Just bought your first car? It is a very exciting time driving your first vehicle off the lot, and whether it is new or used it will take some care and effort to keep it well maintained. There are many aspects of routine maintenance that are essential for keeping your vehicle operating in peak condition, and preserving the value and quality of your auto over time.

One very important aspect of vehicular maintenance is regular oil changes. Why are oil changes so important you ask? Well, quite simply oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle that helps makes sure you get to point A to point B without incident or breakdown. As humans it is not practical, or even possible, to swap out old blood for fresh every few months, so we need nutritious food and exercise to keep our blood rich with the necessary nutrients and oxygen our bodies need to function. Oil provides a similar service for your vehicle, but becomes dirty and contaminated over time. The main difference being that swapping out old oil for new is not only possible, but crucial for the health of your vehicle.

What does oil do for your vehicle?

The main function of oil in your automobile is to provide lubricant to the many working parts of the engine, absorbing heat and preventing the engine’s metal components from grinding against each other. Fresh oil prevents excessive wear on the engine, reducing friction, and keeping it from overheating and seizing up.

What happens to oil over time?

As you continue to drive your vehicle, the oil works to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. As time passes, the oil begins to lose its viscosity with ongoing use. As the oil thins, it becomes less effective in providing the engine the protection it needs against excessive friction and wear. It also starts to accumulate debris and grime, and even metal shavings if left too long unchanged. Once the oil is contaminated it is no longer doing its job effectively, and can also damage the engine components which may result in costly repairs.

How often should the oil be changed in my vehicle?

The answer to this question varies depending on make and model of the vehicle, type of oil used, driving frequency, as well as the conditions you are driving in on a daily basis.

There are varying opinions on how often your oil should be changed, so the safest bet is to follow the guide in your owner’s manual. This is especially true for new car owners while the warranty is still in effect. Going against the recommendations in the owner’s manual can result in the warranty being rendered void. To keep your warranty intact, you should follow the guidelines on oil type, kilometrage, and time recommendations.

Warning Signs it May be Time for an Oil Change

While you should absolutely follow the recommendations laid out in your owner’s manual, there are also some telltale signs that can be observed to help ensure your engine is not being damaged by contaminated and ineffective oil.

Some warning signs to look out for include:

• Check engine or oil light is illuminated
• Strange sounds
• Strong odors
• Heavy exhaust
• Oil is dark in color
• Extensive travel

Check Engine or Oil Light

This is a very obvious warning sign that your oil is due for a changing. The oil light means your car is directly communicating with you that oil is low or polluted. If the check engine light becomes illuminated this could be a sign of more serious issues, indicating you are at risk of causing damage to the engine.

Strange Sounds

Any clunking or knocking noises emanating from your vehicle could be a signal that the oil is no longer providing sufficient lubrication for the engine. This issue should be addressed immediately to prevent serious damage and expenses.

Strong Odors

If it smells like something is burning while you are driving, or you can smell oil from the inside of your vehicle, chances are your oil is past its prime or may even be leaking.

Heavy Exhaust

Anytime you see heavy smoke coming from your exhaust pipe, it is a good idea to take your car in for servicing as soon as possible. There is most likely a problem with the oil or the engine.

Dark Colored Oil

Fresh oil is amber colored with a slight translucency to it. You can check the color of the oil with the dipstick. If it is black in color and contains particles, it is time for an oil change.

Extensive Travel

Any time you are going on a long trip or doing extensive driving over a short period of time, the oil in your vehicle is going to be working overtime. You may consider changing the oil before or after such an occurrence to prevent excessive wear on the engine.

When was the last time you changed the oil in your emotional tank? If you take your car on short trips or for longer rides, it’s important that you stick with the routine oil change every 6 months. Even if your car hasn’t racked up some serious miles under its tires, failure to swap out oil at regular intervals will cause serious damage to your engine. At Valvoline Express Care Oil Change Brampton, our premium oil lubricant prevents deposits from forming on the engine’s component, keeping it running optimally.

