If you own a vehicle you are no doubt aware of the importance of oil changes and other types of regular maintenance that is necessary to keep your car operating effectively.
After all, without oil your car will not run. As time passes, the longer you leave the oil unchanged, the dirtier it gets. The grimier your oil gets, the less effective it becomes. If left long enough it can do serious damage to your engine. In many instances that get that far, the engine damage is irreparable. Purchasing a new engine is not a cheap venture, so keeping with consistent oil changes is key to avoiding huge repair bills.
An oil change is likely the most widely recognized and accepted aspect of regular maintenance that car owners are aware of and practice regularly.
But, there are many little-known facts about oil changes that the average car owner may not know about.

Additional Oil Facts

Most drivers are aware of the basic function of oil in a car engine. The oil is there to lubricate the metal components of the engine, to prevent them from grinding and causing excessive friction. Old, contaminated oil does not offer sufficient lubrication, which can result in over heating and engine deterioration.
Some other useful information about oil changes might involve:

• Oil filters
• Disposing of old oil
• Extras
• Owner’s manual
• Oil level checks
• Time required

Oil Filters

When you have your oil changed by a professional automotive technician, you should also have the oil filter changed as well. This may or may not be included in a basic oil change.
Inquire with your automotive service representative for more details.
Also, the drainplug on the oil pan will likely need to be changed from time to time as eventually the threads on the plug will wear down or become stripped over time.

Disposing of Used Oil

If you always have your oil changed at an auto centre, then you may not be aware of what happens to your used oil.
You obviously can’t just pour it on the ground or down a drain because it will mix in with the local water supply. Your old, used oil needs to be disposed of in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.
That is one definite perk of having your oil changed by a professional, rather than doing it on your own.

Extras

Another advantage of enlisting the services of automotive experts is all the extras that can be added to a routine oil change.
For example, when you go in for an oil change you can also have:

• Fluids checked
• Tires checked for pressure and wear
• Brakes checked
• Rust check
• Emissions test
• Battery check
• Wiper check
• Windshield check
• Fuel system check
• And more…..

Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual for your vehicle can be used as a very useful guide for regularly scheduled maintenance.
The owner’s manual will provide helpful suggestions and recommendations about how often things like oil changes, and other services, should be carried out.

 Oil Level Checks

You can perform routine checks on your own to make sure the oil in your engine is at an appropriate level.
Most experts recommend that oil changes should be done every 3000 – 5000 kms. However, driving conditions and other factors may affect those numbers.
Checking the oil level in your engine with the dipstick provided will give a good indication if the oil level is adequate.
It is recommended to do this check before starting your car, or at least 10 minutes after turning it off.

Time Required

A typical oil change done by a professional will take somewhere between 30 and 90 minutes. It will take much longer if you do it yourself.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

For outstanding oil change services in Brampton, and the surrounding area, stop in at Valvoline Express Care.
Valvoline Express Care has been providing quality automotive service for over 20 years.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is an automotive service specialist in Brampton, that can take of all your car maintenance and repair needs.
With well over 20 years experience serving customers in the GTA, you can expect the same excellent service and results every time you visit.
Aside from the premium service, there are also a collection of quality products to choose from for your vehicle, like a wide selection of motor oils, filters, wipers, and other accessories.
You don’t even need to make an appointment first, just roll in and the qualified technicians will be at your service.
Valvoline Express Care is located in Brampton, but services car owners from the entire surrounding area, including Mississauga, Toronto, Vaughan, Oakville, Etobicoke, etc.

Discount Coupons

There are also coupons available at Valvoline Express Care that can be used for discounts on the many services offered.
To qualify for the discount, you simply need to download the app for immediate access.
The expert technicians at Valvoline can also help assess what services would be most beneficial for your automobile to keep it functioning at a high level.
Regular maintenance not only improves vehicle performance, but it also helps retain the value of your car for when it comes time to sell it.
Oil changes are a great example of how and why consistent maintenance is recommended. For the best oil change services in Brampton, Valvoline Express Care is your spot.

How Often are Oil Changes Needed?

Although the exact timeline does vary from vehicle to vehicle, the general consensus is that your oil should be changed every 5000 kms or so. Different vehicles will have different recommendations and the conditions you drive in on a daily basis are also a factor.
Your owner’s manual will have all the details about regular scheduled maintenance.

Why are Oil Changes Needed?

If you don’t care about your car’s performance, holding its value, and avoiding large mechanic repair bills, then you probably don’t worry to much changing the oil.
However, if you do want your car to last longer and keep its value, then consistent oil changes are a must.
A few of the most important reasons to change your oil on a regular basis are:

• Lubrication for the engine
• Reduces engine wear and tear
• Prevents over-heating
• Better fuel economy
• Longevity

Lubrication

Car engines consist of an intricate network of moving parts. All these parts will inevitably rub against each other creating heat and friction. Oil helps lubricate these components to reduce friction and keep the engine running smoothly.

Wear and Tear

As mentioned above, without proper lubrication the components in the engine would deteriorate quickly and significantly.
Also, as time passes oil starts to become contaminated with dirt and sludge. This can cause corrosion and engine breakdown.

Preventing Over-Heating

Old, dirty oil does not provide the lubrication needed to prevent excessive friction for the engine components.
Too much friction can create extreme heat in the engine and can damage the components. This makes the engine work much harder than necessary. If this continues for a prolonged period of time, you are looking at serious damage that is costly to repair.

Fuel Economy

Less friction means a more streamlined ride, which can improve your gas mileage considerably.

Longevity

New cars are expensive. Avoid having to purchase a new vehicle due to neglect for the one you’ve got.
Regular maintenance equals increased longevity and decreased spending for big ticket items.

• Keeps the engine cool
• Flushes out contaminants and sludge
• Improves fuel economy
• It provides necessary lubrication for the engine
• Preserves vehicle value

Keeps the Engine Cool
An over heating engine can spell all kinds of trouble for you and your automobile. If the engine is over heating, that means it is working too hard. This can result is serious damage to the engine itself. Possibly even irreparable damage.
An engine typically over heats when there is excess friction from the engine’s metal components. Clean oil provides the necessary lubrication to prevent over heating.
Flushes Out Contaminants and Sludge
If you let your oil go long enough without being changed, bad things begin to happen in the engine. Old oil will start to accumulate a build up of dirt, debris, and sludge in your engine. These deposits are obviously not good for the engine, negatively affecting its performance.
An oil change flushes out this dirt and sludge to keep the engine clean and running smoothly.
Improves Fuel Economy
A cleaner engine makes for a more sleek and streamlined ride, which improves your gas mileage.
Any money that you spend on an oil change, you will end up saving in gas and other unnecessary mechanic bills.
Looking at it form the other side, dirty oil makes your engine work harder. If your engine is working harder, it is using more fuel.
Oil Provides Essential Engine Lubrication
Without oil, the steel components in the engine would be continually grinding and scraping against each other. This will not only cause the engine to over heat, but will also severely damage its parts.
The proper lubrication for your engine will definitely cut down on wear and tear and boost the longevity of your car.
Preserving Value
Regular oil changes can help preserve the value of your vehicle in several ways.
Oil changes help to increase the resale value for your car by:

• Lubricating the engine
• Protecting the engine from over heating
• Preventing engine damage or seizure
• Flushing out destructive contaminants

Increasing the longevity so don’t have to purchase a new vehicle as frequently