Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Jiffy Lube’s Largest Franchisee Bankrupt

Heartland Automotive Holdings, the largest U.S. Jiffy Lube franchisee, and its affiliates on Jan. 7 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. The company claimed it was brought about by a breakdown in negotiations with Jiffy Lube International to resolve long-simmering disputes and by a decline in financial performance attributed to rising gasoline and oil costs that reduced customer visits and squeezed margins in 2007.

Heartland Automotive has 438 stores in 20 states, employing more than 4,000 people. In the Chapter 11 filing, the company said that as of Nov. 29, 2007, its books and records on a consolidated basis showed assets totaling $334 million and liabilities totaling $396 million.

In its bankruptcy filing, Heartland blamed increased prices of oil and gasoline for its decline in revenue. “High gasoline prices affect the number of miles a potential customer drives, which in turn directly impacts automotive maintenance spending,” the company said in its bankruptcy filing. “When customers drive less, their vehicles require fewer oil changes and other services, and the demand for the debtors’ services decreases.”

“The U.S. consumer’s budget for their car is ‘X’ amount of dollars per month,” Christie explained to Lube Report. “If you turn around, and say, ‘Are you going to put money into another tank of gas to go to work, or are you going to change your oil?’, guess what the answer is? They’re going to put the gasoline in. It’s not even a choice, it’s a necessity.”

McKinnon said extended drain intervals for oil changes may also be a factor. “We’ve seen that maybe drivers are extending their maintenance intervals just a little bit,” he said. “That could be a combination too of automakers extending intervals for several years. I think it’s a combination of factors. Certainly it’s a tough market out there.”

AMSOIL Synthetic Oil and Lubricants could be the answer for most people that are on a budget nowdays. With the 25000 Mile or 1 year extended oil change intervals, people can spend less money on oil changes overall, but still maintain the protection of synthetic oil inside their engines. Savings of $100-200 per year.

The economy is not looking any better for 2008 with our jobs and gas prices effecting all of our pocket books. So, this is one reason I use AMSOIL Synthetic Oil in my vehicles, so I can keep most of my hard earned income, instead of being overcharged at a fast lube store for regular petroleum oil.

Checkout our website: www.LeadingEdgePerformance.net and find out how you can save money but yet protect your vehicle better.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Harley Davidson Enthusiasts - Beat The Spring Rush

Make Sure You're ready to Rally!


Plan Ahead to Beat the Spring Rush


Hey Harley Davidson enthusiasts, the leaves have fallen in the north and the temperatures have dropped in the south, all in preparation for winter. The new year is right around the corner, and the beginning of the rally season will be upon us before we know it. Have you thought about servicing your bike yet?

Most of you know that there is a mad rush in dealerships just as spring is coming; it creates a backlog in the service departments everywhere. Many motorcyclists wait until the last minute to get ready because riding and fixing up their motorcycles aren't in the forefront of their minds due to the season or the weather. It seems that this happens every year.

Waiting until the last minute to get ready to ride may be more costly than you realize. When you wait until springtime to get in for service, you spend more of your precious time waiting for an appointment and spend more of your energy wondering (stressing!) if you'll get your bike back in time for the first big event of the season. It's a major disappointment when you can't take those early season rides because you waited too long to get your bike into the shop.

Servicing your bike in the winter months, rather than waiting until spring, will help keep you excited about riding. And when the service is complete, you'll be ready to ride again, so as soon as that first warm spring day hits, you can hit the road.

Even though most enthusiasts don't work on their own bikes these days, some may still like to go to Daytona or some other springtime run or event early. Most of us want to show off any work they've done, or have had done, to their motorcycles and see what everyone else has done to their bikes in the off season.

Events like these may be months away, but they will be here before you can say GroundHog Day. We encourge you to start your modifications early so when it is time to head to Daytona, all the work and modifications you want done to your bike will be complete, and you will be ready to head out on the highway in style and ride with confidence.

So, let me give you a few pointers! Did you know that the old oil left in your bike in the wintertime breaks down and causes rust inside your engine. Yep, most of these oils only pass the API (American Petroleum Institute) specifications. But, not AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50. AMSOIL Motorcycle Oil is designed for the hot grueling heats of summer and the times when your bike is setting in the garage during the cold months.

AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles. AMSOIL MCV is the result of extensive research, and it is specially formulated to excel in all areas unique to motorcycles, including high temperatures of air-cooled engines such as Harley Davidson® V-Twin, wet clutch lubrication, extreme pressure regions of gears and chains and rust common to short trips and storage.

AMSOIL delivers superior rust protection . Motorcycles are prone to rust from storage, humidity and short drives. Rust can cause major damage such as roller bearing failure, uncontrolled wear, compression loss and blow-by. Good rust protection, however, comes by design and is not natural to engine oils. Unlike many motorcycle oils, AMSOIL MCV contains special anti-rust agents. It passes the ASTM D-1748 humidity cabinet rust test and clearly demonstrates superior rust protection (see photos below).

After viewing the tests, and using AMSOIL 20W-50 for over 7 years now. I have never found a better product for my pride and joy. My Harley Davidson Road King is my baby, and if you know anything about babies, you want nothing but the best for them.

So, in closing I would like to say, Don't neglect your bike during the winter months with letting the oil set for months. Go ahead and service your bike before you put it up for the season. If your like me, money is to hard to come by to let your investment just sit there and rust. Use AMSOIL 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil and have a peace of mind.

Also, check out our Blog dated 12/01/07 on AMSOIL In The West-A Harley Trip!!

For further reading about AMSOIL vs Harleys Sceamin Eagle Oil -CLICK HERE

AMSOIL 20W-50 Rust Test

Castrol 20W-50 GPS Rust Test

Sunday, December 16, 2007

AMSOIL Online Catalog

Click On the Picture Above or the Link Below to View the:
We would like to invite all visitors of this Blog to take a look at our Free AMSOIL Online Catalog. No subscription fees, no selling, and a no hassle guarantee.
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are formulated with top-of-the-line synthetic base stocks that provide excellent viscosity film strength for superior wear protection, while robust additive packages further reduce wear in metal-to metal contact regions, extending equipment life and reducing major repairs. In addition, while wear protection is often compromised in conventional oils operating in hot and cold temperature extremes, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils maintain their protective viscosities in extreme temperatures, providing unsurpassed protection and performance.

The Benefits of Using AMSOIL Synthetic Oils

Extended drain intervals are a major selling point for AMSOIL synthtic motor oils, saving customers time, labor and money. Key to the ability of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils to provide extended drain intervals are top quality synthetic base stocks and premium additive packages that ensure they maintain their protective viscosities, neutralize acids and prevent the formation of harmful sludge and varnish deposits.


Still, however, even with vehicle manufactures and a number of lubricant manufacturers extending drain interval recommendations, some customers are stuck on 3,000 mile drain intervals. In addition to the benefits of extended drain intervals, the superior formulations of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils provide may other benefits such as:


Extended Equipment Life
Fuel Economy
Cold Temperature Protection
High Temperature Protection
Corrosion Protection.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

AOCA Blows Whistle about Car Dealership



AOCA

(Automotive Oil Change Association)

BLOWS "WHISTLE" ON CHRYSLER DEALER WARRANTY


This news report is just in on December 12, 2007


It seems some of our Canadian Fast Lube operations just alerted the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) about some misconduct of a Canadian Chrysler Dealer installing labels under the hood of their new cars at the dealership to state, "Using non-genuine Mopar lubricants could void the warranty" on your Chrysler in Ontario, Canada!!
Oh, this is a no-no. According to the Magnusion-Moss Act you can't do this people.

The label read, “Daimler Chrysler Canada reserves the right to deny warranty coverage if not all of the recommended scheduled maintenance is completed and performed using only genuine Mopar parts and lubricants.”

They went on to say that the vehicle owners whose cars are under warranty will not violate their warranty by having oil changes performed by someone – including fast lubes – other than their dealers.

“To our knowledge, this kind of activity is inconsistent with Canadian law, as it would be in the U.S.,” AOCA said about the notice. According to AOCA Executive Director Steve Christie, the association contacted Chrysler Canada Inc. about the notice in mid-November. When AOCA questioned Chrysler Canada, the company responded it “is not familiar with and has no knowledge relating to the notice … and the contents are not attributable to Chrysler Canada Inc. in any way.”