Vehicle Oil looks black and gritty

If upon inspection of the dipstick under the hood, the oil turns black or gritty that you can’t locate the dipstick in weeks, you need an oil change immediately. Don’t put it off. If you do, the filter will become clogged, and the dirt in the oil will make it thick, and cause further damage to the engine. At oil change Brampton, our technicians will pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Once the dipstick is placed back in the chamber, it should have a slight amber tint. Now that’s taken care of, don’t forget to check the oil level while you’re at it.

Engine Oil seems to be running louder than usual

Since the purpose of motor oil is to lubricate your engine, it’s easy enough to tell if you’re running low. Does your engine sound like a water boat? If your engine seems to be louder than it usually is, it probably doesn’t have enough lubrication. If the oil in your car is too old, it may break down and become less effective. This is what causes the pieces of the engine to rub and grind together, creating a lot of abnormal noise from under the hood. While that’s annoying, it also means the parts are already overheating, and revving up the engine. In order to get rid of such conditions, take your car to oil change Brampton. We will put in fresh oil right away.

You can’t remember the last time you changed your oil

Need a reminder? If you can’t recall the last oil change, it has been far too long. Bring in your car for service at oil change Brampton as soon as possible. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, which can be found in your owner’s manual or right on the oil filler cap.

Benefits of using oil change Brampton

• Helps fight against friction with the car parts: friction
• Helps to reduce deposit build up
• Reduces sludge from occurring and creating detriment
• Reduces overheating and thus prolonging the expensive parts of your vehicle
• Provides protection to engine when starting engine
• Maintains vehicle warranty

Stop by, and we’ll get you in, out, and back on your way as quickly as possible. No appointment is necessary.
As the average age of the vehicles on the road continues to increase, so does the need for routine maintenance. If you take your car to oil change Brampton every 3000 miles, it will reward you running for years to come!

Rust proofing Brampton: what is rust and why is it such a problem?

Rust build-up is the result of a natural process where the iron in metals comes into contact with oxygen and water, causing it to corrode and deteriorate.
The thing about rust? It spreads quickly. Finding a spot of rust on the surface of your vehicle is no reason to panic. On the other hand, if your car is left outside all year long or you neglect to keep it clean, you are likely to have a bigger problem (rust spots that are larger than 12 inches in diameter require major repairs). When deep rusts sets in, it eats away at the undercarriage and cause components to break or fall off while you’re driving. This damage, which occurs through normal use, can be avoided. As soon as you notice even a small bubble, come by rust proofing Brampton. When you deal with rust early, it can save you no end of time and money in the long run.

Is your car showing signs of rust around edges? Better yet, do you want to prevent it from starting?

It is often much easier to prevent rust than to get rid of it. At rust proofing Brampton, our automotive specialists will inspect your paint’s finish for bubbles, scratches or dents. We will immediately remove rust spots before they progress and have the chance to spread.
You can be confident knowing we use a specially formulated compound coating that’s sprayed onto the undercarriage, providing a protective barrier to your vehicles most vulnerable areas. It starts working right away, and it’s recommended you do this rust check annually to help prolong the life of your vehicle (and to maintain your warranty).
Top 5 reasons to choose rust proofing Brampton

• • Higher resale value: rust-free vehicles sell quicker, for more money.
  • Longer lifecycle: by properly protecting the undercarriage, body panels and mechanical parts your vehicle will last longer.
  • Reduce repair costs: if left untreated, rust can spread to brake lines and cables, even your vehicles electrical system.
  • Safer vehicle: over time corrosion will compromise the structural integrity of your car.
  • Best rust proofing application: Diamond Kote provides complete protection for your vehicle, it’s components, and key metal parts.

Don’t let UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings and tree sap dull and fade the paint, and ruin the look of your vehicle over time! It’s never too late to start rustproofing your car, and remember: it’s what you can’t see that should concern you.
Protect your investment with rust proofing Brampton
Instead of leaving your vehicle vulnerable to damage this year, bring your car to rust proofing Brampton. Whether it’s your vintage or classic car, or simply a new investment – we will protect it for years to come. Our superior rust proofing treatment keep your vehicle looking and performing its best.