This case asks you to improve a draft of a document, using the guidelines as they are presented in Chapter 14.

The Case: Revision of a Pamphlet on Oil Changes in Cars

Below you will find a document that is a pamphlet that will encourage drivers to change their own car's oil. Using the advice that is presented in the text up to this point, perform a first draft revision, making note of why you made the changes you did (it is recommended that you refer to specific guidelines from specific chapters).

After you perform the initial revision, compare your revised draft to the First Revision draft that the writer completed, found below. Next, revise again, and compare your revisions to the Second Revision draft the writer completed, also called Sample Document 14.2.

Be prepared to orally present your revisions to the class.

Documents/Information/Samples

The Original Document

The benefits of changing one's own oil

There are four good reasons to change the oil in your own car. They are as follows:

1. Without the costs of labor, expenses will only be the material (oil and filter).
2. Oils have detergents in them which suspend dirt. They are most effective when the oil is hot. Changing oil in a cold engine will leave a residue of dirt that would have been removed if the oil was hot. By changing the oil yourself, you can insure the engine is warmed up and the oil is hot.
3. Changing one's own oil allows the driver to make a thorough inspection of the underside of the automobile.
4. Oils differ in their bases and additives from brand to brand. Some are paraffin based and others are sulfur based. The brand of oil used is not too important; however, using the same brand from one change to another is beneficial. Every oil has additives formulated on its base. Each formula protects the engine seals through its own unique process. Sometimes, however, one type of oil may counteract another's formula and have a negative effect on your engine. Consistency in the type of oil used prolongs the life of the engine seals. By changing the oil yourself, you can insure this consistency. Although, when you change oil, you will inevitably get it on your hands and other places that you don't want it, the task can be very rewarding. Even though you have to dispose of the old oil, which is dirty and smells bad, the job will be done right. Also, the neighborhood service station or a quick-lube franchise will not do it with as much attention to detail as you.

The First Revision

Why should I change oil myself?

Changing oil is a messy job! You inevitably get it on your hands and other places you don't want it. It's dirty and smells bad. You have to dispose of the old oil. Why not let the neighborhood service station or a quick-lube franchise do it? Here are some reasons:

1. Oils have detergents in them which suspend dirt. They are most effective when the oil is hot. Changing oil in a cold engine will leave a residue of dirt that would have been removed if the oil was hot. By changing the oil yourself, you can insure the engine is warmed up and the oil is hot.
2. Oils differ in their bases and additives from brand to brand. Some are paraffin based and others are sulfur based. The brand of oil used is not too important; however, using the same brand from one change to another is beneficial. Every oil has additives formulated on its base. Each formula protects the engine seals through its own unique process. Sometimes, however, one type of oil may counteract another's formula and have a negative effect on your engine. Consistency in the type of oil used prolongs the life of the engine seals. By changing the oil yourself, you can insure this consistency.
3. You become familiar with your car when you change its oil. You notice things which may cause a problem later on. For example a low hanging muffler would probably get your attention but may not be noticed by an attendant at a quick lube franchise. Also you remember things about your car. When something is different you notice it. A potential problem could be solved.
4. You can save money by changing the oil yourself.