when using a full synthetic motor oil, you can leave it in as long as you want and don't worry about OEM oil change specifications. You got guys out here who want to just put oil in and leave it in for 20, 30,000 miles, don't do that. C'mon guys, let's go with the OEM recommendations, please. These guys have already done all the testing, all the work done behind the scenes with the motor oil, and we talking you get different specs, different approvals. So c'mon, let's do exactly what the engineers have put in those owner's manuals that tell you what to do. In the long run, you'll be better off.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
When using a full synthetic motor oil, you can leave it in as long as you want and don't worry about OEM oil change specifications.

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
When oil turns black, it needs to be changed.

[Michael Thomas]
Next myth, when oil turns black, it needs to be changed. I hear old-timers say, "Look it's turning black, it's time to take it out," No, it's not time to take it out. That oil is doing its job. It's cleaning internally. It's doing its job. It's absorbing the condensation, all the contaminants, uh fuel dilution all that it's doing its job. And, again, if they state, leave it in, one year, 10,000 miles, remember The testing has been done. Change it when it's time to be changed. Case closed.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
When oil turns black, it needs to be changed.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Using synthetic in an engine that did not come with synthetic, will damage the seals.

[Michael Thomas]
Using synthetic in an engine that did not come with synthetic, will damage the seals. I hear guys tell me this all the time, oh yeah, it ruined my seals. It didn't ruin your seals, all oil has seal conditioners. Conventional, synthetic blend, full synthetic, they all have seal conditioners. So again, the synthetic is not gonna ruin your seals and cause it to leak, it does not happen. It's not gonna cause a problem to any item internally in your engine.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Using synthetic in an engine that did not come with synthetic, will damage the seals.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Michael Thomas]
We're jumping from motor oil to transmissions. There's a few sports cars out here that do come with manual
transmission fluid, you gotta get the right stuff.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
For older transmissions, you can use a GL4 or GL5 gear lubricant.

[Michael Thomas]
Next myth, for older GM, Dodge, or Ford manual transmissions, you can just use a GL4, GL5 gear lubricant. GL stands for gear lube, and here we got four which is a milder gear oil. If you go to a GL5 which you find in the rear axles of like a Mustang, or a Dodge Challenger, or a Camaro, or some of your pickup trucks, they have GL5 that has what we call extreme or hypoid additive package in there for that ring gear and pinion. Some people say you can put the GL5 in a manual transmission that says use a GL4, you can't do that. If you put the GL5 in the manual transmission, you will damage your brass and copper synchronizers in that transmission. So again, when you're guys are dealing with gear lubricants on your manual transmission, please go with what is stated in the manual.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
For older transmissions, you can use a GL4 or GL5 gear lubricant.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Michael Thomas]
You can get a hold of me at 1-800-BEST-OIL. I have manuals that's going all the way back to 1917 on vehicles. So, I can definitely help you maintain an old school car, or a new school car. That's what we do on our technical hotline.

[Graphic Display]
White letters with a Pennzoil logo that reads: 1-800-BEST-OIL

[Michael Thomas]
Change your vehicle's motor oil every three months, or every 3,000 miles.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Change your vehicle's motor oil every three months, or every 3,000 miles.

[Michael Thomas]
That used to be the ritual for about 40 years, but that's not the case anymore. Today's engines now, and technology in motor oil has changed, synthetic is used in mostly every vehicle. I would say at least 98% of the vehicles are running synthetic or synthetic blend, and that additive package can help you go longer on oil change intervals. So again, it's not the three months, 3,000 miles that we did for many years, now the oil light indicator that comes on your dash to let you know when it's time to change oil, and most cases that's over 5,000 miles. The oil can go the distance, it's truly been tested. These automakers and the engineers there along with oil makers like us, we make sure motor oil is doing its job, and it's doing its job longer.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Change your vehicle's motor oil every three months, or every 3,000 miles.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Coolants in new vehicles do not have to be checked or replaced anymore.

[Michael Thomas]
In today's vehicles, coolants doesn't have to be checked or replaced anymore. They do have to be checked. Even though we do have coolants that are 100,000, 150,000 mile strength, but they still need to be checked. At least open the hood, have someone look at the reservoir make sure that's not low, 'cause if it's low that's letting you know you got a leak somewhere, and it's somehow dripping so we wanna have that checked. Just look at the condition, you can see if it looks kind of brownish or something, turning colors, there may be something going on.
Please have your coolant checked every year. A mechanic can check it, they have hydrometers that you can dip in
and look at the condition of it, or they have strips that can tell you the condition. Doesn't take but a few minutes to knock it out.

