Oil changes are extremely important for the upkeep of a car and for its good running, but they don’t have to cost you a lot as well. Oil changes do prevent carbon build-up from ruining your engine and ensure that the care runs and functions better for a longer period of time. While oil changes could be expensive too, you can save money on it by following these very useful tips:
Make sure your car really needs an oil change every 3,000 miles: Frequency of oil change varies from car to car. If you are driving an old model, it probably needs an oil change every 3000 miles. But, if you are driving a newer car, you probably don’t. Check your owner’s manual to be sure of the correct frequency. Cars nowadays are built to be more fuel efficient and hence can go many miles between oil changes. You can always type in the year, the make and the model to figure out the number of miles you can go before an oil change. The point is don’t take a certain mileage or distance as sacrosanct you need to figure out what’s best for your car.
DIY oil change: If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you could save a lot by changing the oil yourself. However, you will need to crosscheck this checklist before you get down to it you have the right kind of oil, the right kind of filter, an oil drain pan, an adjustable wrench, funnel gloves and jack stands. Once you have these basic items, you are good to go and can indulge in changing the oil yourself.
Clip oil change coupons: Saver coupons can go a long way to save dollar on oil change. One can look for various brands like jiffy lube coupons for oil change, Pennzoil coupons etc. Being a member of a repair shop and cashing in the reward points also help out too. So, don’t forget to join the mailing list of a repair shop you like.
Take advantage of car dealership offers: Take note of the ads that offer prizes for test drives, etc. There’s no harm in getting behind the wheel of a new vehicle to get some discounts, right? These gifts usually include golden dollars that can be used for several services like oil change, tire rotations, etc. Keep an eye open for offers like these in your mailbox too.
So, you know pretty much everything there is about oil changes, whether it is frequency, lubrication and why lubrication is exactly so important in the maintenance of your vehicle. You also know how to save on oil and lube changes by looking out for saver coupons like jiffy lube change coupons. Here are some frequently asked questions about lubes, lubes change, and lube coupons answered for you:
How important is oil change in an older car?
An oil change takes out the old oil which may contain accumulated dust, metallic shavings and other contaminations and replaces it with fresh oil which keeps the engine running better and longer. Running an older vehicle for longer duration without oil change could increase your fuel consumption or cause your engine to fail. So, in order to make sure your engine is clean and running smoothly, change the oil frequently.
What do the numbers on an oil mean?
A lot of people aren’t aware of this, but the first number that appears on the oil can is the lower temperature viscosity. This is essentially the oil’s ability to flow and protect your car. On the other hand, the second number indicates the higher temperature viscosity. So, depending on your engine make and your manufacturer’s recommendation, you should get the oil that has the right range of viscosity.
What are chemical fluid flushes and are they necessary?
Quality lubricants play an important part in protecting the vital points of your car and keep them running efficiently. The right chemicals are also needed to maintain the ph. balance in your radiators which is connected to your car’s cooling function. Therefore, regular chemical flushes are needed to rinse the oxidation from the valves and other internal workings of transmissions.
What is that milky brown engine oil?
Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a failed transmission cooler or a blown gasket. The condition needs to be checked by a professional mechanic immediately.
What is synthetic motor oil?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice, especially during extremely hot or cold temperatures and climates. Synthetic oil is usually recommended for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Synthetic motor oils are more expensive than mineral-based motor oils. However, they are the best in improving the fuel economy and you could go many miles between oil changes as they stay on longer.
Finding the right service center to get repairs or services done on your car can be a lengthy process. Once you’ve done that, you need to start thinking of getting your car regularly serviced. When you think about regularly servicing your car, the thought of spending a good amount of valuable money every time is enough to put one off of buying a car altogether, since regularly servicing your vehicle shouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Don’t’ worry there are ways to find great service coupons.
Service coupons are of great help and can really be used to save a lot if used right. Sometimes, seasonal coupons like those during Easter or Christmas are great to be used for an overall service of your car. The individual parts/ brand service coupons can always be saved for a day you might actually need them.
Maintaining your motorcycle should be a task that you start from day one. The engine and other movable parts are glazed with lubes to reduce friction and to safeguard the parts form heating. This lube attracts more dust, which keeps affects the mechanism of the vehicle leading to heavy problems. Giving your motorcycle for service does not solve the problem because repairs are expensive, and the service station may not deliver the vehicle on time and you may have to drop all your plans. So, try not to give your vehicle for unnecessary repairs and waste your money and start maintaining it regularly.
