5 Reasons a DIY Oil Change is Not Worth the Headache or Expense

5 Reasons a DIY Oil Change is Not Worth the Headache or Expense

by | Sep 11, 2020 | oil change brampton

Clean oil is crucial to the effective operation of your vehicle and preventing premature wear and engine damage. Routine oil changes are one of the most important aspects of regular vehicle maintenance. Neglecting general upkeep of your automobile is not advisable if you hope to get the best value and performance from it.

As far as oil changes go, you basically have the option to either Do It Yourself (DIY), or leave up to professional oil changers like Valvoline Express Care Brampton.

There are variety of concerns and complications that should be considered before opting to go the DIY route. Truth be told, if you choose to perform your own oil changes you are looking at a lot of work and access to equipment you likely don’t have in an attempt to save a little money. Most likely it will end up costing you more and most certainly will take much more time.

Detriments of a DIY Oil Change

There are many dissuading factors that make DIY oil changes an unappealing option. Some reasons to go with the expert oil changers and avoid making it a DIY project are:

  • Undercarriage access
  • Drainage
  • Filter change
  • Replacing old oil with new
  • Safe and responsible used oil disposal

Undercarriage Access

Do you have a hydraulic lift in your garage? If not, then you are going to have to get on the ground and slide under your vehicle to locate the oil plug. In some cases you may have to jack-up the car to gain direct access, of course ensuring the wheels are properly stabilized to prevent movement or rolling. This uncomfortable and laborious task can be avoided with a professional oil-change.

Drainage

Once you have located the oil plug, the next step of the process is to drain out the old, dirty oil into a container or pan. You will need to pay careful attention to which plug you are unscrewing to avoid picking the wrong one and draining the transmission fluid by mistake. This can be a very messy job, and if not done right you may have just doubled the amount of work you need to do.

Filter Change

Changing the filter regularly is also essential for optimal engine performance. Some people recommend changing the filter every time you get an oil-change, others say every other time. Either way, you will need to buy a compatible filter for your vehicle, or it won’t fit right. To get things properly rolling, a suitable amount of fresh oil should be poured into the filter to prevent any interruption.

Replacing Old Oil With New

Now that the oil is drained you should do a check for any leaks or spills that may have occurred to prevent the drips from burning on the engine. It is also a good idea to make sure you are using the best type of oil for your car. Different grades of motor oil are available for different vehicles, circumstances, and driving conditions.

Safe and Responsible Used Oil Disposal

Alright, the new oil has been added but the job is not done yet. Used, contaminated can’t be simply disposed of as you please. You should locate the nearest designated disposal site to get rid of your old oil to avoid damaging the environment.

Oil Changes Brampton

If you have been considering taking on oil changes as a DIY project, you may be changing your tune due to the daunting amount of work and equipment required. Purchasing all the right tools and products needed for an oil change will likely not end up being any cheaper than a professional job.

Why not save all the time, hassle, and expense and have an expert take care of the job in no time?

Roll in to Valvoline Express Care Brampton for quick and efficient service. You can even download the app for access to coupons for a free oil change.

Tire Rotation Service for Safety and Longevity

Tire Rotation Service for Safety and Longevity

by | Aug 19, 2020 | Tire Rotation Experts

How can you tell when it is time to have your tires repaired, replaced, or rotated? It is not always easy to tell when your car tires are in need of servicing. However, it is critical to have routine maintenance performed on your tires for the safety of you and your passengers, and for long lasting use.

Reliability

Without even realizing it, you rely on your tires for a variety of tasks including getting you to your destination safe and injury free. Even the smallest problem with one of the tires on your vehicle can have devastating results. Routine tire checks by a professional automotive service provider can help you avoid disaster for your own personal safety and the longevity of your vehicle.

Routine Tire Rotation

As a part of regularly required maintenance for your car, your tires should be rotated consistently to avoid premature wear. General recommendations by the tire experts suggest having them rotated every 6 months or 5000 to 8000 kms. To establish a rotation schedule that suits your particular vehicle, it is a good idea to consult the owner’s manual. During these routine changes, it is an ideal time for inspection to look for any nicks or blemishes that may develop into more serious problems.