Chrysler had nothing to do with this and stated that "They just wouldn’t take that risk, I’m sure.” Further investigation revealed that the stickers had been produced and attached to vehicles by a local dealer. It appears there is only one car dealer in Canada that is doing this, right now, and I’m sure that will be corrected shortly according to the laws that state, you can't do this.

Chryslers stated, "We wanted to stop it now because it’s misleading to the consumers. We haven’t seen it in the U.S. There was no pattern of particular Chrysler models having the notice. It was just random,” they said.

The Automotive Oil Change Association has forwarded to all its members in Canada a copy of Chrysler Canada’s written response, so they can provide it to customers for clarification.

If you would like to read more on the Magnusion-Moss Act, go to http://www.google.com/ and search for this term.

We sell AMSOIL products to customers and one of the biggest questions is, "Is using AMSOIL going to void my new car warranty." Absolutely NOT.

The Magnusion-Moss act protects consumers when using non-factory accessiores and lubricants. To read more on this, visit our website, http://www.leadingedgeperformance.net/ and go to the Questions and Answers link or the Warranty Questions link on our website.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

AMSOIL 20W50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil


AMSOIL 20w-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil

Leading Edge Performance has used AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (MCV) in both our 2001 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic and 2003 Harley Davidson Road Kings for over 7 years and have seen the results from many cross country rides. AMSOIL 20w-50 Synthetic Oil is a premium oil designed for those who demand the absolute best lubrication for their motorcycles, that's why we use it in our Harley's.

AMSOIL MCV is the result of extensive research, and it is specially formulated to excel in all areas unique to motorcycles, including high temperatures of air-cooled engines such as Harley Davidson® V-Twin, wet clutch lubrication, extreme pressure regions of gears and chains and rust common to short trips and storage.

AMSOIL MCV is multi-functional and fulfills the requirements of both domestic and foreign motorcycles. It outperforms other conventional and synthetic motorcycle oils.

AMSOIL, the leader in synthetic lubrication, produced the world’s first API qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972. Trust the extensive experience of AMSOIL The First in Synthetics® to do the best job protecting your motorcycle.

Reduces Friction, Heat and WearIn high heat conditions, engine protection is not sacrificed with AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil. It has the best high temperature film strength of all oils tested and contains a heavy treatment of anti-wear additives to reduce wear regardless of the operating conditions. AMSOIL MCV is thermally (heat) stable and contains maximum levels of oxidation inhibitor additives. It is extremely resistant to breakdown and engineered to prevent damaging sludge and carbon deposits for superior engine cleanliness.

Provides Extreme Pressure Quality Protection for Gears and Chains With AMSOIL MCV, there is no need for separate transmission or primary chaincase lubricants. It is absolutely shear stable and will not thin out from mechanical activity. AMSOIL MCV performs like a gear lube without the negative effects of extreme pressure additives.

Delivers Superior Rust Protection Motorcycles are prone to rust from storage, humidity and short drives. Rust can cause major damage such as roller bearing failure, uncontrolled wear, compression loss and blow-by. Good rust protection, however, comes by design and is not natural to engine oils. Unlike many motorcycle oils, AMSOIL MCV contains special anti-rust agents. It passes the ASTM D-1748 humidity cabinet rust test and clearly demonstrates superior rust protection.

Provides Excellent Wet Clutch PerformanceAMSOIL MCV contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. AMSOIL MCV controls heat and prevents slippage and glazing, and its high TBN resists acids that can degrade clutch material, helping improve clutch life.

AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is recommended for air or liquid cooled 4-stroke engines. It meets SAE 90, API GL-1 gear oil requirements and is recommended for transmissions and primary chaincases. AMSOIL MCV is recommended for Harley Davidson®, Buell®, KTM, Ducati®, Aprilia®, BMW®, Triumph® and other motorcycles where 15W-50 or 20W-50 engine oils or SAE 90, GL-1 gear oils are used. Not recommended where an API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil is required.

MIXING AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is compatible with conventional and synthetic motor oils; however, mixing oils may shorten the oil life expectancy and reduce the performance benefits. AMSOIL does not support extended drain intervals where oils have been mixed.

Aftermarket oil additives are not recommended for use with AMSOIL motorcycle oil.

