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.

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.

Oil is the most important fluid in your vehicle. It is necessary to keep the engine working, which is the force that powers your car.

Most vehicle owners rely heavily on their automobiles for a wide range of activities and responsibilities that occur in daily life.

People depend on their cars for:

• Getting to work
• Grocery shopping
• Errands
• Transporting children and other passengers
• Traveling
• Safe transportation
• Convenience
• Avoiding public transit

Everyone uses their cars for different purposes, but many car owners would feel lost without their vehicles.

That is why it is so important to maintain your automobile with regularly scheduled upkeep. One of the most critical things you can do for your car’s health is to have the oil changed regularly.

Looking for a good spot for an oil change near me?

Oil Change Services in Brampton

For drivers all over the GTA, Valvoline Express Care is a reliable and efficient automotive service provider that can handle all of your maintenance and repair needs.

Valvoline Express Care is wellknown not only for its outstanding service, but also for the high-quality motor oils and other automotive products available.

No appointments are needed at Valvoline Express Care, just drive in and you will be ready to roll in no time.

What’s in an Oil Change?

Let’s delve a little deeper into the world of oil changes to see what they are all about.

We will examine:

• What?
• Why?
• How?
• When?

What Is an Oil Change?

Most vehicle owners are aware of what an oil change consists of, even if they have never actually done it themselves. It involves draining the old oil and replacing it with clean oil.

There are some types of maintenance that car owners can perform by themselves at home, but oil changes are best left to the experts.

Changing your own oil will not save you any time, money, or hassle. A professional technician will have it done more quickly and effectively.

Why are Oil Changes Fundamental in Maintaining Your Vehicle?

The engine in your car is made up of an intricate system of moving, inter-connected parts. Steel components like pistons and valves are steadily rubbing against other to perform the engine’s function.

This rubbing would be way too abrasive for the engine components without a proper lubricant. That essential lubricant is motor oil.

Without oil, the engine would over heat very quickly and would eventually be destroyed.

So, oil is needed for the engine to operate. But, not just oil, it needs to be clean oil.

Over time, oil starts to amass a build up of dirt and sludge. Dirty oil is not an effective lubricant or coolant.

This is why car oil changes are required regularly.

How Does the Oil Get Changed?

First of all, your car will need to be raised up on blocks or with a hydraulic lift to access the oil pan to drain the old oil. This reason alone makes having your oil changed by a professional completely worth the cost.

Once the oil is drained, the old filter will be removed and replaced with a new one. The filter serves to remove impurities and block contaminants from reaching the engine.

Old oil must be disposed of properly to avoid environmental damage.

The next step is to replace the old, dirty oil with new, clean oil. You should consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle to find out what type of oil is best for your model.

The expert oil change technicians at Valvoline Express Care can also help with that sort of advice.

There are several types of oil to choose from at Valvoline Express Care.

When Should You Change your Oil?

Again, it is a good idea to check your owner’s manual to see the recommended frequency for oil changes in your car.

The general guideline is that oil should be changed every 3000 – 5000 kms. The more frequently you change the oil, the better it is for the engine.

If you believe you are saving money by avoiding regular oil changes for your vehicle, then you are sorely mistaken.

While bypassing oil changes may save you a bit of money short-term, it will definitely not save you any money (or headaches) in the long run.

Engine trouble is expensive to fix, and replacing your engine is something you probably don’t even want to think about. 

The good news is that engine issues can be avoided with regularly scheduled maintenance.

Oil Change Brampton

If you are in the market for dependable and efficient oil change services in Brampton and the surrounding area, then an ideal choice is Valvoline Express Care.

Regular visits to Valvoline Express Care will keep your vehicle operating at maximum performance while retaining its resale value.

Not only will you receive outstanding service, but your engine will also be the recipient of high-quality Valvoline motor oil.

Not all motor oils are of the same quality, so it is important to know what kind of oil you are putting in your car, and what kind of oil works best with your particular vehicle.

To make sure you are getting the right oil you need, let’s first take a look at what oil does for your automobile.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Oil performs several functions in your vehicle to keep it running smoothly and effectively.

Some of the functions of motor oil are:

• Providing necessary lubrication
• Keeping the engine cool
• Keeping the engine clean
• Preventing rust and corrosion

Lubrication

One of the main functions of motor oil is to provide lubrication for all the working components of the engine. Since most of these components are made of metal, without oil these parts would be constantly grinding against each other.

Not only does metal on metal produce a horrifying sound, it also results in significant damage to those metal components.

Clean oil helps prevent engine damage and over-heating.

Keeping the Engine Cool

Reduced friction means reduced heat production. Clean oil reduces engine friction by carrying heat away from its components. 

Dirty oil has a less stream-lined flow and has difficulty doing the job it needs to do.

Preventing Rust and Corrosion

Rust is formed when metal is exposed to air and moisture for an extended period of time.

Oil helps prevent the formation of rust by not allowing these circumstances to occur. Well-lubricated metal parts of the engine will not have a chance to rust because water can not get to them.

What Motor Oil Is Right for Your Vehicle?

All vehicles are different and therefore require different types of oil. Motor oils vary in quality and ingredients.

The major distinction between motor oils can be demonstrated by dividing oils into two main categories:

1. Conventional
2. Synthetic

Conventional Motor Oil

Conventional motor oil is derived from petroleum, also known as crude oil. The process for making conventional motor oil is much less intensive than for synthetic oil.

Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic motor oil is refined and distilled to remove the impurities. This helps break the oil down to its base elements, so they can be manipulated to improve performance, protection, and longevity.

Synthetic motor oil not affords better performance for your engine, but it has other advantages as well.

Some of the benefits of synthetic motor oil include:

• Maintaining a cleaner engine
• Better protection against engine wear and tear
• Better flow in cold temperatures
• Better engine protection in high temperatures
• Better viscosity

Valvoline Motor Oils

There is a wide selection of motor oils to choose from at Valvoline.

Some of the selections available are:

• Premium Conventional Motor Oil
• MaxLife High Mileage Synthetic Blend
• SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil