Get Your Vehicle Geared Up for Winter with an Oil Change

Get Your Vehicle Geared Up for Winter with an Oil Change

One good way to get your vehicle ready for the upcoming winter season is to give it some fresh oil.

Your car depends on clean oil to operate effectively and maximize performance.

This is particularly important entering the winter season in Canada. Canadian winters can be especially cruel to your beloved automobile.

Harsh elements like snow, ice, slush, snow, and salt can make your car engine work harder than normal. Plus, new oil responds better in cold weather conditions and extreme environmental changes.

You caneven take it one step further and use a specialized oil like SynPower Full Synthetic motor oil by Valvoline.

SynPower Full Synthetic oil offers your engine optimal protection against high temperatures in summer and low temperatures in winter.

Oil Change Brampton

For reliable oil changes, and any other automotive maintenance you may need in the Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto area, Valvoline Express Care is a highly recommended solution.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is an experienced and dependable automotive service provider for drivers all across the GTA.

For expert services from oil changes to rust proofing, you can count on the expert technicians at Valvoline Express Care for quality assistance every time you visit.

With well over 20 years experience in automotive care and support, Oil Change Brampton services will keep your car running at optimal performance levels.

Why Change your Oil for the Winter?

Regular oil changes are a necessary part routine vehicular maintenance. How often your oil needs to be changed depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • Type of vehicle
  • Type of oil used
  • Driving conditions
  • Age of vehicle
  • Duration of long trips
  • Driving frequency
  • Engine temperature

Opinions on how often your oil should be changed can differ immensely, depending on who you are talking to. It is recommended to follow the guidelines set out in the owner’s manual of your vehicle if you are having any doubts.

Many experts would agree that the frequency of required oil changes increases during the winter.

Reasons Oil Changes may be Needed More Often in the Winter

The oil change Brampton services offered at Valvoline Express Care may be required more frequently in the winter for a few different reasons.

One of the main reasons is increased contamination of your engine’s oil in the winter months.

These elevated contamination levels are caused by two main factors:

  1. Water
  2. Fuel

How does water accelerate contamination?

Water gets into the lubrication system of your vehicle more easily in the winter due to a build up of condensation on the engine block in cold weather.

This problem occurs when the engine doesn’t get enough time to warm up while you are driving. This problem is inflated if you are taking short trips in your car on a daily basis.

If too much water gets into the oil, the oil ventilation system can seize up and freeze, causing an oil leak.

How Does Fuel Get into the Lubrication System?

Another problem the lubrication system faces in the winter is the possibility of fuel getting in and mixing with the oil.

This can happen with fuel injected engines that create too rich a mixture in the cold weather, injecting small amounts of fuel into the lubrication system with the oil.

Unburned fuel can sometimes trickle down into the oil pan in low temperatures.

Too much fuel mixed in with the oil decreases its viscosity, making it a less effective lubricator for the engine.

Problems with too much water or fuel mixing in with the oil can lead to serious engine damage and hefty mechanic bills.

Oil Change Brampton to Prepare for Winter

Get ahead of winter’s damaging effects on your vehicle with an oil change at Valvoline Express Care.

When is a Good Time for an Oil Change?

When is a Good Time for an Oil Change?

Anytime is a good time for an oil change. Oil is the driving force of your vehicle’s engine, and it needs to be kept fresh to maximize performance and prevent engine damage.

There are many aspects of routine maintenance that are required to keep your car in good working form. Regular oil changes may be the best thing you can do for your vehicle to keep it running smoothly, and to help preserve the value.

As luck would have it, oil changes are also one of the least expensive services you can have performed on your vehicle. Dishing out the affordable fee for a professional oil change is well worth the investment.

Without the investment of consistent oil changes, you are looking at paying a much higher expense down the road for repairs or even an engine replacement.

Also, by getting your oil changed at the recommended intervals, you will have the benefit of an automotive professional inspecting your vehicle for other potential problems.

When it comes to auto maintenance, preventative care is the best approach.

Oil Change Brampton

For drivers and car owners living in Brampton, and the neighboring areas around the GTA, Valvoline Express Care offers an assortment of services to keep your vehicle operating at optimal levels.

The expert automotive technicians at Valvoline Express Care specialize in oil changes, and many other services to help you avoid hefty mechanic bills and the deterioration of your vehicle.

You will have the option to choose one of the many quality motor oils available at Valvoline Express Care, depending on which one would be most effective for your vehicle.

When should you oil be changed?

The frequency of recommended oil changes depends on a couple different factors like the model and make of your vehicle, as well as the road and weather conditions you are driving in on a daily basis.

The general rule of thumb is to have your oil changed every 3000 – 5000 kms. Check the owner’s manual for your vehicle to find out more about routine maintenance.

The more often you have your oil changed, the more efficiently your car will run.

Why does your motor oil need to be changed?

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It is required to operate the engine, prevent it from overheating, and reduce excess friction from its many moving metal components.

Just as humans need blood to survive, vehicles need oil to perform.

However, unlike with humans, oil needs to be changed regularly because it becomes dirty and ineffective.

Over time oil begins to lose its viscosity, and therefore its lubricative properties. It also begins to build up with contaminants and sludge.

Not only that, the active additives in the oil are reduced and weakened as time goes on, leaving the oil ineffective.

Factors That Influence How Often Your Oil Should Be Changed

There are several factors that come into play that can help determine how often you should be getting your oil changed.

Some of these factors are:

  • Severe driving conditions
    • Extreme temperatures
      • Excessive heat and humidity
      • Temps dipping below the freezing point
    • Ice, snow, and slush
    • Road salt
  • Regularly driving in stop and go traffic with a lot of idling
    • Try to avoid quick acceleration and sudden stops
  • Routine repetition of short excursions of 5 km or less
  • Pulling a trailer or transporting other heavy items

These factors are what is known as severe driving conditions. They can affect how often your oil needs to be changed because your engine has to work harder if exposed to these elements on a continual basis.

Stop by Valvoline Express Care today for an oil change and routine check up.

10 Reasons to Change your Oil Regularly

10 Reasons to Change your Oil Regularly

Your car engine is an intricate and complex piece of machinery, but one simple fact about your engine is that it needs fresh oil to run efficiently.

Neglecting to change your oil at recommended intervals can lead to the deterioration of your engine, and eventual seizure or even shutdown.

Once that happens you are looking at some potentially terrifying expenses for engine repair or replacement.

It is much easier to stay ahead of the game with preventative measures like routine oil changes.

Oil Change Brampton

Valvoline Express Care is an experienced and professional automotive service provider in Brampton.

Oil changes being just one aspect of the full vehicular maintenance services offered at Valvoline Express Care, you can get all your automotive needs handled at Valvoline expertly and efficiently.

Oil changes are recommended every 5000 km or so, depending on the make and model of your vehicle as well as your daily driving conditions. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.

10 Reasons for Routine Oil Changes

There are many good reasons not to miss your regularly scheduled oil changes.

Here are a few of the most important ones:

  • Performance
  • Protection
  • Reduce friction
  • Efficiency
  • Prevent overheating
  • Remove contaminants
  • Prevent leaks
  • Better fuel economy
  • Extended vehicle life
  • Cleaner emissions

Performance

Clean oil is the key ingredient to a highly performing engine. Clean oil improves performance by:

  • Providing lubrication
  • Reducing wear and tear
  • Keeps the engine cool

Protection

Fresh oil protects the engine form damage to all its many moving parts. Oil provides the lubrication necessary to prevent metal components from grinding against each other that can seriously damage the engine.

Clean oil also helps condensation from gathering in the engine, which could lead to corrosion.

Reducing Friction

Oil that remains in the engine past its due date means it is not providing adequate protection against friction.

The more friction, the more potential damage to your engine.

Increasing Efficiency

The older oil gets, the less efficient it becomes in running and protecting the engine. As time goes on, oil loses its viscosity and begins to accumulate with sludge and debris.

If the sludge build-up goes too far, it may result in engine seizure.

Preventing Overheating

As oil quality begins to deteriorate, your engine has to work harder to compensate. The oil in your engine also gradually burns away over time. If your oil reaches dangerously low levels, engine problems are sure to follow.

Removing Contaminants

Over time, contaminants, impurities, and even shards of metal begin to accumulate in oil. Obviously, shards of metal in your oil is not good for the engine.

Regular oil changes make sure contaminants are flushed out.

Preventing Leaks

Oil leaks are another issue that may occur if the oil goes long enough unchanged and unchecked. If your oil level is low, it could be an indication of a leak.

Routine oil changes ensure these types of problems are taken care before they start.

Better Fuel Economy

Clean oil, means a more efficiently running engine, means reduced fuel consumption.

Investing in consistent oil changes usually means saving money in other areas.

Extended Vehicle Life

Do you want your vehicle to last as long a possible?

If you are looking to get longevity and high performance out of your vehicle, regular oil changes are a must.

Cleaner Emissions

When your car is running on clean oil, you are being more environmentally responsible.

Time for an Oil Change? Why Not Get a Check-Up Too?

Time for an Oil Change? Why Not Get a Check-Up Too?

Every vehicle owner knows, or at least should know, about the importance of regular maintenance for their automobiles.
It is a simple fact that well-maintained vehicles last longer, require less time and money at the mechanic, and preserve more value.
Oil changes are one of the most common types of upkeep needed to keep a car running well. Most car owners get their oil changed fairly consistently, at a bare minimum.
But there are other practices you could be treating your automobile to that will make things better and safer for the driver as well as the vehicle itself.

Other Services to Consider

When bringing your car in for an oil change, there are several other services and checks that should be carried out to make sure your car is in good working order.
Some of the things to keep an eye on are:

  • Change the oil filter
  • Change the air filter
  • Check the fluids
  • Check the engine
  • Tire rotation
  • Check the brakes
  • Check the wipers
  • Rust check

Change the Oil Filter

It is a good practice to get into to have your oil filter changed every time you go in for an oil change. It is acceptable to change the filter every other time, but for optimal results it is recommended to change the filter with every oil change.

