The process of lubricating moving parts is as old as transportation. Modern machinery depends on oil to reduce friction. Your vehicle’s motor oil is one of the most important components. Often, we minimize its job, since many of us put off regularly-scheduled oil changes. Is it our busy lifestyles or are we just lazy? Whatever the reason, putting off an oil change can shorten the life expectancy of your vehicle. Drastically. Looking for an oil change near me in Kernersville, NC with fast, friendly service? Then you’ll want Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Your Engine Oil Has Many Functions in Your Car

Often, getting the engine oil changed in your car is about as much fun as going to the dentist. But, like going to the dentist, getting a regular oil change is very important. Motor oil in your car engine has many different functions. It reduces friction, provides lubrication, lessens wear and tear, and keeps engine parts cool. Plus, today’s oil products contain additives like detergents and rust inhibitors to protect engines.

Inside your car’s engine, there are many different moving parts such as pistons and gears. Some of these parts rub together as they do their job. When they do, they create friction. The addition of oil reduces the friction between parts, allowing the parts to move easier.

Friction also causes heat. A car’s engine, with all its moving parts, generates a tremendous amount of heat. Circulating oil absorbs this heat to keep your engine cool. However, repeated exposure to heat, as well as humidity, will cause a chemical change in your oil. Moreover, as oil circulates, it picks up accumulated dirt within the engine. All this turns your translucent fresh oil into dirty sludge.

Depending on your car’s manufacturer, you should take your car in for an oil change service every 5000 – 7500 miles. Sooner if you have a low level of oil or if you have dirty oil. Generally, most cars have a dipstick for checking your oil level and quality. However, some new cars do have electronic monitors, so be sure to check your owner’s manual.

What Happens When You Skip Your Next Oil Change?

At first, nothing at all may happen. You may even think you’re saving yourself a few bucks by stretching out your vehicle’s oil changes. However, doing so only shortens the life of your engine, reduces efficiency, and voids your manufacturer’s warranty.

Over time, heat causes chemical changes in your motor oil. As these chemical changes take place, oil loses its ability to lubricate the engine. Less lubrication means some metal parts may rub against one another causing wear and tear. Microscopic bits of the engine may chip off due to friction. Typically, circulating oil will pick up these bits and the oil filter will trap them. Sometimes, the oil filter can’t trap these pieces because they’re too small. Then these circulating particles in your motor oil will cause corrosion.

When you skip your oil change, your filter may become clogged. A clogged oil filter can no longer trap the dirt and debris your oil has collected. Oil filled with dirt and debris is abrasive and shortens your engine life. Furthermore, a clogged oil filter will impede the flow of oil.

Moreover, skipping your oil change can affect your car’s gas mileage. Over time, the oil in your car becomes thick and sludgy. Thick, sludgy oil can’t flow freely, nor can it lubricate the engine parts. Thus, the engine now has to work harder to do the same amount of work as before.

The 4 Types of Motor Oil

In 2020, the US federal government set new standards for automobile fuel efficiency which will become effective with the 2021 model year. In order to meet rising standards, car manufacturers are building smaller engines that run at higher temperatures and pressures. These newer engines require new formulations of lubrication. To accommodate all engine types, motor oil companies produce 4 types of motor oil, conventional, synthetic, blends, and high mileage. Your owner’s manual or your mechanic can tell you which is right for your car.

Manufacturers produce conventional oil from crude extracted from oil wells. After extraction, the crude oil undergoes a refinement process to remove impurities. Then the manufacturer adds its own mixture of additives such as detergents and rust inhibitors. Motorists with light-duty, late model cars with low to average driving miles may benefit from conventional motor oil. In particular, vehicles with older-style engines benefit and work better on conventional oils.

Most full synthetic motor oils also start with crude oil. However, after the refining process, the oil undergoes an engineering process designed to make uniformly-shaped molecules. Whereas conventional oil molecules may be round, oval, large, or small, synthetic oil molecules are a uniform size and shape. The inconsistencies of the molecules of conventional oil causes some flow problems. While the uniformity of full synthetic motor oil means that it flows freer and with less friction. Then, depending on the manufacturer, each company combines its own unique blend of additives.

Synthetic blend motor oil is a combination of conventional and synthetic oil. Blends have many of the characteristics of full synthetic oil but at a much lower price. Finally, manufacturers formulate high-mileage motor oil for cars that have traveled over 75,000 miles. High-mileage motor oil is available in conventional, synthetic or blend formulas. With its unique additives, this oil helps reduce burn-off and leaks.

Many people feel that synthetic oil is more expensive, since the upfront cost is higher. But, over the long-term, it may be more cost-effective since it doesn’t need to be changed as frequently.

Motor Oil Is Not All the Same

Shop in any auto parts store and you’ll find a large selection of brand-name motor oils. And while it’s true all oils perform the same tasks; engine oils differ in composition. Sure, all brands start with a base oil. But then companies include performance additives like corrosion inhibitors, detergents, and dispersants in different percentages. Manufacturers must carefully balance the amounts of these additives. Adding too much of one or another can affect the car’s gas mileage or the catalytic converter operation.

