A Practical Guide to Using High Mileage Oil

A Practical Guide to Using High Mileage Oil

by | Oct 28, 2022 | oil change

If your car is leaking oil, then it may be the perfect time to use high mileage oil. 

A critical factor to keeping your high-mileage vehicle healthy and in good condition for longer periods of time is by making sure to use high-mileage oil. This type of oil differs from regular oils in that it has special additives that allow it to minimise any engine oil leaks, both internal and external, as well as seal enhancers. 

Oil leaks and burning often happen in older engines. Using high mileage oil is a recommended way of preventing this. 

High mileage oils are designed to aid engines that have more than 75,000 miles under their belt. Although the decision to switch to using high mileage oil is ultimately up to the owner, experts still advise car owners to do so. 

However, there are some cases that won’t be fixed by switching to high mileage oil, such as vehicles that have combustion gases leaking between the cylinder wall and a piston into a car’s crankcase or those that have undergone more severe damage like cylinder snap, power loss, etc. In cases like those, they are most likely caused by mechanical failure and can only be fixed by a professional. 

To the same effect, maintaining your high mileage engines allows them to benefit from high mileage oils.

What ‘High Mileage’ Means

It’s not uncommon to hear people ask how many miles a car can last or what high mileage means. 

The thing is that there is no one right answer to this question. Although 75,000 miles or 120,000 kilometers is typically the mark of a high mileage vehicle and is applicable to most cars, there are no clear rules as to what determines a high mileage car.

There are experts who claim that cars with more than 45,000 miles in them should count as high mileage vehicles, saying that a car’s life expectancy can reach up to 200,000 miles with the right maintenance. On the other hand, regular cars that take advantage of the technology today can go up to 400,000 miles. 

City Miles vs Highway Miles

Driving around a city is not the same as driving on a highway. 

Other than the difference in fuel consumption, the toll on the engine also differs. Research studies have reported that, in terms of engine wear and tear, city miles are more demanding than highway miles. 

In other words, driving across highways involves having fewer starts and stops with the engine running at a steady temperature and at peak efficiency. On the other hand, there are numerous and frequent alterations in the performance of an engine on city miles. What this means is that engines that have 75,000 city miles under their belt are potentially just as worn out as engines that have 150,000 highway miles. 

Of course, several other factors are at play, such as:

  • The type and quality of fuel and oil being used
  • How the car is driven
  • Whether the car undergoes regular maintenance, etc. 

Depending on the factors mentioned above, you need to decide whether you should use high mileage oil for the specific condition of your engine. 

When To Change High Mileage Oil

It’s not that easy to answer this question as there are conflicting opinions found online or at local car repair shops, along with multiple factors that can affect your choice. Instead, experts suggest gathering as much best-practice data as you can and then applying it to your situation. 

There are two conflicting opinions found online:

  • There are people who think that it’s a better idea to change your oil a lot more frequently as the mileage of the car increases. This is because of engine loose tolerances that can result in soot aggression and blow by. 
  • There are others who claim the opposite, saying that oil changes should happen less frequently as the mileage of the engine goes up. They believe that it is inevitable for a car to undergo wear and tear and that owners shouldn’t worry about having their warranty voided. 

It’s trickier when you realise that neither opinion is completely right or wrong. 

Should High Mileage Oil Be Used In My New Car

Not only is it not recommended but there is no need to use high mileage oil for your new car. 

Although it won’t harm your vehicle, it’s always best to stick to the instructions indicated in the car’s owner manual. 

For more information on the best oil change options and to get oil change coupons, contact Valvoline Express Care.

Oil Change Services in Brampton

Oil Change Services in Brampton

by | Sep 29, 2022 | oil change

Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. The oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.

All oil has a shelf life and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.

How do you know when it is time for oil change?

There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need of an oil change. Here are a few examples:

  • Colour and texture of oil
  • Engine sound
  • Check engine light
  • Low level
  • Time since your last oil change
  • Colour and Texture

Colour and texture of oil

When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown colour. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change and possibly a filter change as well.

Engine Sound

If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.

Check Engine Light

Most cars will have an on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a checkup. If the engine light comes on, it may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.

Low Level

You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.

Last Oil Change

One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 5,000- 8,000 kilometers. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.

Frequency Factors

How often you get your oil changed can be determined by 3 basic factors:

  • Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
  • Driving conditions
  • Environmental conditions

Maintenance Schedule

The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.

