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Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
4 Motor Oil Myths That Just Won't Go Away
Car ownership is a myth-filled world, where some myths transcend from one generation of car owners to the next. We can't exactly figure out when rumors about GMC trucks having thicker steel than Chevys began, and one of the dumbest car myths we've heard is that reversing a car when the engine is cold will cause permanent and irreversible engine damage. Moreover, the worst car myths that continue to linger include the notion that lifetime fluids never need replacement. Speaking of fluids, engine oils have their fair share of myths that refuse to fade. One of 'em is that thicker oil, or one that has a higher viscosity rating, offers better protection than thinner, low viscosity oil. The truth is that choosing the right oil based on the expected ambient temperature is far more effective than debating whether thinner or thicker oil is better. If the owner's manual recommends 5W-30 synthetic oil in the summer and 0W-40 in the winter, stick to it and you'll be fine. Unfortunately, more oil myths need debunking, and we've identified four that persist despite the wealth of reliable information online. Read more: Save Your Engine: 5 Tips For Preventing And Cleaning Carbon Buildup Dark Oil Means Dirty Oil And Needs Draining ASAP Modern synthetic oils contain additives, detergents, and friction modifiers that begin working immediately after starting the motor. Fresh oil has a mostly dark golden hue, but it's relatively normal for it to darken or turn black as it cycles all over your engine. For starters, heat cycling the engine from cold to hot to cold again will naturally darken the color of your engine's oil. Furthermore, additives in modern synthetic oils tend to darken or undergo a color change when repeatedly exposed to heat, pressure, and oxidation. In addition, engine deposits and sludge have a dark brown or black color, and fresh oil will naturally darken as it breaks down and absorbs dirt and contaminants. The same applies to diesel engines that produce more soot than a comparable gasoline car, which is why diesel oil tends to turn black quicker after an oil change. In short, oil that changes color means the fluid is doing its best to clean and lubricate the engine, and the color of the oil has no bearing on when it's time to change it. A safer bet is to consult the owner's manual to know more about the recommended oil change intervals for your car. Switching From Conventional To Synthetic Oil Will Cause Leaks Contrary to what others might say, it's relatively safe to switch from conventional oil to full-synthetic blends for older engines. The myth about synthetic oils causing oil leaks dates back to the early '70s, when early formulations of synthetic oils contained ester, a chemical compound with advanced detergents to prevent sludge and lubricants to maintain the integrity of rubber seals. Then again, scientists and researchers found out that repeated and prolonged exposure to esters causes the seals to swell and degrade, leading to unexpected oil leaks. Fortunately, oil manufacturers have shunned using esters in their synthetic oil products, and even Porsche recommends synthetic oil for vintage classics, such as air-cooled 911s and the iconic Porsche 356. Moreover, your engine probably needs new oil seals if leaks are present, and it has nothing to do with switching from conventional to synthetic oil. Perhaps the only downside to choosing fully synthetic oil is the cost, since you'll spend more at every oil change. The added money is worth it, though, since synthetic oils can last up to 8,000 or 10,000 miles between oil changes. It's Okay To Skip Oil Changes After Topping Up The Motor With Oil Not all engines are the same, as some have a propensity for consuming more oil than most. In some makes and models, their engines can burn enough oil to deplete the oil pan significantly enough to illuminate the low oil light, even before the factory-recommended oil change interval. We're talking about some Subaru Forester models, GMC SUVs, and high-end BMWs with 4.4-liter V8 engines, according to Consumer Reports. On the flip side, some cars like the legendary Honda S2000 can burn a quart of oil when stretching its high-revving VTEC engine to the limit, and it's typical for S2000 owners to have a quart or two of fresh oil in the trunk for instant replenishing. You're a good driver if you inspect the oil level periodically and add oil when needed. However, you deserve a spanking if you think it's okay to skip an oil change after topping up the engine. Adding fresh oil to maintain a solid level is different from adhering to regular oil changes. Changing the oil frequently and insisting on using oil with the correct viscosity is one of the surefire ways to extend the life of your car's engine. You Don't Need To Replace The Oil Filter At Every Oil Change