[Graphic Display]
White box appears with black text that reads:
MYTH
Coolants in new vehicles do not have to be checked or replaced anymore.

[Voiceover]
MYTH BUSTED

[Graphic Display]
Red letters stamp on the black text that reads: BUSTED

[Michael Thomas]
If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 1-800-BEST-OIL, and you can follow me at Michael's Motor Alley wherever you follow your podcast. You guys take care, be safe, and I will talk to you soon.

[Graphic Display]
White letters with a Pennzoil logo that reads: 1-800-BEST-OIL. White letters that read: Michael’s Motor Alley. Phone graphics with Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and PodBean logos.

[Background music plays]
Upbeat rock music.

[Voiceover]
Michael’s Motor Alley podcast is powered by Pennzoil and is available to download and listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music or wherever you listen to your podcasts. This podcast has been produced by Pennzoil and the views and opinions on this podcast are of those of the people featured and not of Shell and its affiliates.

[Graphic Display]
Pennzoil logo

Title: DIY Tips/Pennzoil Pop Quiz with Jonny Grunwald

Duration: 15 min, 15 sec

Description:

Video with Michael Thomas and Jonny Grunwald.

[Background music plays]

Upbeat rock music.

[Michael Thomas]

Hey, let's crank it up. Welcome back to another episode of Michael's Motor Alley, powered by Pennzoil, where motor oil is in motion.

[Title]

MICHAEL THOMAS

Host of Michael’s Motor Alley Podcast

Shell Lubricants Technical Information Specialist

[Video Footage]

Michael’s Motor Alley podcast introduction. A Pennzoil sign on the wall reads “Nothing like the smell of oil in the morning.” Michael closes a cabinet and smiles. Michael’s garage with motorsports memorabilia and toolboxes. A sign reads “Mustang Alley”. Michael holds a toy Formula One car. Michael plays with an electric slot car set. A picture of Michael standing next to a Porsche hangs on the wall. Michael opens up a copy of Hot Rod Magazine and looks surprised. A Ford Mustang’s front end rolls into frame. Michael’s hand is on the gear shifter. Michael drives his Mustang down the street as the background changes to show different streets. Michael stops, leans out the window and gives a thumbs up.

[Michael Thomas]

In a previous episode, we were lucky to have diehard, gearhead, automotive enthusiast Jonny Grunwald with us. And now he's back with us.

[Video Footage]

Jonny Grunwald sitting next to Michael Thomas in studio.

[Photo Display]

Jonny stands next to a gray sports car fueling at a gas station. Jonny driving a white sports car on a windy mountain road.

[Title]

JONNY GRUNWALD

Motorsports Creator and

Automotive Special Projects Build Manager

[Jonny Grunwald]

Thanks for having me again, Michael.

[Michael Thomas]

Today we'd like to have a quick game most people know, it's called “Two Truths and a Lie”. Let’s get started.

[Graphic Display]

Game title “Two Truths and a Lie” is displayed on a yellow background with black and white text and a checkered line through the middle.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I've traveled to more than 14 countries in one year. I'm a huge fan of EV vehicles. And I own four personal cars. Which one's the lie?

[Graphic Display]

Three statements appear on screen.

[Michael Thomas]

I think the EV part.

[Jonny Grunwald]

You got me. I'm definitely not a fan of EV vehicles. I'm a through and through gasoline in my veins.

[Michael Thomas]

Yes. I hear you. I understand that truly. Alright. I have had 27 cars. I have driven at speeds, speeds at, uh, 148 miles an hour. And I have, I am part of, uh, triplets.

[Graphic Display]

Three statements appear on screen.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Well, I know you're a, you're a gearhead, so you're going at high speeds. I believe that. Um, I know you've had a quite a history in cars. Uh, and quite a collection. So, I'd have to say, maybe twins but definitely not triplets.

[Michael Thomas]

You’re right.

[Jonny Grunwald]

(laughs). Nice.

[Michael Thomas]

Not a triplet, but have identical twin brother.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Awesome! Awesome!

[Michael Thomas]

Yes. Now it's time for Pennzoil pop quiz.

[Graphic Display]

Pennzoil logo appears over a gray background. Yellow text reads “POP QUIZ!”

[Michael Thomas]

We have our white boards. We're gonna be questioning each other back and forth and we have a judge, who's gonna judge our answers at the very end. And there is a prize at the end, whoever wins. (car revs in background) What's that back there? All right. Okay, first question for you, Jonny. How often do you change your motor oil versus how often should you change your motor oil? Let's write our answers and see.

[Video Footage]

A closeup shot of Jonny and Michael holding white boards and markers.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #1

How often do you change your motor oil versus how often *should* you change your motor oil?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Oh, you know what? For me, it's a bit unique because, uh, I have my race car and then I have my personal car, so, I'm giving you both.