Spotting a Flaw

In some cases you may notice an issue with one of your tires before you are due for your scheduled maintenance. When spotting any potentially problematic damage, you should address the issue as quickly as possible.

Tire Damage Variations

There is an array of things that could wrong with your tires that can compromise safety and performance. Routine maintenance helps keep your tires in optimal condition to help reduce the risk of unanticipated complications. There are several external factors that can affect the state of your tires such as weather, road conditions, or the presence of sharp debris.

There are 3 main categories of tire damage:

  • Tread damage
  • Sidewall damage
  • Bead damage

Tread Damage

Tire tread plays an extremely important role when it comes to personal safety, charged with maintaining good and consistent traction on the surface of the road. Over worn treads can result in your vehicle sliding across the road in unfavorable conditions which can be scary and may end in serious injury.

Shabby, flattened treads means your brakes won’t be nearly as effective on slippery roads. Accelerating, handling, and turning are also diminished with threadbare tires. Damaged treads are most often the result of a puncture or general balding from neglected maintenance. Both conditions make tires unsafe for the road.

Sidewall Damage

You may begin to see cracks forming on the sidewalls of your tires. These cracks can originate from various sources such as:

  • Extreme weather conditions
  • Incorrect tire pressure
  • Careless driving
  • Damaging cleaning products
  • Age

Bead Damage

This category of tire damage relates to sealing issues between the tire and the rim. A sealed connection is essential for tire performance and balance. An absence of sealed beading between tire and rim often results in decreased tire pressure. In this case, you will have to be constantly filling your tires with air to achieve the desired pressure. This approach is time consuming and not good for the life or operation of your tires.

Bead damage can also cause serious safety concerns as it increases the risk of a blown tire while you are driving. Ensuring your rims and tires are fully compatible, and regular maintenance checks, can help avoid this issue.

What Causes Tire Damage?

A range of elements can come into play that affect tire status.

Heavy Loads

Too much weight on your tires causes undue pressure which can result in damage or lack of performance. Constantly carrying around items in your trunk that you don’t need can affect the life of your tires and decrease fuel economy.

Careless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving can result in your tires overheating which may lead to bead damage and an unsealed connection between the rim and tire. Driving at high speeds also increases the risk of accident when hitting an unseen pothole, bump, or some other obstacle on the road.

Uneven Tire Pressure

Maintaining even and accurate tire pressure is very important, not just for your tires but for your vehicle as a whole. Uneven inflation leads to:

  • Premature wear
  • Reduced traction
  • Over worn treads
  • Uneven alignment
  • Reduced braking capacity

Improperly inflated tires will wear out much sooner and cause the engine to work harder to compensate.

Tire Rotation Service Brampton

If you are looking for an experienced and effective automotive service provider in Brampton or the GTA, Valvoline Express Care can handle all of your tire needs and more.

Drop in any time for tire assessment, tire rotation, tire repair, and all other aspects of routine vehicle maintenance.

Auto Rust Proofing Offers a Range of Benefits for Car Owners

Auto Rust Proofing Offers a Range of Benefits for Car Owners

by | Jul 10, 2020 | Rust Proofing Brampton

As a vehicle owner, it can be particularly challenging to find affordable ways to protect your vehicle from damage and keep it running at optimal levels. Auto maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can end up saving you considerable sums of money in the long run. One of the most crucial aspects of routine maintenance car owners should be concerned with is rust protection. Rust and corrosion can cause irreparable damage to your vehicle. As rust forms and spreads it can eradicate the metal components on your vehicle. This includes the body of your car that protects you from accidents and injury. If the body of your vehicle is compromised by corrosion, it is not safe for you and your passengers.

Brampton Auto Rust Proofing

Drivers in Canada are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to vehicle protection due to extreme weather conditions and perpetually changing seasons. In the winter, your car sees exposure to ice, snow, and salt, followed by periods of heavy rain in spring, and baking heat in the summer. This seasonal cycle provides an ideal recipe for rust formation. So, when is a good time for professional rust proofing? Car owners in Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, and all around the GTA can benefit from Valvoline Express Care expert rust proofing services.

When to Rust Proof

Truth be told, there is really no wrong time to rust proof your vehicle as long as it is clean when the rust protection is applied.