Skimping on oil changes will inevitably turn old, dirty oil into sludge. However, skipping oil changes and not replacing the oil filter is a double whammy, but not in a good way. Dirty or clogged oil filters can reduce oil pressure and impede oil flow to critical engine parts, leading to premature wear and tear, increased engine heat, and reduced fuel economy. The worst-case scenario is an overheating engine and thousands of dollars worth of damage and labor, all because of an oil filter that costs anywhere from under $10 to around $100. Make it a habit to replace the oil filter whenever changing the oil. Don't forget to lubricate the new oil filter gasket with fresh oil before re-attaching it to the block. And while you're at it, resist the urge to tighten the oil filter using an oil filter wrench, since hand-tightening it is enough to form a leak-free seal. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tesla Stumbles, but Elon Musk Gets a Massive Payday
Key Points Tesla's sales are struggling in key markets overseas. Consumer backlash from Elon Musk's political stance is real. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Unless you've been purposely hiding from the news -- which would be understandable -- you know that investors in Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) have had plenty to digest. Between allegations Tesla isn't paying its bills and hurting small businesses, to facing consumer backlash from CEO Elon Musk's political tour (and we can't forget the sliding sales and global profits), it's been a full downpour. Let's consider the recent speed bumps, as well as Musk being rewarded with a hefty $29 billion payday. The overseas spiral July figures are seeping in from Europe, and they show that Tesla registrations checked in 41.6% lower compared to the prior year, despite sales of electric vehicles (EVs) surging across the Continent. It's a continuation of the sales spiral the EV maker faced during the first half of 2025. And the problem is that the decline was supposedly due to the new Model Y being in limited supply -- but the issues appear to be deeper than that. The story is similar in China, another crucial market for Tesla. Its sales of China-made EVs dropped 8.4% in July compared to the prior year. That was a reversal from the small gain Tesla posted in June, which at the time reversed an eight-month losing streak. The consumer backlash The consumer displeasure is real, and Musk's political allegiances have pushed some buyers to new and different brands. There's evidence of the effect this is having on Tesla's once-spotless brand image, according to new data from S&P Global Mobility, which tracks sales data across the automotive industry. The new data, shared with Reuters, showed that Tesla's consumer loyalty took a nosedive in July 2024, correlating with Musk's public commitment to an anti-environmental political campaign. According to Reuters, Tesla's loyalty peaked at 73% in June 2024 before bottoming out in March at 49.9%. No matter how you slice it, that's a quick and dramatic decline in consumer sentiment, literally driving buyers to another brand. A massive payday Tesla's board granted Musk 96 million shares, worth roughly $29 billion, in an attempt to keep the billionaire focused on the EV company amid his multiple businesses and ventures. The vote comes after a 2024 Delaware court ruling that voided Musk's 2018 compensation package, which was valued at over $50 billion. The court said the approval process was flawed and unfair to shareholders. According to Automotive News, the special committee that was formed to consider the new pay package said: "While we recognize Elon's business ventures, interests and other potential demands on his time and attention are extensive and wide-ranging ... we are confident that this award will incentivize Elon to remain at Tesla." What it all means Tesla and its investors certainly appear to be at a crossroads. While selling EVs and zero-emission credits keeps the lights on for the young company, it constantly reminds investors that its future may be more in line with artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and robotaxi services. Long-term investors should stay the course but should also prepare for a bumpy few quarters as the company works through its upcoming identity crisis, the slow ramp-up of the robotaxi, and an aging lineup. Should you buy stock in Tesla right now? The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $653,427!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,119,863!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025 Daniel Miller has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Tesla Stumbles, but Elon Musk Gets a Massive Payday was originally published by The Motley Fool
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Flying Cars Aren't Just Science Fiction Anymore. This Company Is Leading the Charge in eVTOLs -- and Yes, It's Publicly Traded.