[Video Footage]

A closeup shot of Jonny writing on his whiteboard.

[Michael Thomas]

See? I understand that. I have two that, there's different oil changes, but we'll find out. Let's turn it around so our judge and everyone can see out there.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Once a year?

[Michael Thomas]

I know that's crazy, but, you know what? Think about what's happening right now, I have one vehicle that, uh, that I don't hardly put any miles on it. When I say hardly any miles, it's maybe 400 miles a year.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Whoa!

[Michael Thomas]

Or less. And then I have the daily driver, so, I put once a year, uh, due to the fact that it's not driven, we-uh, we wanna at least get the oil out of it. It's uh, it's a vehicle that's, you know, I can say a little vintage, but, the-the, we're talking the daily driver you should go with the OEM oil-change-

[Jonny Grunwald]

Intervals.

[Michael Thomas]

Intervals, of course!

[Jonny Grunwald]

I got you.

[Michael Thomas]

That's what, that's what I go with. Now, what do you have there, Jonny?

[Jonny Grunwald]

So, I have my race spec RX7, I change the oil every 2000 miles because I run 85, so fuel dilation is important. And I have conventional 20W50 in my FD- And then for my Audi Q5, which is the daily hauler that I go on trips and adventures with, I run the 0W40 Platinum Euro synthetic- -so I can have higher interval with it. Um- So that's my personal oil changes intervals- for myself, and I think for recommendation, you know, 3000, 5000, that to me is, like, the average.

[Michael Thomas]

Yeah, that's really good 'cause, you know I was looking at the Audis and stuff, they're European, and most of those are doing like 1 year, or 10,000 miles.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yeah, yeah!

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 01, Michael 01.

[Michael Thomas]

The judge has said we both are correct! (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Jonny Grunwald]

Winners! (laughs)

[Michael Thomas]

Oh, man!

[Jonny Grunwald]

Alright Michael, how pure is base oil made from natural gas?

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #2

How pure is base oil made from natural gas?

[Michael Thomas]

I better know that.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Let’s see it. (laughs) I think that’s perfect. Here’s my answer.

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 02, Michael 02.

[Michael Thomas]

The judge has said thumbs up! (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Jonny Grunwald]

Awesome!

[Michael Thomas]

What is the importance of additives in motor oil?

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #3

What is the importance of additives in motor oil?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Alright. I have my answer ready. Here's my top two. I put very important for anti-wear and-and a cleaning agent.

[Michael Thomas]

Bad writing but if you can see that there, additives are very important lube, you have anti-foaming, that's what- it cleans. That's one of the additive packages that you have to have, but you got so much more. You've got friction modifiers- we could go on a couple (laughs) a couple more hours on it, but let's just keep it to that, so that's just a few.

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 03, Michael 03.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Awesome. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT) We’re still even here. Let’s keep it going! My next question, uh, is what does the 'W' in 'Zero W' stand for? For oil viscosity.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #4

What does the “W” in 0W' stand for?

[Michael Thomas]

That has been a question for many years, and people have different answers for that.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Let’s see it.

[Michael Thomas]

There we are.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I think we’re on the same page. Again.

[Michael Thomas]

We are.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Winter and cold climate for me too. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 04, Michael 04.

[Michael Thomas]

Thank you judge for the thumbs up. A lot of people have thought that meant weight.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yep.

[Michael Thomas]

And they will argue you down on (laughs). So alright, Can a 0W-20 be used in a car that recommends 5W20? Hopefully on the same page on this, since we're both car crazy fellas.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #5

Can a 0W20 motor oil be used in a car that recommends 5W20 motor oil?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Got it!

[Michael Thomas]

You got it?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Of course!

[Michael Thomas]

In bold letters and just to brief you for our folks out there Jonny, we do know as well, 0W20 / 5W20, they're close in viscosity. To zero, may lubricate quicker when you start it a little quicker than than the five but they're both 20 weight motor rolls at operating temperature. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 05, Michael 05.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Alright Michael, what are the advantages of using synthetic motor oil? All right, lets see it.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #6

What are the advantages of using synthetic motor oil?

[Michael Thomas]

We looking at better starts, maybe like cold morning starts. Less friction internally cause it slippery down near standard conventional motor oil and better gas mileage cause that why all the OEMS now are using, synthetic or synthetic blend.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Definitely, and some engines more horsepower, as well.

[Michael Thomas]

You better believe it.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I put longer service intervals because the average consumer is always thinking about when they have to change their oil, how often, obviously the cost, so I think about "You know what, they can go a lot longer with synthetic motor oil than conventional motor oil."