Recommended for use up to twice the motorcycle manufacturer change interval (miles/hours) or one year, whichever comes first, in engines, transmissions and primary chaincases. For Big Twin Harley-Davidson transmissions only, follow the Harley-Davidson recommended drain interval for synthetic oil of up to 20,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. When using an engine filter other than AMSOIL Ea, change the filter at standard intervals.

For “off-road” use, change AMSOIL MCV at motorcycle manufacturer intervals.
Racing or modified engines are excluded from extended drain interval recommendations. Oil changes are at the owner’s discretion.






AMSOIL 20w-50 Synthetic Oil provides better protection than any other leading brand motorcycle oil, including Harley Davidson's Screamin Eagle 20w-50 Synthetic Oil, PERIOD!!!!!!

www.LeadingEdgePerformance.net


AMSOIL In The West - A Harley Trip


While traveling the USA over the past several years on a Harley Davidson, Kim and I have had several opportunities to test and evaluate the AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil and Lubricant products.

In the summer of 2006, we took a 5000 mile, two week trip out west. Of course, before we left, we serviced our 2003 Harley Davidson Road King with AMSOIL Motorcycle Products. We used the MCV Oil, which is the 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil for air cooled engines in the Engine, Primary and Transmission.

We have used the AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 oil in our Harley Davidson Road King since fall of 2002, and here it is the end of summer of 2007. Yes that's right, 5 years of nothing but AMSOIL products in all 3 powertrain sections of our Harley.

We were so fascinated with the results from the AMSOIL Synthetic Oil & Lubricants; we became AMSOIL Dealers in 2007. In today's world there is so much excitement and debate on the performance of a product and the product design by people trying to make a fast buck that it is difficult to translate fact from fiction.

AMSOIL Inc. promises us that their oil can and will run for 10,000 + miles and more in an air cooled motor. We know that this is a true statement because this is not the only 5000 mile trip taken on AMSOIL products. I've also rode to Malibu, California in the fall of 2005 from Tennessee. But, that's another story to tell. Also, not only do we run AMSOIL products in our Harley Davidson, but also our MINI Cooper S Convertible which is a supercharged vehicle, four other family vehicles, and all of our Lawn & Garden equipment with AMSOIL's Synthetic Lawn and Garden products .

Anyway, Kim and I departed and road for 18 days from Tennessee to the Badlands, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Monument, Sturgis, Deadwood,, Devil's Tower, and to Billings Montana to the National HOG Rally. Then up and down Beartooth Pass, to Red Lodge, Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole Wyoming, to the four corners of Colorado to Mesas Verde Indian Ruins, Silverton, to Alberquque N.M., and back on Rt.66 and I 40 to Tennessee. This is only a few of the diverse parts of the country we rode, but you get the idea.
The ride included over 100 degree temperatures in the day at the lower elevations, to a low in the 20s in the peak of the mountains. The temperatures weren't the only thing that went up and down. We were challenged by the slopes of Beartooth Pass in the freezing rain and ice in July at an elevation that would make a bird buy an oxygen mask.

Not once, did we ever hear anything unusual with our Harley's engine, transmission, or primary. The engine performed like it should have, and stayed cooler at extreme temperatures than other competitors, and easier to start at cold temperatures in the higher elevations.

I forgot to mention, along with the extreme heat and cold, did I mention that we were pulling a Motorcycle-Trailer loaded with camping gear and enough clothes for a month. At least, Kim did. Oops. Sorry honey!!! I meant to say shoes, not clothes, ha-ha. Now, let's look at the weight we were hauling. Between Kim and I, the bike, the trailer, supplies in the trailer and saddlebags, also the head-wind we had out west, not to mention the heat and cold, we had approximately a ton of weight. And, not once did we ever have an overheating problem or malfunction of oil supply to any section of the powertrain.

We also are not slow riders, most of our riding is above 75 mph + during our travel days, but still enjoyed touring at a slower pace on the back roads and mountain roads once we set up camp and dropped off the trailer.

My air cooled Harley ran 10-15 degrees cooler than most competitors synthetic run engines. The oil kept the motor smooth and strong with a much quieter operation. It is very simply put, AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil is a remarkable experience and it delivers miraculous results to every moving part of your engine.