For years, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has licensed motor oil meeting API standards. API tests all types of motor oils to determine their physical, chemical and performance properties. Brands that meet API standards may display API certification on their products.

Additionally, oils use a rating system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). When you pick up a bottle of motor oil, you’ll notice a designation like 5W-30 or 10W-40. This designation refers to the oil’s viscosity, or how easily it flows at a particular temperature. The first rating describes the viscosity in the winter, the second in the summer. Basically, the lower the number for viscosity in the winter, the less it thickens in the cold. Thus, you’ll be able to start your engine quicker in the winter. While the second number rates the motor oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures. Chiefly, it’s important to consider the location where you will be driving your car.

Confused about which motor oil is right for your car? Bring your automobile down to Xpress Lube of Kernersville. One of our ASE-certified mechanics will recommend the best blend and weight for your car. They will consider your manufacturer’s instructions, as well as your location and driving habits. A vehicle that drives off-road on dirt trails will need more frequent oil changes and different products than someone driving short distances on highways.

Why We Trust Havoline Products

Here at Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we use only Havoline products. Since 1904, Havoline has produced quality motor oils associated with outstanding performance. Leading car manufacturers including GM, Ford, and Chrysler all recommend Havoline motor oil for their vehicles. Today’s motor oil products protect your engine while maximizing fuel economy. A quick oil change can also be a high-quality oil change.

Manufacturers are downsizing engines and incorporating features such as gasoline direct injection (GDI) and turbocharging to optimize fuel consumption. These smaller, lighter engines run hotter and are under more stress than older engines, meaning they need more heavy-duty protection. Choosing the right motor oil plays a critical role in meeting these challenges.

When you bring your car in for an oil change, we’ll also perform a courtesy check on the following items:

• Engine air filter
• Brake fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Automatic transmission fluid
• Coolant/antifreeze

Additionally, we’ll review your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing these vital fluids and filters. When you are ready for your next oil change, think of Xpress Lube of Kernersville. You’ll enjoy the convenient location and friendly atmosphere, not to mention the top-quality service for your vehicle!

Need Some General Repairs or Regular Maintenance?

At Xpress Lube of Kernersville, our technicians also do general auto repair and routine maintenance. Vehicle maintenance is critical to keep your car running smoothly. Does your car need a tune-up? Or new brakes? Our technicians can handle over 30 common repairs including wheel alignments, AC, and transmission repair. We use the latest diagnostic equipment to guarantee the appropriate repair of your vehicle.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Some decades ago, automobiles were entirely mechanical devices with no electronics. Car manufacturers began tinkering with electronic systems as early as the 1950s. Today, a vehicle may have as many as 50 different computer systems. This increase in computer reliance has made vehicles safer, easier to diagnose problems, and more efficient. However, today’s automobiles also require more skill to maintain and repair them.

Thus, industry leaders created the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in 1972. ASE tests and certifies automotive technicians providing consumers with peace of mind. To receive ASE certification, an automotive mechanic must pass the testing requirements. Additionally, mechanics must have a minimum of 2 years of on-the-job training. In addition, professionals must retest every 5 years to keep pace with advancing automotive technology.

At Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we employ ASE-certified technicians. Our automotive mechanics can repair any domestic or foreign vehicle including SUVs, trucks, and fleet vehicles. We’re your neighborhood one-stop shop for your vehicle’s repair, maintenance, tire rotation and cleaning.

Experience an Epic Xpress Carwash

After patiently waiting to get your car’s oil changed, why not treat your kids to the carwash? Kids find carwashes magical. Your children will press their faces against the windows as sheets of water and foam cover the car. Small children find the outside chaos fascinating. They may even ask to accompany you to every oil change, so they can go through the car wash!

When you bring your car in for a wash, we easily remove the dirt and grime. Our ultra-soft brushes and detergent are gentle on your car. Moreover, our Xpress Carwash is environmentally-friendly. We recycle a high percentage of water.

Moreover, we offer 3 monthly affordable car wash package plans that entitle you to unlimited car washes. The plans differ based upon your choice of cleaning options. Or you may pay individually each time you visit.

Xpress Lube of Kernersville Offers an Oil Change Near Me and a Whole Lot More

Routine maintenance is important for your car no matter what type of vehicle you drive or what your driving habits are. And while manufacturers build cars to last longer than ever before, scheduling a routine oil change is a must. Xpress Lube of Kernersville offers an oil change near me that’s quick and convenient.

Xpress Lube of Kernersville is a family-owned and operated auto repair service in Kernersville, NC. Mac Allen and his team have been serving the area for more than 25 years. We are known for our family-friendly business approach. Our customers visit us again and again for vehicle maintenance, inspection, repair and service. You can trust our staff to perform high quality, guaranteed service at a fair price.

We make servicing your automobile as simple, and hassle-free as possible. It’s easy to schedule an appointment. Call us at 336-993-7697 or request an appointment online by filling out our form. Don’t forget to sign up for our loyalty program! Earn rewards while taking care of your scheduled maintenance.