[Michael Thomas]

Ok, let's see what the judges is saying over in the corner?

(CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 06, Michael 06.

White text: ALWAYS FOLLOW YOUR OEM RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVAL.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Oh, we’re still even.

[Michael Thomas]

We are still even! Now listen up, Mr. Jonny, Which viscosity grade flows better in extreme cold?

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

QUESTION #7

Which viscosity grade flows better in extreme cold?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Extreme cold, okay. So I said the 0W series and in my case I have an Audi Q5, 0W40 platinum Euro and I'm always going snowboarding. Going up to the mountains. Going to these crazy environments. And ah, I like to be able to cold start my car and have it warm up appropriately and, yeah, I ran a 0W40.

[Michael Thomas]

That is correct because most damage is done is when you start a car, so you need quick lubrication, here's my answer. I would say like 0W20 and you have 0W16. The proof is in the Pennzoil. And I look over there our judges saying thumbs up again. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 07, Michael 07.

[Background music plays]

Upbeat rock music.

[Michael Thomas]

Everybody get prepared, we have a lightning round and these are true and false questions. Are you ready, Jonny?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Let’s go!

[Michael Thomas]

True or false, after starting your vehicle, you must let your engine warm up before you drive it.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

TRUE OR FALSE

After starting your vehicle, you must let your engine warm up before you drive it.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I'm gonna say false.

[Michael Thomas]

You gonna say false?

[Jonny Grunwald]

I mean in my car, my RXM, I definitely warm it up on synthetic motor oil, I just start the car and go.

[Graphic Display]

Red “FALSE” stamp appears over question.

[Michael Thomas]

You are right, I'm saying the same thing. It's false because most of the vehicles you can just start in the lubrication and then it’s a synthetic tube, it flows so much better then the old school conventional motor oil.

[Jonny Grunwald]

That's right.

[Michael Thomas]

The most cast iron engines had to be warmed up.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yeah.

[Michael Thomas]

I'm looking over there again and the judges saying thumbs up, ow man!

(CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT) We need to be on one of them game shows.

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 08, Michael 08.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Alright, true or false Michael, Synthetic motor oil should not be used in a high mileage engine.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

TRUE OR FALSE

Synthetic motor oil should not be used in a high mileage engine.

[Michael Thomas]

We most definitely can use a synthetic motor oil in a high mileage engine, with no problem.

[Graphic Display]

Red “FALSE” stamp appears over question.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Okay, so that's false.

[Michael Thomas]

Alright.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Pretty sure it's correct, yeah that's correct. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 09, Michael 09.

[Michael Thomas]

True or false. If a service warning light comes on in your vehicle, you should not really worry about it.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

TRUE OR FALSE

If a service warning light comes on in your vehicle, you should not really worry about it.

[Jonny Grunwald]

That's completely false. Service light is a red flag, should definitely get it checked out.

[Graphic Display]

Red “FALSE” stamp appears over question.

[Michael Thomas]

Yeah you should, but you know I hate to say it but I've had family members, the light come on, and oh man, then they put something there to block it.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Clear the code, we’ll just keep driving, nothing will happen. (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 10, Michael 10

[Michael Thomas]

True or false, if you drive over a nail you would need to immediately purchase a new tire.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

TRUE OR FALSE

If you drive over a nail you would need to immediately purchase a new tire.

[Jonny Grunwald]

It's a loaded question, hmm, I say, I say it's false, obviously it depends on where the nails goes, uh, if it's on a Motorsport tire, immediately, hah but for the average consumer it's false.

[Graphic Display]

Red “FALSE” stamp appears over question.

[Michael Thomas]

Exactly, and you right because, depend on somebody's high performance tires, run flat tires. The rubber compound, most places you have to replace those high performance ones.

(CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECT)

[Jonny Grunwald]

Exactly.

[Background music plays]

Upbeat rock music.

[Voiceover]

Alright, Final scores, (CORRECT DING SOUND EFFECTS)

Michael 11 and Jonny 11 - it's a tie! (FIREWORKS SOUND EFFECTS)

[Graphic Display]

Yellow cards appear showing the score. Jonny 11 TIE Michael 11. Confetti bursts onto the screen.

[Michael Thomas]

That was great! Hey everyone, we are gonna get into our DIY tips for the winter.

[Graphic Display]

Pennzoil logo appears on screen and a red sports car races out of frame.

Black text: PREP POINTS

[Michael Thomas]

When winter approaches, think about in different areas of the United States you got different preparations you have to do. You're out in California, I'm out here in good old hot Houston Texas.

[Jonny Grunwald]

(Laughing) That's right.