Change the Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your engine should be done about once a year. If you do not change the air filter in your vehicle regularly, it just means that your engine has to work that much harder. This can lead to other, bigger problems if left too long.

Check the Fluids

Aside from the oil, there are several other fluids in your car that need regular attention.
Examples of fluids that need to beconsistently changed or topped up are:

  • Radiator fluid
  • Air conditioner fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Transmission fluid
  • Wiper fluid

Consult your driver’s manual to get a better idea of the timeline for how often each fluid should be checked and maintained.

Check the Engine

The engine is obviously a tremendously important part of your vehicle. Without it, you wouldn’t be going anywhere. That is why it is a good idea to have your engine checked by a professional every so often for punctures or other irregularities.
It is much more practical to get a jump on any engine issues before they get out of hand.

Tire Rotation

Tires should be taken care of somewhere between every 3000 and 5000 kms. You can check the owner’s manual to see what is suggested for your particular vehicle.
Consistent tire rotation is important to make sure all tires wear at an even rate, so you get the most out of your tire set.

Check the Brakes

Depending on how much you drive, driving conditions, and the age of your car, you should have your brakes looked at every six months to a year.
Properly functioning brakes are crucial to keeping you and your passengers safe, as well as other drivers on the road.

Check Wipers

Another component of your car that can compromise the safety of you and your passengers is the windshield wipers. Damaged wipers can cause serious vision impairment while driving, leading to accidents and potential injury.

Rust Check

Getting your car inspected for signs of rust is essential to prolonging the life of your vehicle and keeping it running smoothly.
Rust can spread very quickly and do irreversible damage. It is critical to nip it in the bud.

Valvoline Express Care Brampton

For oil changes, check ups, and everything you need to keep your car performing at an optimal level, Valvoline Express Care in Brampton is a perfect one stop solution.
 
 

5 Reasons Not to Neglect Oil Changes

5 Reasons Not to Neglect Oil Changes

Getting regular oil changes for your vehicle may seem like a hassle, but neglecting to have your oil changed can cause serious long-term problems for your car.
Clean oil is necessary to keep your car operating efficiently and safely. Skipping oil changes may not only be bad for your vehicle, but you and your passengers as well.
If you keep putting off oil changes, again and again, it could eventually lead to engine seizure when you are out on the road.
For instance, you may be driving home with your kids in the car and the engine decides to quit on you. Depending on where this seizure occurs, you may be stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Then, there is not only the issue of getting your car towed to a mechanic, but also the massive cost of repairing or replacing the engine.
Regular oil changes can help give you peace of mind, while also preserving the value of your vehicle.

Where can I do dependable and affordable oil change services?

Oil Change Brampton

If your are looking for a reliable automotive service provider for oil changes and vehicle maintenance in Brampton, or the surrounding GTA, then Valvoline Express Care is an enlightened choice.
With well over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, you can anticipate the same excellent and efficient service each time you visit.
You can even access a free coupon for a discount on your next oil change here.
This kind of experience indicates streamlined processes and outstanding results to have you in and out in no time with the great results you are looking for.
One of the areas of specialization at Valvoline Express Care is oil changes. Skipping routine oil changes is not a good idea for many reasons.

5 Reasons Not to Miss Regular Oil Changes

There are all kinds of reasons not to neglect oil changes, some are more compelling than others.
Here are 5 of the most important reasons not to skip an oil change:

  • Oil goes bad
  • Engine damage
  • Poor gas mileage
  • Regular maintenance is necessary
  • Hefty mechanic bills

Oil Goes Bad

Just like milk goes bad when it’s left in the fridge too long, oil also goes bad when it’s left in the tank too long.
The quality and viscosity of the oil in your car will deteriorate over time. When this happens, the oil no longer has the lubricating properties needed to prevent friction in the engine.
As this friction increases, so does damage to your engine.

Engine Damage

Friction caused by metal scraping against metal is a serious concern for an engine that is not properly lubricated.
Increased friction can even cause the engine to overheat and seize up entirely.

Poor Gas Mileage

Neglecting oil changes can eventually compromise the overall performance of your vehicle. If the oil in your engine is old and dirty, your engine has to work that much harder.
A harder working engine means you are spending more money on fuel to make it run.

Part of Regular Maintenance

Oil changes are part of routine maintenance that is required to keep your car running at an optimal level.
You may think you are saving money by avoiding paying for routine maintenance. This may be true in the short-term, but eventually it will end up costing you so much more.

Hefty Mechanic Bills

Do you have any idea how much it costs to replace a car engine? A lot. Of course, it depends on the make and model of your vehicle, but I can guarantee you it will not be cheap.
Why not avoid the nightmare of serious engine damage by keeping up with routine oil changes?

Essential Information About Oil Changes

Essential Information About Oil Changes

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.