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

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.

Why Synthetic Oil is the right choice for an Oil Change

Why Synthetic Oil is the right choice for an Oil Change

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.

 

The Great Debate: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The Great Debate: How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

A lot of people have opinions about how often the oil in a vehicle should be changed, from experienced experts right on down to the average car owner. Now, most people would tend to side with the experts, but even between the professionals there are some considerable discrepancies about just how often oil should be changed.

Owner’s Manual

First and foremost it is highly advisable to follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. This is particularly important for new car owners, as the warranty may become void if specifications are not adhered to. The owner’s manual should indicate the type of oil to be used, as well as frequency and distance suggestions.

Range of Oil Change Intervals Recommended by the Experts

Industry professionals seem to have a wide range of advice to give about how frequently oil should be changed. Depending on who you listen to, oil changes may be suggested as often as:

  • Every 1600 Km, or every 6 months
  • Every 5000 Km
  • Between 8000 – 12000 Km
  • Between 15000 – 24000 Km

It will likely come as no surprise that automotive shops specialized in oil changes suggest having your oil changed more frequently. On the flip side, manufacturers tend to say that such frequent changes are unnecessary, especially if the car runs on synthetic motor oil which is designed for greater longevity. So, who should be believed?

Contributing Factors to Oil Change Frequency

The truth is there is quite an assortment of outside factors that weigh in to determine just how often your oil needs changing. Some relevant factors include:

  • Vehicle model
  • Type of oil
  • Filter changes
  • Driving habits
  • Driving frequency
  • Environmental conditions
  • Level of care

Vehicle Model

The type of car you drive plays a substantial role in how often you need to change your oil. For example, older models with heavy mileage will most likely need more frequent changes and possibility a different type of oil than newer models. Large vehicles that burn a lot of fuel will also need more regular changes because the engine is working harder to operate the vehicle.

As mentioned earlier, specifications for your vehicle type will be illustrated in the owner’s manual.

Type of Oil

The type of oil you use is also significant. Conventional motor oil does not offer the same quality and longevity that synthetic oil does. A greater consistency in molecule arrangement and no left over contaminants from the refinery process, means synthetic oil delivers longer lasting, better performance for your engine. While synthetic motor oils may cost more up front, they offer cost savings in the long run due to fewer changes and less wear on the engine.

Filter Changes

It doesn’t matter how fresh the oil in your vehicle is if the filter never gets changed. The oil filter should be replaced at least every other time your oil is changed, and for optimal results should be replaced with every oil change.

Driving Habits

Driving behaviors also paly an applicable role in how often you should be changing your oil. The more cautious a driver you are, the more life you will get out of your oil. Abrupt stops and starts, as well as excessive speeding all impose greater demands on the engine, requiring more frequent oil changes.

Driving Frequency

As logic would dictate, the more often you drive your car the sooner you are going to need an oil change. However, your regular driving routes also come into consideration. For example, if your routine driving practices mainly consist of trips around 15 Km or less, oil changes will be required more often. Short trips don’t get the engine hot enough to burn off excess condensation which means the oil will break down more quickly.

Environmental Conditions

The more demanding your regular driving conditions are, the harder your engine is working needing fresh more frequently. Driving short distances in sub-zero temperatures is very demanding on the engine.

Level of Care

In the end, a lot of it comes down to how invested you are in providing care and maintenance for your vehicle. Drivers looking for the best performance and preserving maximum resale value will benefit from having more frequent oil changes.

Oil Change Brampton

For fast and reliable oil changes done by industry professionals, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an ideal choice for all your automotive care and maintenance needs.

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.

Oil Change Tips and Advice for New Car Owners

Oil Change Tips and Advice for New Car Owners

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.

3 Warnings – Does your vehicle need an oil change?

3 Warnings – Does your vehicle need an oil change?

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.

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

Which is the right choice- Conventional or Synthetic Oil for an Oil Change?

Looking for motor oil that offers the best protection, a better fuel economy, and even a longer engine life?
One of the biggest debates amongst car owners is whether synthetic oil or conventional oil is better for the longevity and overall health of a vehicle. You can probably guess that synthetic oil is higher quality due to its high price tag, but you may not know exactly why. In order to make a more informed decision next time you drive over to oil change Brampton; let’s get a few things straight.

Oil change Brampton – what you need to know

  • First, you should understand what makes these two types of oil so different. Conventional is mostly crude oil that is pumped up from the ground. Afterwards, it goes through a refining process to get rid of contaminates, such as sulfur or heavy metals. On the other hand, synthetic is a man-made oil engine lubricant that is developed in the laboratory, rather than nature. Because of that, it has fewer imperfections in their chemical buildup than conventional does. No matter how much the motor oil is refined, it will not be as pure as synthetic oil.

Oil change Brampton: which oil is better for your ride?

  • Synthetic Oil: synthetic at oil change Brampton is specially formulated to provide enhanced engine performance over conventional oil. As result, synthetic oil will help to reduce engine wear and improve gas mileage on hard working engines. Winter is the perfect time to consider the switch to a full-synthetic motor oil because it protects your engine during a cold start. With synthetic, the engine oil cranks easy when the car sits over an extended period of time (let’s say overnight), and has oil circulating sooner. Synthetic oils have excellent properties that allow it to maintain their viscosity at higher temperatures. And best of all, drivers that use this thinner, free flowing synthetic won’t need to change their oil as often because it can go longer before breaking down. Despite being more expensive, synthetic oil gets you further down the road than conventional oil.

 

  • Conventional Oil: the petroleum based oil does not work well under extreme weather conditions. It creates the most pollutants of any type of oil by emitting a large amount of sulfur into the air as it is burned. The hard to pump thick and sticky oil will degrade faster than other types of motor oil. In colder months, the process of firing up your ignition and getting your oil to flow smoothly may take even longer. In extreme heat, conventional oil breaks down faster and leave deposits, which can lead to vehicle failure. Biggest downside to this lube? You’ll have to make more frequent oil changes. On the bright side, conventional oil will cost you a bit less compared to synthetic. At oil change Brampton, conventional might be a good fit if you don’t drive far very often.

Final say

When it comes to vehicle’s maintenance at oil change Brampton, you can never be too careful. Although it’s proven that synthetic oil provides better protection for a vehicle, having an oil change done according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation is still the best option for protecting the overall performance and life of a vehicle.
At Valvoline Express Care Brampton, our qualified technicians know that every engine deserves great oil. That’s why our top of the line motor oils is specifically designed to meet the needs of different engine types and driving conditions. If your car needs an oil change, let us be your first stop!