[Michael Thomas]

And you got people, up north, Minnesota, so there's different ways to prepare. Replace your wiper blades, top off, wiper- what we call the washer fluid, your reservoir. Have to do it. Definitely some people drive around without anything on there. So and plus, wiper blades, they tend to get dry rotted a little bit so a good time to change it now.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

PENNZOIL PREP POINTS

1. Replace your wiper blades

[Michael Thomas]

Check your antifreeze mixture and level.

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

PENNZOIL PREP POINTS

2. Check your antifreeze

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yeah.

[Michael Thomas]

And sometimes you have to check the specific gravity to see if it's still strong. That can be done at your local repair facility. Check the condition of your tires. Make sure the air pressure is correct. And thank goodness most of these newer cars have little indicators that come on the dash and tell you, "Hey, it's low."

[Graphic Display]

White box appears at the bottom of the screen and black text reads:

PENNZOIL PREP POINTS

3. Check your tires

[Michael Thomas]

Have your battery tested and clean your battery terminals and the cable connections. I tell ya, I seen folks with so much fuzz and stuff all over it. You have to clean it. And have the- remember, have that battery checked because winter time puts a little more stress on the batteries.

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PENNZOIL PREP POINTS

4. Test your battery and clean the terminals

[Michael Thomas]

Next one. For cold, snowy areas, you may want to look into getting winter tires or snow chains. We don't have to worry about that down here.

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5. Winter Tires or snow chains

[Michael Thomas]

Next, top off both the gasoline and washer fluid reservoir. Now, the reason why we're saying this, is a full tank may prevent accumulation of water from freezing inside your fuel pump.

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6. Fill up on gas and top off your washer fluid

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7. Winter car emergency kit

[Michael Thomas]

Now, this is one of the big things you may have to have, winter car emergency kit. Must keep this, in your trunk I would think. Ice scraper, and snow brush. I grew up on the East Coast, we had all of that prepared in, Virginia. A flashlight, plus extra batteries for that rascal, too. Or a hand crank flashlight, they do have those. Keep them jumper cables. It's a must. A first aid kit. So that's our tips, for trying to get your car together for the fall and winter season.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I go snowboarding every winter, and uh, the local mountains to me in Los Angeles is only two hours away. So I go from the beach to the mountains, like every weekend. So, a lot of those tips are related to me. Uh, I keep spare quart of oil in the back of the car, I have jumper cables, I have flares. Not so much emergency like a first aid kit action, but I know that's necessary because sometimes it gets icy, you can slip and, and hit something, or fall s- on something, so, you know- All those things are definitely super important. I complete- completely agree.

[Michael Thomas]

One thing I gotta add, growing up in Virginia during winter times, you know what we could keep a small bag of kitty litter.

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BONUS TIP

CAT LITTER CAN HELP PROVIDE TRACTION AND PREVENT SLIPPING ON ICY SURFACES

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yeah, definitely.

[Michael Thomas]

I've had to use that on a few occasions, to throw that down just to get out of a icy parking lot,

[Jonny Grunwald]

I have a snow chains on my Audi Q5 but sometimes, it's not enough. So I'll - kitty litter definitely for those steep driveways, or steep inclines, definitely can save the day.

[Michael Thomas]

My twin brother got caught in a snow storm in Virginia, and he called and said, "Please, I am, I can't get, get the vehicle out." So I came out in that snow because that's my other half. And I made it to him, and I had lots of kitty litter. And I said, "Hey, we gonna try to push this to get it out of this little, this, the little snow bank. So, that happened, we get- got him on his way, and uh, but yeah, that was one thing that I do remember and it was a, really a snowy, a snowy day there in Virginia, many years ago.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Wild.

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Upbeat rock music.

[Michael Thomas]

All right, I hope you guys stay safe out there. And of course, don't forget, the next time you change your oil, grab a bottle of good ole Pennzoil Platinum, 0W-20, which is also carbon neutral. This has been Pennzoil Prep Points with Michael and Johnny.

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Closeup of person walking and carrying a yellow bottle of Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic SAE OW-20 motor oil.

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[Jonny Grunwald]

Thanks for having me Michael.

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[Voiceover]

Michael’s Motor Alley podcast is powered by Pennzoil and is available to download and listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. This podcast has been produced by Pennzoil and the views and opinions on this podcast are of those of the people featured and not of Shell and its affiliates.

Title: On the Road with Jonny Grunwald

Duration: 12 min, 27 sec

Description:

Video with Michael Thomas and Jonny Grunwald.

[Background music plays]

Upbeat rock music.

