Summertime has arrived and with it plans for trips to the beach, mountains, and camping. Whether you’ll be traveling several miles or several hundreds of miles, you want your vehicle optimally functioning. Nothing is worse than breaking down on the side of the road. One of the ways to prepare your automobile for your excursions is by changing the oil. When searching for technicians who change oil near me with fast, friendly service, choose Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
What Does Engine Oil Do?
Your car engine has many moving parts. As all these parts move, friction occurs creating heat. So much heat that without some type of cooling mechanism, the metal surfaces can weld together. When thinking of your vehicle’s engine, many people think of the radiator when they think of cooling systems. However, your engine’s motor oil accounts for up to 40% of the cooling process.
But that’s not all our engine oil does. The motor oil in our car multitasks. Not only does oil keep our engine cool, but it also provides lubrication. Oil makes surfaces slippery so that metal parts move easier requiring less work. Less work means more fuel efficiency.
Additionally, today’s motor oils contain many additives to prevent corrosion, clean the engine, and reduce sludge buildup. However, your oil’s performance depends on its age and cleanliness. When was the last time you changed your oil and oil filter? Old and dirty oil does not perform well and can lead to engine failure. Maintaining a regular oil change schedule prevents costly repairs.
How Often Do I Need to Change My Vehicle’s Engine Oil?
Years ago, the recommendation was every 3,000 miles. That was back when our only choice was conventional motor oil. With full synthetic motor oils and synthetic blends, the answer becomes more varied.
The frequency of your oil changes is dependent on several important factors. First, what type of driving do you do? Typically, constant severe driving circumstances require more frequent oil changes. Severe driving includes towing a trailer, driving in extreme weather conditions, or stop and go traffic. All these scenarios put a lot of stress on your engine, causing your oil to break down faster.
Additionally, the type of oil you use in your car engine dictates how often you need to change your oil. Today’s full synthetic oil motor oils last incredibly long. Even modern conventional engine oils last much longer than products of a few years ago.
How to Tell If Your Oil Needs Changing
Always start by checking your vehicle owner’s manual first. It will give you a guideline of how often to change your oil. Moreover, many newer model cars come equipped with oil indicator lights. These advanced systems automatically determine when you need an oil change. When the dashboard indicator light comes on, you know it’s time to change your vehicle’s oil.
Other vehicles will have a dipstick to check your engine oil. When checking the oil in your car, have your car parked on level ground. Most manufacturers suggest checking the oil when your engine is cool. However, some manufacturers do recommend looking at the oil when your engine is warm. Be sure to check your vehicle owner’s manual for reference.
To check your oil, pull out the dipstick. Wipe the oil off from its end. Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as possible. Pull it out once more and note the oil level and color. Fresh oil is amber and translucent. If the oil is thick, and black with floating particles, it’s time to change your oil.
Conventional and High Mileage Motor Oil
It wasn’t all that long ago that you only needed to know the weight of oil for your car. Conventional oil was the only choice. Today your choices include conventional, high mileage, synthetic, and synthetic blends. How do you know which is best for your vehicle?
The least expensive and most commonly used type of oil is conventional. Conventional motor oils do contain some additives to improve viscosity and efficiency. However, conventional oil offers the lowest degree of protection among all of the types. Manufacturers extract it from the ground using traditional drilling methods, so they tend to be less refined.
For high mileage cars, manufacturers have developed specialized motor oil. As vehicles age, engine seals and gaskets become brittle and may shrink. This is how an oil leak may develop. High mileage oil products contain additives causing gaskets and seals to swell. Thus, this type of oil can help prevent oil leaks. Typically, manufacturers recommend high mileage oil for cars with over 75,000 miles on them.
Full Synthetic and Synthetic Blends of Motor Oil
Full synthetic motor oil offers the greatest degree of protection. Most synthetic oils start with crude oil. However, after the refining process, manufacturers chemically engineer the oil. Whereas conventional oil has molecules of different sizes and shapes, synthetic oil molecules are all uniform. Uniform molecule size means the oil has better flow properties. In addition, synthetic oils contain fewer impurities and more additives for engine protection. These properties improve the fuel economy and last longer. Thus, you can drive many more miles before you need an oil change. Admittedly, synthetic oil does come with a more expensive price tag. However, it may still be the most cost-effective because you don’t have to change the oil as frequently.
A cost-effective alternative is a synthetic blend motor oil. A combination of conventional and synthetic, these types of oil blends balance cost-effectiveness and performance. And while you may want to mix conventional oil with synthetic oil yourself, don’t do it. Manufacturers specially formulate blends to produce optimal performance.
What About Oil Weights?