The purity of AMSOIL is unparalleled in this industry. AMSOIL Inc. is the First in Synthetics, and nobody can take that away!! AMSOIL Inc. was the first company to develop an API-rated 100 percent synthetic motor oil. The combination of AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil and the AMSOIL EaOM Oil Filter with nanofiber technology is the best in the industry today. The nanofiber technology came from our military. The military use's this in their Abrams M-1 tanks for the best filtration in the most brutal environment. We are running our Harley Davidson Road King with both the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil and the AMSOIL EaOM134C nanofiber technology oil filter for 10,000 miles between oil changes.



Just think of the maintenance costs you save not going to the dealer to pay to have their expensive service done, when you can install the best AMSOIL products for considerable less. Even with a 15% HOG discount applied at the dealer.

Are you worried about your warranty? DON'T, because AMSOIL products will not Void Your New Bike's Factory Warranty!!! Read our section on Warranty Issues, and for other information comparing AMSOIL to Harley Davidson Screaming Eagle synthetic oil, click on our article on our home page titled, The Great Harley Oil Debate.

AMSOIL has a huge variety of synthetic oils and lubricants for every engine on the market. As far as AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil goes, we have the AMSOIL 10W-40 for metric bikes or liquid cooled engines such as Honda, BMW, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and others, or the AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic Oil for the air cooled engines such as the Harley Davidson, Buell, Dacati, Triumph, Panhead, Knucklehead, Flathead, Shovelhead, Evo, and Twin Cam.

AMSOIL Inc. has Synthetic Oil & Filters to fit most brands of Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Diesels, Four Wheel Drives, Dirt Bikes, ATVs, UTVs, 2 or 4 stoke, Marine, Jet Skis, Snowmobiles, Farm Equipment, Industrial, Commercial, Compressors, Lawn & Garden Equipment, Weed Eaters, Chain Saws and Drag Racing applications.

Thanks for your time in reading my story, I believe 100% in AMSOIL products and that is why we have been using the product for over 7 years and decided to become an AMSOIL Dealer. If you have any questions about our products or in becoming a Preferred Customer, Dealer, Retail on the Shelf Customer, or Commercial Customer, please don't hesitate to give us a call, email us, or fill out one of the forms on our website.



The Top of Beartooth Pass





Saturday, June 2, 2007

Leading Edge Performance Company Introduction








www.LeadingEdgePerformance.net

Our Company Introduction

Hi, my name is Mike Stephenson and my wife (Kim) and I would like to thank you for stopping by our "New" Company Blog. Our company, Leading Edge Performance was created to sell AMSOIL Synthetic Oil, Lubricants, Fuel Additives, and Car Care Products. But, since we started our new business we have developed a relationship with a company and are now selling Motorcycle Products as well. We don't have them on our website yet, but we will eventually.
Several years ago, I attended the Motorcycle Rally in Daytona Beach, Florida and met a company selling Bike Appearance Products. I purchased a bottle of one of their best sellers and WOW, I was amazed at the results on my 2003 Black Harley Davidson Road King. The product was name NuView Custom Bike Glaze. It took all the swirls and scratches out of a black paint job. I was so, amazed that I have purchased this product exclusively since then.

NuVIEW BIKE GLAZE




Last summer, Kim and I and another couple decided to go to the National Harley Owners Group (HOG) Rally in Billings, Montana. While we were there, I met this man again that owned the company and told him about his products and he gave me the chance to sell these products with our company. We purchased a new product at the rally called Renew Bike Wash, and WOW again. I have never seen anything that would clean the film off of our chrome like this stuff. It has become one of our best sellers.


RENEW BIKE WASH

So, if you are interested in using or selling these products, just email us at LEP@frontiernet.net and we will send you a bottle to try for yourselves. Once you've used these products, you will never go back to whatever product you have been using anymore.

We also sell the most complete line of AMSOIL Synthetic Oils & Lubricants on the market today. Including some of the hard to find Mothers Car Car Products, Fuel Additives, NGK Spark Plugs, Trico Wiper Blades, Wix Filters, Donaldson Filters, Twin Air Filters for your Dirt Bikes and much much more.

So, email us or give us a call at 1-888-514-3174 and let us know how we may help you.