Driving Conditions

The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:

  • Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
  • Short drives in freezing temperatures
  • Driving at slow speeds for long distances
  • Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
  • Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
  • Towing something behind your car or strapping something heavy to the roof
  • Frequent stops and starts

Environmental Conditions

The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.

To know more about Oil Change, visit the Valvoline Express Care website in Brampton.

What You Need to Know About Valvoline Express Care’s Auto Glass Repair Surfaces

What You Need to Know About Valvoline Express Care’s Auto Glass Repair Surfaces

by | Aug 23, 2022 | Auto Glass Windshield Repair

Auto glass is not only there for aesthetic purposes. But, it is also crucial to keep the car and its passengers safe from debris and other outside elements when travelling. Unfortunately, there might come a time when your auto glass might sustain damage. 

Luckily, Valvoline Express Care offers a speedy glass and reliable auto glass repair service. If you are interested in knowing more about it, continue reading the article. 

Types of Auto Glass Damage

There are plenty of types of damage that can happen to your car. At Valvoline Express care, their professionals will first assess the damage on your auto glass with the following classifications:

Surface Chip

Surface chips are one of the most common types of windshield damage. It refers to a surface nick that does not fully puncture the surface of the glass. These types of chips are fixable with minor repairs as long as it is immediately addressed. 

Bull’s Eye Chip

A bull’s eye chip happens due to an impact caused by stones or rock from the road that hit the glass. Characteristically, it is circular in shape with a cone-shaped hole on the outer layer of the windshield. 

This type of auto glass damage is fixable with repair if the chip is less than one inch, there’s no dirt on the chip, and if it is not in the driver’s field of vision. 

Half Moon Chip

Half Moon chips are similar to bulls-eye chips because they are both caused by impact from rocks or stones. The difference is that they are not fully circular in shape hence their name. This type of chip is repairable as long as it’s not in the driver’s eye line and it is not too big.  

Star Chip

Star chips are caused by impact and usually have small cracks from the center, creating a star-shaped design. This type of chip can be repaired if it is smaller than a looney, but you will need to have it replaced if it is not. 

Angel Wings

Angel wing chip is also known as a combination crack. It is possible to repair this if this chip’s diameter does not exceed 2 inches.

Star Burst Chip

This chip is similar to the star chip, except it has escalated and covers a wider area. If not taken care of immediately, it might need to be replaced. 

Straight Line Crack

Unlike other chips caused by impact, this one can result from too much pressure. It is fixable if it’s not too big and does not affect the edge of the windshield or the eye line of the driver. 

Extended Bulls Eye

An extended bull’s eye is a magnified version of the bulls eye chip. It usually requires replacement because of its gravity.

Repair or Replace?

Not all types of auto glass damage are fixable, like massive extended bull eyes, angel wings, star chips, or other types of chips left alone for an extended period of time-. When fixing it is not an option, you might have no other choice but to have it replaced entirely. 

In case your auto glass is in need of a replacement, Valvoline Express Care also provides replacement services. Just like with their windshield repair service, you can expect speedy and reliable results at a reasonable price. 

Final Words

Regardless of what type of auto glass damage your vehicle has, Valvoline Express Care can help. Just bring it in to have it assessed by their expert professionals. These professionals can also help you replace it if it is deemed unfixable.

All about Automotive Oil Change

All about Automotive Oil Change

by | Jul 26, 2022 | oil change

Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. The oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, by lubricating the engine to avoid friction from metal scraping on metal.

All oil has a shelf life, and must be changed on a consistent basis to continue to be effective.

How do you know when it is time for an oil change?

There are several tell-tale signs that your vehicle is in need of an oil change. Here are a few examples:

  • Colour and texture of oil
  • Engine sound
  • Check engine light
  • Low level
  • Time since your last oil change

Colour and Texture
When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown colour. The oil will become black and viscous when it begins to deteriorate. Once there is debris and other contaminants floating in the oil, it is time for an oil change, and possibly a filter change as well.

Engine Sound
If your oil is working efficiently, your car’s engine should be purring and fairly quiet. Once the oil gets old and dirty, the engine will become louder and may produce grinding and clunking noises.

Check Engine Light
Most cars will have an oil gauge on the dashboard that will let you know when it is time for a checkup. If the engine light is coming on, may also indicate an issue with the oil. If any of these lights are illuminated on your dashboard, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for servicing.

Low Level
You can use the dipstick to check the oil level yourself to ensure there is an appropriate level in the tank. If levels are low, it is a good indication that the oil is too old and is getting burned up more quickly because it is no longer effective.