As engineers design an engine, they decide on an oil grade that allows your car to operate at optimum efficiency. Using the wrong weight motor oil can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by 1-2%. While this doesn’t seem like a large amount, it can add up over time. Moreover, your engine will need more repairs in the long run. Using the incorrect weight results in reduced lubrication. Thus, your engine undergoes more friction and wear and tear.
Your owner’s manual will have the recommended weight specific to your automobile. Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the motor oil weight designation describes its viscosity at certain temperatures. For example, a common grade is 10W-30. The first number, 10W, reflects the oil’s thickness when it’s cold. While the second number, 30, is the viscosity when the oil is hot.
Does Your Choice of Brand Matter?
We think it does. That’s why we only use Havoline® motor oil. Since 1904, Havoline® has produced quality motor oil designed to protect your vehicle. And they back their products with a limited product warranty. Whether you choose full synthetic, conventional or a synthetic blend oil you can rely on the quality of Havoline® products.
Your choice of brand for motor oil matters. Different manufacturers start with a mixture of several different types of base oils. Base oils make up between 70-95% of the mix. Then the manufacturer adds a combination of additives such as detergents, viscosity index improvers, anti-wear agents, and friction modifiers. Each manufacturer has their own specific formula.
Havoline® understands the stress of today’s engines. Their motor oil has outstanding performance for today’s high-efficiency engines. In fact, Havoline® motor oils meet the stringent approval requirements set by many major automakers. Shouldn’t you trust Havoline® in your car?
We’re More Than Just an Oil Change
When you visit us for an oil change, we’ll gladly perform a courtesy check of some other important components during your oil change service. We’ll check your air filter, oil filter, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and antifreeze. If anything needs changing, we’ll let you know.
Moreover, if you’re experiencing any problems with your vehicle, let us know. We also offer over 30 automobile repair services including:
- Transmission repair
- Brake repair and replacement
- Air conditioning repair
Exhaust system repair - Wheel alignment
- Steering and suspension work
- State inspection
- Tune-up
- And much more!
Using the latest diagnostic equipment, we can repair both domestic and foreign vehicles. Not sure what’s troubling your car? Bring it in and let us take a look at it. We perform guaranteed routine maintenance service at a fair price.
Trust Only ASE-Certified Mechanics for All Your Automotive Needs
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence has been certifying mechanics since 1972. ASE began certification to help consumers gauge the automotive mechanic’s level of expertise. To gain certification, technicians must pass a challenging test. Not every applicant passes on the first attempt.
Additionally, automotive technicians must have two years on-the-job training. Alternately, a candidate may have one year of experience with a two-year degree. Plus, to keep up with advancements in technology, professionals must retake the test every 5 years or lose certification.
We want you to feel confident in any and all routine automotive repair work at our facility. That’s why at Xpress Lube of Kernersville, we employ 4 ASE-certified mechanics. Thus, you’re assured of the highest quality of service every time you visit us.
While You’re Here, Get Your Car Cleaned Too!
After we change your automobile’s oil and checked other vital fluids, why not get your car washed? Our car wash is environmentally-friendly. We use 70 gallons of recycled, filtered water to clean your vehicle. This is a higher percentage than the competition.
Additionally, we use premium products like Armor-All®, Rain•X®, and Black Magic®. Combined with our turbo foam bath and ultra-soft brushes, our car wash gently cleans the dirt and grime away. Moreover, you can pay per visit, buy a monthly pass, or buy a pre-paid pass for any dollar amount. Also, our gift cards make great gifts for graduations and birthdays.
Change Oil Near Me That’s Quick and Easy
As you begin to make summer plans, don’t forget to plan on changing your car’s engine oil. Dirty oil can result in engine breakdown and costly repairs. When searching for places that change oil near me that are fast, choose Xpress Lube of Kernersville.
A family-owned and operated auto repair service, we value our commitment to the local community. Therefore, during this time of social distancing, we’ve instituted recommended practices to keep you safe. Your family’s safety is our number 1 priority.
Our owner, Mac Allen, has been involved in general automotive repair for over 2 decades. We employ 14 staff members including 4 ASE-certified mechanics and 5 technicians with NC Inspection Certification. Thus, we’ll service your vehicle and get you back on the road quickly.
But we’re much more than just an oil changing station. We’re also a full-service preventative maintenance and automotive repair center. Plus, we also have Turbo Wash car wash and Hand Detailing services to keep your car sparkling.
And because we value your business, we have a loyalty program that earns you redeemable points. Earn 1 point for each dollar you spend at Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Then, use your points toward any of our services.
So, what are you waiting for? Call us at 336-993-7697 to schedule your appointment today. After all, having your car break down isn’t a great way to start a vacation.
