Oil changes are a regular and critical part of vehicle maintenance. Oil plays an incredibly important role in your car’s performance. 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 ofan oil change. Here a few examples:
Color and texture of oil
Engine sound
Check engine light
Low level
Time since your last oil change
Color and Texture
When oil is new and useful, it will be a light honey brown color. 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 check up. If the engine light 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 3,000- 5,000 kilometres. 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.
Regular automotive maintenance is suggested all year round, but there are certain areas to focus on before each season to optimize the payoffs. In this article, we are going to take a look at some helpful ways to prepare for the summer season.
Summer Car Care
Summer is a great time to get out for a road trip, so it is good idea to make sure your vehicle is safe for the road before heading out. Getting your vehicle fully inspected by an automotive professional may help put your mind at ease.
Depending on what kind of upkeep your vehicle saw in the spring, it may be time to do general maintenance on your car by taking it in for an overall tune-up. After being exposed to Canada’s long and harsh winters, your vehicle will likely have experienced some wear and tear.
The summer can be just as tough on a vehicle, especially if you are going on long trips in the intense heat of the sun.
Here are some areas to focus on, to help keep your car from breaking down out on the road.
• Oil
• Coolants and fluids
• Filters
• Air conditioner
• Wiper blades
• Tires
• Brakes
Oil
Getting your oil changed is something you don’t want to avoid before going on an extended trip. Long drives, plus hot weather, can equal your engine overheating. If your oil is dirty, the engine has to work that much harder and can result in a breakdown. An oil change will keep the engine running smoothly and maximize fuel economy.
Coolants and Fluids
Check all fluid levels to ensure they are were they should be. The coolants are extremely important to prevent overheating. Make sure there are no leaks or premature drainage.
Filters
Filters should also be checked before hitting the road. Check the Air Filter as well as the Cabin Air Filter. A dirty or clogged air filter decreases fuel efficiency, and has trouble blocking contaminants from getting into the engine. The cabin air filter helps keep the air inside the car clean, to prevent you and your passengers from breathing in harmful substances that cause respiratory problems. Have your filters changed regularly.
Air Conditioner
Get your air conditioning system checked to make sure there is an appropriate level of refrigerant or Freon, and that there are no leaks. Having the air conditioning looked at before the summer will allow for a cool and relaxed ride.
Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months or so, as they usually develop cracks and start to wear from extreme temperature and weather shifts. Faulty blades can impair vision when driving, reducing safety.
Tires
Changes in temperature can also result in changes in tire pressure. All four tires need to be at the same pressure level to prevent uneven wear and maintain fuel economy.
Brakes
If your brakes are emitting strange squealing sounds or are slow to respond, it may that your brake pads are worn. Having your brakes serviced increases safety for your passengers, and prevents hefty mechanic bills down the road.
Summer Car Care Service
Valvoline Express Care Brampton can offer a full inspection of your vehicle, and handle any type of maintenance and service your vehicle requires.
If you have questions about what types of automotive services are available, and how they can benefit your vehicle, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is a great place to turn for answers.
Valvoline Express Care has been providing top quality service and products for the automotive industry for over 20 years. The professional and experienced technicians will be able to assess your vehicle and determine what maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Here are some examples of frequently asked questions about automotive service.
Do I need regular oil changes for my vehicle?
Yes, routine oil changes are a part of good vehicle maintenance. Getting your oil changed consistently benefits your vehicle by:
Increasing engine performance
More efficient fuel economy
Prevents engine damage from build up of sludge and sediment
Cleaner emissions
Prolonged life of your vehicle
What causes a car battery to die?
The battery is a crucial component of your vehicle because it brings the engine the power needed to make it run. A dead battery can be caused by many factors, like:
Electrical components (like light or radio) left on while engine is not running
Corroded or loose connectors
Doors left ajar
Extreme temperatures
Weak battery – caused by improper care or limited engine use
End of battery’s life
The battery in your car will not last forever, so if you find you battery is no longer holding a charge effectively, you should take it in for servicing.
What is a Transmission Service?
Just like having your oil changed, transmission service is something you should have done toyour vehicle on a regular basis as a part of routine maintenance. It may be time to have your transmission flushed if you are noticing any of the following:
Delay in acceleration when you step on the gas
Grinding or clunking noises
Erratic or difficult gear shifting
Vehicle surges for no apparent reason
It is recommended to have your transmission flushed every 30,000 kilometers or so. Check the owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your vehicle.
Is it a good idea to clean my care engine?
The answer to this question is a bit tricky. The answer is yes, if you know what you are doing. Otherwise, it is NOT recommended to just start hosing your engine down and cleaning it. There are several electrical components that could be damaged by excessive exposure to water.
To avoid causing any critical damage to your engine, have an automotive professional do the cleaning for you. It is suggested that you have your engine cleaned once or twice a year depending on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and type of vehicle.
An engine cleaning can help your vehicle by:
Increasing horsepower and fuel economy
Removing sludge and sediment from the engine
Enhancing performance
Maintaining value
Why should I use Valvoline Express Care Brampton for my automotive needs?
There are many excellent reasons to use Valvoline to service and maintain your vehicle. Here are a few of those:
Over 20 plus years experience in the automotive industry
Finding a quality automotive service to take care of all your automotive needs can be a difficult endeavor. You will likely want to find a place that offers a wide range of services at affordable prices. On top of that, it is beneficial to find an automotive business you can trust to provide efficient work with excellent service.
Some things you may want to consider when deciding on an automotive service provide are:
List of Services Offered
Experience
Quality of products and equipment
Customer Service
Convenience
Value Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an ideal choice to handle maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. They go above and beyond when considering all the elements involved in providing an effective automotive service.
Hand with wrench. Auto mechanic in car repair
List of Services Offered
Valvoline Express Care offers a very wide range of services to keep your vehicle running at optimal levels. Some of the services they offer are:
This is a sample of the many services Valvoline has to offer. They can help with preparing your car for the upcoming season, as well as fixing any repairs your vehicle needs.
Experience
It is important to go with an automotive service that has a strong history in the industry, providing top of the line service to satisfied customers.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton has been in operation for more than 20 years. They have a committed and devoted team of specialists, with the best interests of your vehicle at heart.
Quality of Products and Equipment
Valvoline employs the latest technology to stay at the top of the automotive industry. Only the finest products are used to make your vehicle run smoothly and efficiently.
For over 150 years now, they have been developing and improving new motor oils to provide a wide selection for all the different vehicles on the road. Take your car in to Valvoline to find out what oil is the best match for your automobile.
Customer Service
Customer service is an important feature for any business that deals with the public. Customers want to be treated with respect, and have sufficient attention paid to their issues. Handling this effectively, can be extremely meaningful and leave a lasting impression.
Valvoline Brampton prides themselves on providing top notch customer service, handling each unique case with care and attention.
Convenience
Having one place that you can take your vehicle for any issue that may arise, scores high on the convenience scale. At Valvoline Express Care, the professional technicians can do everything from executing full inspections, to handling specific repairs and services.
Value
When it all comes down to it, the main thing people tend to want from a service or product is good value for their money. That should come as no surprise, as who wants to pay for something they are not happy with?
Valvoline Express Care Brampton has built up a long list of satisfied customers over the last 20 years by providing good value to their clients.