Last Oil Change
One of the most reliable methods for knowing when to change your oil is by figuring out the last time it was changed. It is recommended to change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres. Check your owner’s manual for maintenance schedules.

Frequency Factors
How often you get your oil-change can be determined by 3 basic factors:

  • Maintenance Schedule in Owner’s Manual
  • Driving conditions
  • Environmental conditions

Maintenance Schedule
The most important factor is following recommendations laid out in the owner’s manual. You don’t want to stray too far from the suggested schedule, as there may be conditions set in the manual that will void the warranty if not followed correctly.

Driving Conditions
The conditions you drive in on a daily basis will also be a factor. If your drive in severe conditions, you should be getting your oil changed more frequently. Severe conditions include:

  • Stop-and-go traffic in high temperatures
  • Short drives in freezing temperatures
  • Driving at slow speeds for long distances
  • Driving on dirt, sand, or gravel roads
  • Dusty, muddy, or salty conditions
  • Towing something behind your car or strapping something heavy to the roof
  • Frequent stops and starts

Environmental Conditions
The climate you live in will also play a role in determining how often your oil should be changed. Extreme cold, especially if only driving for short distances, can cause moisture to build up in the engine and lead to quicker contamination of the oil. Hot temperatures can also be detrimental, even more so in stop-and-go traffic.

For more information on oil change, contact our Auto Technicians.

The secret behind the immediate replacement of windshield that impedes vision

The secret behind the immediate replacement of windshield that impedes vision

by | Jun 27, 2022 | Auto Glass Windshield Replacement

A windshield chip results from a heavy impact on the windshield by a small object or rock. This will cause a small spot on the damaged area and, at times, seems insignificant damage. It won’t be easy to recognize from a distance, but several factors may worsen it.

The damaged part on the windshield will attract dirt, dust, and debris. The outside pressure, like from rain, water will force dirt into the chip. Failure to repair the exposed chip on time will worsen the situation, becoming more challenging to repair the windshield crack. The following are necessities why one should repair a windshield on time.

Chip to a crack

Crack formations are often caused by common factors like driving, unfavourable weather, and fatigue. Extreme temperatures also add up the problem. On the other hand, extreme hot or cold, either interior part or exterior, causes expansion and contraction of the glass. This will cause the chip to become bigger than average. In some situations, hailstorms may worsen or form chips on the glass.

Furthermore, some minor activities playing loud music or slamming the door may worsen the breakage. Extreme vibrations and nasty jolts may cause cracks in the glass where chips are formed. High pressure on the glass forces the chip to stretch and expand, causing rupture. The crack extends further, affecting vision hence endangering the lives of the passengers on board. Some windshield cracks may reach a situation where it cannot be repaired, forcing the owner to replace it.

Compromising vision

A crack or chip on the windshield draws total attention every time, regardless of ignorance. Majorly the one on the drivers’ side may lead to a fatal accident if ignored. Chip and crack obstruct the driver’s view carrying away attention from the moving vehicle on the road. Furthermore, it causes poor vision and sometimes reflects sunlight.

Disgusting appearance

The more dust, debris, and dirt access damaged areas forming a huge layer, the more difficult the windshield is to repair. If repair is done, the outcome may seem cloudy or form a dirt patch on the surface of the windshield. Some may have opted for an old fashioned remedy of tape on-chip. They have not realized the appearance of the car for the worse.

Safety at risk

During a tragic rollover or collision, the windshield shields the roof from curving in or collapsing. It further protects the passengers from getting thrown out of the vehicle during an accident. A weak windshield puts the passengers at higher risk as well. If it shuts out during an accident, it can cause more hazardous injuries. The windshield is cheap to repair rather than replace. Getting a new windshield costs more than half the cost of repair. When left neglected, small nick will expand further due to external stressors worsening with time until a state where it will be unfixable. Another reason is the time taken during the repair. You can get speedy glass repair in less than an hour, a windshield replacement takes can take few hours or days. Windshield repair will save you a lot in terms of money and time.

Lower market value or the car

Like any other asset, physical appearance is an important indicator when determining quality. The poor condition and unfriendly physical appearance may not attract more buyers during resale. The value of your car will reduce if your windshield is damaged. The windshield is considered an essential structure of your vehicle, and therefore it is essential to maintain it in good condition. 

Small seeming more minor nick can compromise passenger’s safety, lower the vehicle’s worth, and cost you a lot of money on restoration. You need to ensure that there’s no single damage to your car, even if it seems minor.