Sam’s Club is a leading tire service provider who believes in rendering quality tire management services to both its members and customers alike. Although members may have added perks like discounts, free checkup coupons etc., the professions at Sam’s Club treat all their customers the same in terms of service. This tire service provider is a one stop shop for all automotive needs of cars, SUVs, and trucks. While providing all services from branded tires, specialty tires, mounting, wheel checkup, car services, etc., the pricing at Sam’s Club is rated the best in the market due to the wide range of services provided as a package with each purchase. Typically, a club member would have to spend only about $15 per tire in order to get a tire installation package. This deal would include services such as mounting/balancing, new valve stems, lifetime balancing and tire rotation, flat repair, waste tire disposal and road hazard protection. In the case of vehicles that are furnished with a tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS), free resets would be done at the time of service. Believing in the perpetual needs of its customers, Sam’s Club also has a dedicated 24/7 roadside tire change service available for three years from the date of purchase. Sam’s Club provides great pricing deals on high-quality auto accessories, and tires as well as services.
As far as tires go, Sam’s Club is well rated for the various options it provides. Most importantly, the online service website has a dedicated page titled – Sam’s Club Tire Buying Guide- that helps customers understand the nuances of picking an appropriate tire. On the online page, the customer is required to enter in the manufacturing year, make, and model of the car as well as the tire size in order to view the choices available, compare them to see the differences and then pick a tire of their choice. Most importantly, Sam’s Club has dedicated professionals who help to pick up specialty tires for those customers who need snow or ice tires or modifications for adventure driving.
Sam’s Club’s relationship with its customer goes beyond the mere fitting of a tire; the professionals keep a constant check and provide any walk-in services when customers turn up with any wheel or automotive related issues. Apart from using state of the art equipment to mount and maintain tire service, the tires picked are assured good deals for proper maintenance. In addition to the exclusive tire services, Sam’s Club also caters auto accessories, electronics, and home garage center services associated with automotive care.
Oil change and regular checkup of oil levels in cars are essential for smooth transmission in the car’s engines. Walmart has around 2500 centers nationwide that provide year-round oil change services to fits the needs of its customers. The service provider has trained professionals who will aid in oil and lube services based on the car along with services such as vacuuming the car’s interior; checking and filling transmission fluid; checking battery performance, air filter, wiper blades and headlights; washing the exterior windshield, checking and filling the washer, power steering and differential fluid; checking and adjusting the tire pressure and checking the signal, brake and taillights. The Walmart oil and lube services have been highly rated and reviewed by customers as a place with good value for money due to the less costing extensive service packages.
The five primary oil services provided by Walmart in its center are:
Pit crew oil change
Priced at $19.88, this services includes a conventional oil change of 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 based on the car’s make and model, and includes an oil filter change, chassis lubrication if needed, checking of battery performance and refilling tire pressure as needed. This is the most simple oil change feature of Walmart.
Standard oil change
Prices at $29.88, this service includes an oil change of up to 5 quarts of featured conventional oil along with all of the aforementioned pit crew services.
High mileage oil change
Priced at $39.88, this service includes an oil change of up to 5 quarts of featured high mileage or semi-synthetic oils in addition to the baseline pit crew services. Additionally, the technicians run a thorough check of the vehicles and suggest the use of high mileage or semi-synthetic oils based on the miles used or the car’s engine performance.
Power and performance oil change
Priced at $49.88, this service features an oil change of up to 5 quarts of synthetic motor oils that are popular for their high-performance lubrication. The pit crew services are standard with this package.
Lube services
These services will be charged based on the level of service done and do not encompass the general pit crew services. This package includes a thorough check, assessment, and refueling of any fluids in the car as well as complete cleaning service of both the interior and exterior of the car.
In addition to all the automotive related oil services, Walmart also has additional services such as fuel system service priced at $20. These additional services can be coupled with the oil change packages as needed and will be available at combo rates.
Car batteries store the required energy to start a car and keep it running. It helps in storing the required energy to power the car. A battery works perfectly well for three to five years but regular maintenance and testing with the mechanic will ensure it functions without any problems. Maintaining car batteries by checking and cleaning them on a regular basis and charging them when necessary is essential.
Here are few tips to maintain car batteries and extend its life:
Locating the battery in your car: Usually most of the cars have a heavy duty plastic case which has two terminals that connect to the negative and positive wires of the car. The terminals are made of brass.
Check the battery’s water level once in two months (only if it’s a a non maintenance free wet cell battery): There are two types of car batteries. One is a wet cell battery and the other is an Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM) battery. In an AGM battery it is not required to check the water levels as it usually never runs out of water. However, in a non maintenance free wet cell battery it is required that the water levels are checked once in two to three months. In this case the water should not touch the bottom of the refill hole.
Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush: Cleaning the battery terminals with a wire brush every six to eight months is essential. This can be done by removing the connectors from the battery terminal by gently moving them.
