Usually, everyone is always looking to save money. So, some car owners opt for the cheapest option when it’s time for an oil change. Yet, doing so can lead to premature engine wear. When you need an Oak Ridge oil change, trust the quality of Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
Oil Change Service Varies From Shop to Shop
Typically, the cost of an oil change can range from about $25 to $100. Some of this wide discrepancy is due to different types of oils and which one your car requires. Many of today’s modern vehicles need synthetic oil, the most expensive kind.
However, this is only part of the equation. Many brands of oil exist with varying price structures. For example, Walmart prices Mobil 1 SAE 5W-30 synthetic 5 quarts at $26.97. Yet, their in-house brand, Super Tech, sells for $18.98 for the same type of motor oil. Thus, you may be considering a Walmart oil change to save yourself some money.
Unfortunately, saving yourself a few bucks now may turn into more expensive repairs later. Typically, different brands of motor oil have distinctive chemical formulations. This gives each product unique qualities and properties. Thus, different brands can perform differently under certain conditions.
Generally, brand-name motor oils have additives to resist corrosion, wear, and friction. Often manufacturers will also add detergent to keep surfaces clean and sludge-free. In addition to lacking quality additives, cheaper engine oil may have impurities and break down more quickly. This results is reduced fuel economy, more frequent oil changes, and greater engine wear.
The Oil Filter Quality Will Vary Too
Equally important, is your choice of oil filter. The brand the auto shop uses directly impacts protecting your engine from potential damage. For example, not all filters have the same filtration efficiency. Some oil filters can only filter out dirt as small as 40 microns. However, about 80% of typical road dust is smaller than 25 microns. With a cheaper filter, all this dirt will be circulating through your engine causing wear and damage.
Experts have found that switching to a higher-grade oil filter can reduce engine wear by a significant margin. A study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) showed that a 30-micron filter could reduce engineer wear by 50%. This same study showed a 70% reduction in wear with a 15-micron motor oil filter.
Another important consideration is your filter’s dirt holding capacity. When your filter becomes saturated with dirt, the bypass valve will open. This allows unfiltered oil to move through your engine to allow some lubrication. Obviously, the more dirt your filter can hold, the less likely dirty oil will be circulating.
Often, a cheaper oil change service will use a less expensive oil filter to keep costs down. While you may save a few dollars upfront, you could end up with more costly repairs later on.
Choosing The Cheapest Or Nearest Oil Change Isn’t Always Your Best Option
Of course, you’ll find there are other reasons not to always choose the closest or least expensive conventional oil change. Not every shop will perform a courtesy check on other important engine parts.
However, here at Xpress Lube, we want to give you the best possible service. Thus, when you bring your vehicle in for an oil change service, we also check these components:
- Engine air filter
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Coolant/antifreeze
Additionally, one of our technicians will review your automaker’s recommendations for replacing these filters and fluids. Moreover, if you need to change anything, we can take care of it for you. We carry quality parts and a full line of Havoline® products.
Oak Ridge Oil Change – FAQ
When you need an Oak Ridge oil change, why travel to Kernersville? Since both towns share a border, it’s just a short drive to Xpress Lube. Moreover, for over 25 years, Mac and his team have been providing quality service to many nearby communities. Below we answer a few commonly asked questions.
What Is The Best Type Of Motor Oil For My Car?
In addition to choosing an oil brand, you also have the option of conventional, synthetic, blend, or high mileage. Plus, you’ll need the correct viscosity grade. Your vehicle owner’s manual will have information on the oil type and weight best for your car. Of course, you can bring your car to us and we can recommend the best engine oil for your vehicle. We change oil for all sorts of makes and models including Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet and many others.
Is There A Difference Between An Oil Change And A Lube Job?
Sometimes, you may see advertisements for a 10 minute oil change or quick lube near me. Typically, these services vary in the work the technician will perform. A lube job involves inspecting and replacing lubricants on your vehicle’s chassis. Often, an oil change can be a part of this servicing. Before any work begins, it’s important to ask which maintenance tasks the technician will be performing.
Can You Handle Other Maintenance Tasks For My Car?
Our shop is a full-service auto repair station with 4 ASE-certified mechanics. We can repair and service both foreign and domestic trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars:
- State inspections
- Transmissions
- Tires
- Wheel Alignments
- Fuel systems
- Exhausts
- AC repair
- Brakes
- Steering and suspension
- Cooling systems
- Oil changes
- Electrical diagnostics
- And more!
Don’t trust your car to cheap maintenance servicing. When you need an Oak Ridge oil change, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Our customers trust us too! You can make an appointment by calling 336-993-7697 or using our online form.