[Michael Thomas]

Hey, let's crank it up. Welcome back to another episode of Michael's Motor Alley, powered by Pennzoil, where motor oil is in motion.

[Title]

MICHAEL THOMAS

Host of Michael’s Motor Alley Podcast

Shell Lubricants Technical Information Specialist

[Video Footage]

Michael’s Motor Alley podcast introduction. A Pennzoil sign on the wall reads “Nothing like the smell of oil in the morning.” Michael closes a cabinet and smiles. Michael’s garage with motorsports memorabilia and toolboxes. A sign reads “Mustang Alley”. Michael holds a toy Formula One car. Michael plays with an electric slot car set. A picture of Michael standing next to a Porsche hangs on the wall. Michael opens up a copy of Hot Rod Magazine and looks surprised. A Ford Mustang’s front end rolls into frame. Michael’s hand is on the gear shifter. Michael drives his Mustang down the street as the background changes to show different streets. Michael stops, leans out the window and gives a thumbs up.

[Michael Thomas]

On today's episode, we have a special guest joining us, Jonny Grunwald. Jonny is an all-around gear head, who was part of the 2018 formula drift Japan Championship team. Along with being the Mazda Renesis two-engine world champion record holder, Jonny's work on vehicles has earned him nine consecutive appearances at SEMA's Central Hall with 14 projects. He even has a permanent Japanese tuning exhibit at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles under Bulletproof Automotive. You can also follow him at @trmnl7 on Instagram. Please welcome Jonny Grunwald.

[Video Footage]

A man stands next to a gray sports car fueling at a gas station. The gray sports car is parked in an industrial area.

[text display]

JONNY GRUNWALD

[Video Footage]

An aerial view of Grunwald’s car drifting around a race track. Grunwald’s pit crew rolling his car out onto the track. An aerial view of Grunwald’s car drifting around a race track. An in-car view of Grunwald driving around the track. A track-level shot of two cars drifting around the track during a Formula Drift event.

[Photo Display]

An overhead shot of Grunwald driving a gray sportscast on a windy mountain road. A blue sports car speeding by a double-stacked container train. A black sports car speeding down a dirt track. A black SUV drives past a double-stacked container train. A black sports car drives down a coastal road. A gray sports car drives down a freeway frontage road.

[Video Footage]

A computer screen displays’ Grunwald’s Instagram profile A closeup of Grunwald in the podcast studio.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Thank you so much for having me, Mike.

[Michael Thomas]

Hey, how's things been?

[Title]

JONNY GRUNWALD

Motorsports Creator & Automotive Special Projects Build Manager

[Jonny Grunwald]

Getting ready for SEMA Show 2021 right now, so, making it out here to Houston, Texas to have some time with you and hang out at the Shell Technical Lab has been amazing,

[Michael Thomas]

Hey, that's cool. And you said you were there at that technology center?

[Jonny Grunwald]

That's right.

[Michael Thomas]

Checking out how the motor oil is blended and all the molecules flowing and all that good stuff.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Unbelievable, mind blowing, a lot of it over my head, but it's crazy to see we're in good hands with amazing amount of chemists and engineers all working in that crazy facility.

[Michael Thomas]

Oh, I'm telling you with our oil being made from natural gas, and how you heard how it's made, it's unbelievable. It's, like I tell people, the proof is all in the Pennzoil.

[Jonny Grunwald]

That's right, proof's in the Pennzoil.

[Michael Thomas]

(laughs) Definitely. Jonny, tell us about this mind blowing monster that's pushing horse power like it's going out of style. That you could just let everyone know, how you got into this and how things going so far?

[Jonny Grunwald]

I've always been a diehard gear head. Uh, out of high school, uh, a lot of friends worked for big companies, uh, doing Time Attack and I was into music and, and I was like, "Okay, you know, cars are, are cool, but what's the big deal?" So I went to a track day and my mind just- I was like, "Okay, everyone has their own unique style just like music." And, um, uh, there's different manufacturers, cars respond different ways, they sound different. And, uh, I fell in love with Mazda because I fell in love with rotary engines. So, uh, my very first car was the FDRX7 and I just fell in love with tuning. Started watching Option DVDs and, uh, we're doing a research on w- what made these cars unique. And now, you know, all these years later, I'm still an automotive enthusiast. I specialize in project management and marketing. And somehow have created this crazy career at age 33. I'm traveling the world, having fun.

[Michael Thomas]

And you, you have been bitten by the bug, fully (laughs).

[Jonny Grunwald]

Yeah, totally.