Rust Proofing New Vehicles

Just after a vehicle is purchased makes for ideal time to have it safeguarded against rust formation. Many manufacturers offer rust proofing as an add-on feature, leaving it up to the new owner to decide if it is a necessary feature. If your new vehicle does not include rust proofing, or the manufacturer rust protection appears to be sub-standard, then getting a professional auto service to do your rust proofing is recommended.

Rust Proofing Used Vehicles

Regardless of how old your vehicle is, it is never too late to have it safeguarded against rust and corrosion. The most important aspect of rust proofing a used vehicle is to make sure the automobile is thoroughly cleaned before application. Implementing rust proofing to a vehicle covered in dirt and grime is counter-productive. For the ultimate protection of a used vehicle, having the car professionally cleaned and detailed before rust proofing is the way to go. This type of investment can end up saving you money on expensive repair bills, and can help preserve the resale value.

Rust Proofing Techniques

There are a few options to choose from when it comes to rust protection, depending on your vehicle type and objectives. Some rust proofing options include:

  • Undercoating
  • Oil spray
  • Drip spray

Undercoating

Protecting the undercarriage of your vehicle is essential for the prevention of rust and corrosion. The underside of your car is susceptible to chips and cracks caused by debris flying up off the road. Undercoating spray provides a rubberized layer of protection against scratches and blemishes, as well as the salt and moisture that lead to rust formation.

Oil Spray

This technique uses a viscous oil-based spray which is applied to the metal components of the vehicle. It dries quickly and hardens to form a thick, protective layer. Due to the viscosity and inflexibility of the substance, it is difficult to get into cracks and crevices.

Drip Spray

One of the more popular methods of rust proofing application is the drip spray approach. Drip spray employs the use of a more watery oil-based spray, that trickles down and gets into all the corners and hard to reach areas.

Steps to Successful Rust Proofing

To provide your vehicle with optimal rust protection, the job should be done thoroughly and properly by a trained professional. Expert rust proofers help ensure:

  • Your vehicle is meticulously cleaned before rust proofing
  • The undercarriage is fully coated and covered
  • Rust protection is comprehensive and effective
Is your Auto Glass Keeping You and your Passengers Safe?

Is your Auto Glass Keeping You and your Passengers Safe?

by | Jun 10, 2020 | Auto Glass Windshield Repair

Most car owners spend a considerable amount of time in their vehicles. The majority of people also have passengers in their cars on a regular basis, driving kids to school, sharing a commute to work, getting to appointments, or just getting out for some fun and excitement. Some drivers are extremely diligent about the care and maintenance they provide for their vehicle, while others are more negligent.

Vehicle maintenance is about than just the value and performance of your vehicle, it is also about the safety of you and your passengers, as well as other drivers on the road. One of the aspects that can compromise the safety of an automobile that a lot of drivers are unaware of is windshield damage. Keeping your autoglass in tip top shape is crucial for road safety and vehicle integrity.

What does a crack in your Windshield mean?

To the average car owner, a small chip in the windshield means very little. As long as it does not affect direct line of vision to the road, they typically think nothing of it. However, a tiny crack can lead to much larger problems if not handled properly in a timely fashion.

Considering the amount of time spent in your car, you probably want to make it as comfortable and safe to drive in as possible. This often includes regular cleaning, oil changes, and tune ups to keep everything running smoothly. However, there are other little details that can affect safety, performance, and expenses. One of those details is autoglass care.

Why is immediate action so important?

You are not doing yourself any favors by letting chips and cracks linger in your windshield. You may feel like you are saving money by avoiding repair. No matter how small a blemish, it should still be addressed as soon as possible. Even if it does not inhibit your visibility as a driver, windshield cracks can still be dangerous. Autoglass chips inevitably spread over time, it’s just a matter of how long it takes.

Fixing a crack as soon as it happens is a relatively inexpensive and quick repair. On the other hand, letting it go until it can no longer be ignored will likely end up with a costly Windshield Auto Glass Replacement. Plus, it is more hazardous for everyone around you. A crack may not directly impede your straight on vision, but it can play tricks on your peripheral vision for items and obstacles around your vehicle.