Key Points Joby's electric air taxis promise emissions-free trips over congested cities at speeds up to 200 mph. Partners like Toyota, Delta, and Blade give Joby cash, infrastructure, and market access ahead of launch. With no revenue yet and trading around 20 times book value, the market is betting on impeccable execution. 10 stocks we like better than Joby Aviation › The idea of hailing a flying car has always belonged to science fiction. But thanks to Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), the idea of catching a flying taxi is slowly edging into reality. The company's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are designed to carry passengers over congested cities at speeds upwards of 200 mph. And they are quieter than a helicopter and have zero emissions. This vision isn't theoretical. Joby has already demonstrated eVTOLs in New York and Dubai and is moving through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) certification process as I write. With major strategic partners, a strong cash position, and an aggressive market expansion plan, Joby could be one of the first to make commercial flying taxis a real business. The question for investors is whether this growth stock is ready for takeoff today, or might it be wiser to wait until the company has a little more grounding? From blueprints to boarding passes Joby is trying to solve a problem that most city drivers face everyday: traffic. And not just any traffic. Horribly congested traffic, the kind that makes you wish you were anywhere (even at the DMV, with slow internet) but stuck in it. To get there, however, Joby needs a few things to work in its favor. The first is full FAA-type certification, the regulatory green light that will let it fly passengers in its eVTOLS. The second is the infrastructure to make its vision practical, that is, a network of vertiports, charging stations, and terminals in the right locations so customers can board, fly, and land without the experience feeling like more hassle than just staying in the car. So far, the company has checked off some big early boxes. It already holds FAA Part 135 certification, which means it's cleared to operate as an air carrier with approved aircraft. It's also moving to lock down prime real estate for takeoff and landing, from Manhattan heliports to Dubai's planned aerial taxi hubs. But that doesn't mean the company is smooth flying -- yet. Its biggest "unknown" is time. Every month that slips by without full FAA certification pushes profitability that much further into the future. Add in the fact that it's burning cash each quarter, and you start to see why patience -- and a deep cash cushion -- are non-negotiable. Big names, big bets Speaking of cash, where is Joby getting money for research and development? Well, here's where the story gets interesting. Although Joby is pre-revenue, it has an impressive ecosystem of backers and partners. Back in 2022, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) invested about $60 million in Joby, with the expectation that Joby would eventually create a premium service for Delta customers. More recently, Toyota (NYSE: TM) committed $894 million to helping Joby with certification and commercial production of its electric air taxis. In perhaps its boldest move, Joby plans to acquire Blade Air Mobility (NASDAQ: BLDE), which would help it gain access to central terminals in New York, Southern California, and Europe. Meanwhile, international expansion is already underway. In Dubai, Joby signed an exclusive six-year agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch aerial tax services there in 2026. Finally, Joby recently announced that it's partnering with L3Harris to develop hybrid eVTOLs for defense applications, with demonstrations planned in 2026. Things seem to be rolling. But before we get too bullish, let's look at its finances. The numbers under the hood Here's where reality checks in. Over the last 12 months, Joby generated just $110,000 in revenue, essentially none, while recording a net loss of about $596 million. Just in the first quarter of 2025, it posted a loss of $82 million, or $0.11 per share, driven largely by spending in research and development. To add fuel to the fire, cash burn was $111 million for the quarter. The balance sheet, however, is a strength, largely because of partners. Joby holds about $813 million in cash and short-term investments. That net cash position gives the company some runway to fund operations without immediate dilution. Still, with a market cap near $17 billion, the stock is priced well ahead of fundamentals. It's price-per-book (P/B) ratio -- which measures how richly the market values the company relative to the net assets on its balance sheet -- sits around 20. That's steep compared with the S&P 500's median of about 3. Even Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), Joby's primary competitor, is trading at roughly 5.6 times book value. That doesn't mean Joby can't grow into its valuation, but it does underscore how much future success is baked into today's price. Verdict: Should you hitch a ride? When people talk about Joby's risks, they usually circle the big ones: FAA certification, steady cash burn, competition. But there's a second layer of risks -- call them structural -- that could make investing in Joby choppy in the short term. Start with the skies themselves. Urban airspace is already a juggling act, and air traffic control in cities like New York and LA runs hot most days. If regulators decide to keep eVTOL traffic on a tight leash, Joby's flight schedule could end up thinner than its business plan assumes. On the ground, vertiports have to be built, and convincing neighborhoods to welcome them is another story entirely. Costs could also be a problem: insurance, pilot pay, and battery charging might keep fares higher than commuters are willing to swallow. Still, if you believe Joby can navigate these headwinds and execute on time, the payoff could be big. For long-term investors who can tolerate volatility, this is a speculatve bet on a market that doesn't exist yet but could make ground transportation look radically different ten years from now. Should you invest $1,000 in Joby Aviation right now? Before you buy stock in Joby Aviation, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Joby Aviation wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $653,427!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,119,863!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,060% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 4, 2025 Steven Porrello has positions in Archer Aviation. The Motley Fool recommends Delta Air Lines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Flying Cars Aren't Just Science Fiction Anymore. This Company Is Leading the Charge in eVTOLs -- and Yes, It's Publicly Traded. was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