[Michael Thomas]

Oh my goodness. Hey can you tell us about some of the vehicles you have Jonny?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Okay. My personal car that's popular on Terminal seven's, my Instagram is, I have a 1994 FDRX7. It features a TSP Magic Wide body kit. I'm a North American partner for that brand that's based in Japan. Handmade arrow parts, we also focus on specially built four rotor engines in Japan as well. But I handle all the global marketing and all the aerodynamic side. So my car features that body kit. It's got a two-rotor full bridge balance side clearanced engine. Previously, it was making 690 at the wheels last week. I just signed to Garrett Motion, by Honeywell, and I'm running a G42 1200C, 22 pounds of boost, we have a lot more to go. But already making 690 to the wheels at just 20 pounds. It's pretty insane. But yeah, the car is totally wild. I have also, have a wide body RX8, uh, features a Rocket Bunny kit, uh, Rocket Bunny is a very popular brand from Japan that's taking over the world the last 10 years. I was the first wide body RX8 that debuted at SEMA as well. That car is, uh, turbo charged, broke the world horsepower record with a series 2 engine, making 422 horsepower at the wheels, 377 torque on a Renesis and people say, you know, Rotaries don't have torque, you know, that car has some torque. It's a fun street car.

[Michael Thomas]

I'm telling ya' I, may be an old school gear head, I just remembered many, many years ago, this guys said, "Hey, you can't, you can't get the horsepower out of a Rotary engine."

[Jonny Grunwald]

Drag racing crowd, uh, they felt some pain with the Rotary guys over the years too and same thing with, uh, Time Attack and of course, uh, um, with, uh, 7678- 787 Heritage cars- ... Rotary cars, Le Mans, th- those, those cars are, uh, historic, you know, so- ... Rotaries, uh, are here to stay. Uh, even though there's not a current production Rotary engine right now, I think that, uh, the die hard enthusiasts will be rapping on to the future.

[Michael Thomas]

Way back in, uh, in my automotive schools during the 70’s we, we had the f- what we call the first generation Rotary engine that we, we tore apart and looked at, but again, here we are gear head guys thinking, "Oh, hey, this is okay, but we don't see, we don't see a big 396 or 454 engine." (laughs) Like, you know, those were the engines that we just knew you had to have, big cast iron engines. But, uh, it's amazing over the years, you don't have to have big cast iron, big block engines that, that, uh, that we were looking at thinking it's the only way you can, you know, beat someone- ... while racing.

[Jonny Grunwald]

With the car, yeah.

[Michael Thomas]

But now you got Rotary, you got four cylinder turbos that can, I hate to say it, blow the doors on some off our old school, big 396 Chevelles and 440, you know, Road Runners.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Definitely. Like new technology just, just like, uh, technology goes in Pennzoil, it was always new ECU technology. New, new, new turbo technology. Everything is changing and that's the beau- beauty about being in our, being in our industry for so long, is even in the, what I view is a short time being here at 33, it's crazy to see leaps and bounds in ECU technology over the last four years alone. Um, but, but I'm not only a crazy rotary head. I am building a new three rotor car right now that I can't talk about just yet, but, uh, my daily driver is a Audi Q5 and so I do have Piston, Piston cars, supercharged- ... uh, V6, and, uh, I rock the Pennzoil, uh, 0W40, uh, Platinum Euro on that thing. And I drive it all over the place, um, even though it's my daily driver, I have, like, um, TE37 Velox and big brakes on there. And, upgraded supercharger pulley's and I take it out to the snow, going snowboarding and, uh, driving through desert to make it to SEMA and hauling parts. So I have a, a nice palette of cars.

[Michael Thomas]

I'm loving it. Jonny, you gotta tell everyone about the championship with the team- . .. can you give us a little bit about that? Because that's exciting.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I think, um, one of the coolest things about being a North Am- North American partner of, uh, Magic Japan and being our, our, our team and our company being at the forefront of Rotary technology Is, uh, we have a support of Mad Mike Whiddett as a Red Bull driver- ... and also with the support of Red Bull, uh, so our team, uh, competed in Formula Drift Japan, 2017 and 2018. And 2018, um, the only change we made to the car was tires and, won almost every single round. It was pretty wild.

[Michael Thomas]

My goodness!

[Jonny Grunwald]

It was basically almost a, almost a sweep and, um, the plan was to go back to, to compete in 2020, unfortunately Covid happened, so- ... everything's been shelved for a while, but, we have quite a few special projects that are coming soon. I can't just talk about yet, that, uh- ... will hopefully see us, uh, traveling again and having a lot of fun.

[Michael Thomas]

Oh man. Can't wait.

[Jonny Grunwald]

To be a Rotary guy and to have the opportunity to work with Mad Mike Whiddett, um ... and, and to travel and to see how, um, we do things at a different level than it's happening here in the U.S. is just, uh, it was an eye opening experience for me.