For instance, even a slight impairment in visibility can result in an accident. Getting into an accident with a cracked windshield does not offer the same safety as fully intact autoglass. Small fissures in the glass can result in the integrity of the windshield being jeopardized, easily shattering on contact. Serious injury to you and your passengers can ensue, all because of a neglected blemish in the windshield.

Quick Auto Glass Windshield Repair

Another concern you may have about getting a chip in your windshield fixed is downtime without your vehicle. Choosing a proven and reliable windshield repair service like Valvoline Express Care Brampton ensures downtime is minimal, getting you back on the road quickly and safely. The experts at Valvoline Express Care can swiftly assess the damage to your autoglass and recommend the best solution.

If you get on top of the problem immediately, there should be nothing to worry. Just a quick repair and you will be on your way. When it comes to autoglass windshield repair it is much wiser to err on the side of caution to avoid expensive replacements, accidents, and injury.

Why Synthetic Oil is the right choice for an Oil Change

Why Synthetic Oil is the right choice for an Oil Change

by | May 22, 2020 | oil change brampton

If you’re going to drive, you’re better off giving your car the “good stuff,” meaning high quality synthetic oil at Valvoline Express Care Brampton. Oil change Brampton is proud to offer two types of premium synthetic (synthetic blend and full synthetic) oils that provide the best protection and performance possible. Trust out automotive experts to help you select the perfect motor oil for your vehicle’s unique needs.
Did you know that synthetic oils have far surpassed conventional when it comes to engine protection in both new and old cars? Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of this motor oil.

Better engine protection

When the parts of an engine are moving, they are grinding against each other constantly at high speeds. Synthetic oil acts as a barrier that keeps parts of your engine from utterly destroying each other when they are in motion. At oil change Brampton, our synthetic reduces engine wear, and is actually slicker to reduce friction. When the cleaner engine is better protected, it can effectively increase engine life. In contrast, conventional oil breaks down gradually, and its ability to prevent engine wear diminishes. Oil’s ability to deal with heat and friction is the key, and synthetic oil does a better job.

Environment friendly

One of the biggest issues with conventional oil has to change your oil every 5000 miles, which is potentially damaging to your engine. When you think about it, burning less gas means, you are producing less smog. This mileage can be increased significantly with the use of new and improved synthetic oil products from oil change Brampton. Because synthetic motor oil lasts about three times longer than petroleum motor oil, you will need far less oil to freshen up your engine, before the oil finally quits. Simply put, it isn’t used and dumped as frequently. As fewer oil changes reduce the waste-disposal problem, this translates to a healthier, greener planet for all of us. The less oil we use in our cars, the better.

Cleaner fuel system

It’s important to keep the internal parts of engine clean too keep free of sludge and other buildup. The very fact that synthetic oil is made in a laboratory means that is purer than ordinary motor oil. The fact is, it can better resist the formation of sludge, thereby preventing deposits from forming in your engine. At oil change Brampton, our synthetic oil contains fewer impurities compared to carbon based conventional oil. Overtime, conventional oil forms sludge faster when your engine is in motion. As this happens, it reduces your engine’s efficiency, and ultimately, the life of your engine. When it comes to cleaning an engine, conventional oil just doesn’t perform as well as synthetics.

Longer engine life

Better lubrication on cold starts? Higher performance? Maximum horsepower? You’re asking a lot from your engine. The fact is: conventional motor oils just can’t handle the toughest engine conditions. Over time, the high temperatures in your engine can cause conventional motor oils to break down or evaporate exposing your engine to wear. Some cars like yours simply demand synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is specially engineered to maintain its viscosity at higher temperatures over long periods of time. This better lubricant flows a lot easier in a wide range of temperatures, making for less engine wear. Using synthetic at oil change Brampton can ensure that your vehicle will drive to its fullest capacity.

Best maintenance

Finally, you can count on synthetic at oil change Brampton to provide the best maintenance for your engine. This can also have a positive impact on your vehicle’s (and its component) life expectancy. In order to keep everything running smoothly, it’s important that you follow your manufacture recommendations as far as oil goes.
Synthetic oil sure sounds like a winner, doesn’t it? Next time you come in for an oil change Brampton (whether you have a sedan, van, SUV, or sports car), be sure to go for the synthetic option to maximize the protection of your engine.