Dear Sun Spots: Please tell me the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic oil in a four-cylinder automobile. Thank you. – Maurice Seymour, Bridgton.

Answer: Sun Spots called Prompto on Center Street, Auburn, and, according to store manager Edward Yaworsky, the advantage of using synthetic oil is that synthetic oil has an additive that gives it the ability to coat the inside cylinder walls of the pistons a little better than regular motor oil. In doing so, it helps create less friction of the pistons’ up and down action resulting in less heat and motor wear-and-tear, he said. In comparison, base oil only pumps oil through the motor and doesn’t coat the pistons as well.

Yaworsky also said the disadvantages of synthetic oil would be the price, which is an additional $20 per oil change, and also, if a motor tends to have oil leaks from bad seals or gaskets, synthetic oil tends to leak and burn out faster than traditional motor oil, which is a thicker grade; that would make oil leaks much more expensive. Yaworsky also wanted to stress that he makes no claims against using regular motor oil. He said that regardless of which type of oil is used in a vehicle, many variables play a part in the life of a motor, including driving style.

On another note, a “Saving Money at the Pump” column ran in the Sun Journal’s Special Car Care section on April 2. It mentioned that independent tests show that by switching to synthetic lubricants have shown a fuel savings of up to 5 percent. Also, keep in mind that according to Bob the Oil Guy’s Web site, synthetic oils can’t be used in older engines because synthetics are thinner at higher temperatures, causing oil leaks and oil burning. For more information, visit www.bobtheoilguy.com.

Dear Sun Spots: I enjoy your column so much. I recently attended the Expo Christmas fair at Rumford Elementary School and one of the crafters there had a bag stuffed with either rice or corn and it was made to fit around a person’s neck. It could be either put in the microwave or the freezer and should be great in relieving neck pain. Hopefully this person or anyone that makes these specially shaped bags will see this and notify Sun Spots. Thanks for a great service. I can be reached at 364-3470. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: Maybe one of your readers will be able to help me find the old-fashioned laundry product called “bluing.” I need bluing, specifically – no substitute – for a science project. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Hannaford Supermarket, 692 Sabattus St., Lewiston, carries the laundry bluing product you’re looking for. It’s called Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing. It comes in a 6-ounce bottle for $2.69 and can be found next to the bleach products in the laundry-detergent aisle.

Dear Sun Spots: I recently purchased a secondhand Kenmore sewing machine, which had everything except the instruction manual. The Kenmore model number is 15611. I looked online for help but didn’t find any references to the manual. If anyone has this same sewing machine and manual, I would love to copy its contents. Or if anyone knows where I can purchase the manual, please call me at (207) 597-2762. I really appreciate your column. – Pauline Bussiere, Canton.

Answer: Sun Spots called Pauline Bussiere, and she was able to order the Kenmore model 15611 manual at the Sewing Educational Warehouse Web site. This site offers instruction manuals for these sewing machine brands: Bernina, Kenmore, Singer, Brother and Husqvarna Viking. You can visit the site at www.sewconsult.com.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].