[Michael Thomas]

SEMA is back around again. What are you going to be bringing to SEMA this year? And what is that secret project that’s going on?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Since you're ha- askin' me the hard questions- I will be debuting a new FDRX7. It's gonna be a three rotor 20B, uh, balance, side-cut, full bridge, loud, noisy, hood exit, crazy. Uh, Garret G42-1450 Turbo Charger goin' for 1100 horsepower at the wheels and to- to hold it altogether, gotta have a Ford 8.8 rear end and a HGT Billet Sequential gearbox to, uh, make sure the car can handle the power.

[Michael Thomas]

What?

[Jonny Grunwald]

It's gonna be a monster. Well, you know, I worked on so many different amazing projects over the years, and it's been a lot of fun, but with COVID, I decided I wanted to do my own project for, uh, motor sports- And to drive- I was like, you know what, this is what I'm gonna be doing, uh, exhibiting all of the, uh, aero from our brand, TC Magic Japan and to basically work with the best partners of HADD over the last eight years and some new partners to really do something special to culminate all my time, um, in the industry, so it'll be fun. Um, Pennzoil 10W-60, uh- Synthetic motormo- motor oil. You can run synthetics in rotaries if you know what you're doin'.

[Michael Thomas]

If you know what you're doin'-

[Jonny Grunwald]

Exactly.

[Michael Thomas]

It's been like the no, no for years. Don't do it, don't do it. Ita- ita pretty much damage...

[Jonny Grunwald]

The O-rings or Lee Varnishes.

[Michael Thomas]

Yes!

[Jonny Grunwald]

You know, again, talking about technology, um, really there's so much happening that most people are not aware of, and they just look at, you know, what people have been saying the last 30, 40 years. Again, technology is changing on a- on a- on a yearly basis e-even faster than that.

[Michael Thomas]

Ups and downs.

[Jonny Grunwald]

I'm gonna trust engineers that have been doing this the last 70 years versus, uh, someone on the internet that says one thing.

[Michael Thomas]

That's right. That's right. Trust the guys who've been working behind the scenes building and testing. So, SEMA comin' up, you're gonna have the hot rod there so to speak. Anything happening at, uh, since we are practically at the end of the year, and we got a new year comin', anything on the horizon?

[Jonny Grunwald]

Oh, there's quite a few projects that are in the back of mind that I'm- that I'm- that I'm considering. Um, I think for the- for the first time in my career, I've- I've been spending so much time on client projects and, um, or- or- or- or big projects with, uh, our partners and sponsors, for the first time, this new car that I'm building, I would like to, uh, compete in it and at a pro-series. So- I've shifted my entire attention to driving this new pro-car that I'm debuting at, uh, SEMA this year. And um, having some fun for once.

[Michael Thomas]

There you go.

[Jonny Grunwald]

You know, COVID really, uh, hit us all in different ways.

[Michael Thomas]

Yes, it has.

[Jonny Grunwald]

And, uh, we've all had different coping mecha-mechanisms to- to deal with it. Some people, um, choose to stay in the garage and- and- and work on the cars, uh- Which- which is what it's all about. Some people are finding new hobbies. My thing was I wanna build a new car to compete with. I wanna- I wanna have some fun for once. So, that's the plan.

[Michael Thomas]

That is great. I tell ya, Jonny, it is cool talking to a fellow gearhead who's- who's, I tell ya, only 33, but you have been, it seems like you've been in this- in this area for 60 or 70 years. Like an old experienced guy like me. (laughs) But-

[Jonny Grunwald]

No, I mean, uh, Michael, you're a legend. And I think it was fun, um, you know, even talking earlier off camera, uh- About- about, in general, we're all gearheads. E-e-e-either you're a car guy, or you're not, and it doesn't-

[Michael Thomas]

True.

[Jonny Grunwald]

...matter, uh, uh, how long you've been doing it, or if you're a kid who sees a car for the first time or seen that first magazine Iit hits you hard.

[Michael Thomas]

It hits you like a ton of bricks. So, yes, that's- that's how my life’s been ever since I saw that first hot rod magazine when I was six. It's been on. Nonstop. Hey, I'd like to thank Jonny for- for being here with me.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Thanks for having me, Michael.

[Michael Thomas]

I hope to have you back soon, Man and hope to see you at SEMA as well.

[Jonny Grunwald]

Looking forward to it.

[Voiceover]

Michael’s Motor Alley podcast is powered by Pennzoil and is available to download and listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. This podcast has been produced by Pennzoil and the views and opinions on this podcast are of those of the people featured and not of Shell and its affiliates.

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