Coat the battery with grease which is made for high temperatures: Applying grease on the battery will help protect the battery from rusting and corrosion. You must regularly clean the top of the battery and the corrosion on the cables using a tablespoon of baking soda, a non-metallic brush and some water. This is to ensure the longevity of the batteries.
Inspect the cell voltage: When your car has gone for a service or an oil change ask the mechanic to test the voltage. They can check the voltage and charge for you, and offer products that may help with the battery maintenance.
Check the battery insulator if your car has one: Few cars have insulators which protect the battery from high temperatures. These insulators have a fluid which can be dried out and it should be replaced.
Another most important tip to maintain your car battery is by taking it to the mechanic or service centre on a regular basis and getting your car inspected.
Happy Driving!
Keeping your tires in good condition is an essential aspect of car maintenance, and it is dangerous to drive with non-roadworthy tires. There are a number of factors you need to consider with respect to tire maintenance, especially with strangely behaving weather across the country. Depending on where you live, if you want to get through the winter months disaster-free, you’ll need to be prepared for anything. Do take our advice seriously and you will be prepared to face the wrath of mother nature!
First things first!
Before we even begin, The Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes every month to check your tires. Ensure you follow it relentlessly. Tires should be stored away from solvents, grease, oil, or any ozone-producing electrical equipment, which have deteriorating effects on tires. Be mindful of abnormal tire wear or damage to your tires. Watch for signs of punctures, embedded objects, cracks, and bulges.
Cold weather and tires
When temperatures go down, the air pressure in your tires will be lower. Tire pressure typically changes by 1-2 pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees of temperature change. It is simple physics indeed – cooler air means slower molecular motion, and that causes the air pressure to drop. Invest in a tire gauge and learn how to read it. Tire pressure can affect your gas mileage, tread wear, and most importantly ” safety. Take care to keep your tires properly inflated when temperatures are cooler.
Rainy weather and tires
Water is corrosive, and encourages oxidation in the form of rust, which may weaken not only your car’s body but the frame as well, if left unchecked. Not only that, but those little drops of water act like a magnifying glass and can focus the sun’s rays against your finish, potentially causing damage. While you may wonder why, but it is highly imperative to keep your car clean during rainy season. Use a wax or liquid sealant for better results. Properly guarding against water can help preserve your vehicle’s structural integrity and keep it looking shiny, too.
Wind and tires
The focus during windy days are totally on safety! You may have felt heavy winds threaten to push your car sideways while driving before. When the winds pick up, keep both hands on the wheel and slow down. Do not follow any vehicle too close, especially when trailing trucks, van and trailers. Windy days does call for pressure check for your tire. Take a pit stop and check them right away!
Summer and tires
When the time comes to store your tires for next season, consider a dark place away from direct sunlight with low humidity. This will ensure that they stay longer.
By taking proper care of your tires, you can remain safe during all types of travel, experience the benefits of better fuel economy, and extend tire life.
Your vehicle tires directly contribute to your vehicle’s performance. Checking tire pressure, rotating your tires, balancing your tires, and choosing the right set of replacement tires based on safety and handling will all contribute to consistent performance.
Ensure to follow these tips to help you stay on top of tire maintenance:
Tire Pressure
Having properly inflated tires protect against the tire damage and reduces the possibility that the vehicle will spin out of control. Driving with low pressure tires also increases fuel consumption. You should check your tire pressure at least every month, more often if you are always on the road! To find the correct tire pressure for your car, check the user manual, the label on the door or inside the fuel flap. Properly inflated tires will maximize tread life, improve handling, and increase fuel efficiency and overall driver safety.
Tire Rotation
Follow proper tire rotation schedules. Recommended rotation patterns for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual. Routine tire rotations equalize and enhance front-to-rear and side-to-side tire wear. Front tires carry more of the car’s weight and tend to wear out at about twice the rate of rear tires, so rotating the tires can extend their life. Car manufacturers differ in their recommendations, but most manufacturers advise tires should be rotated every 4000 – 6000 miles. The four common kinds of tire rotation are cross rotation, straight rotation, five tire rotation and 4 wheel drive.
Balance and Alignment
Balancing and wheel alignment is the process of properly aligning the wheels and axles. It ensures that your car handles at its optimum level, increasing safety as well as protecting tires against premature wear and saving fuel. Wheel balancing balances the wheel and tires. It protects the bearings and suspension, prevents premature tire wear. Out of balance wheels, and the vibration they cause, is typically most noticeable when driving at high speeds.
Changing Tires
When the time comes to change your tires – install them in sets or pairs. The addition of one new tire to the rotation cycle can cause instability and create vehicle handling issues. When new tires are needed, two new tires should be installed on the rear of a vehicle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front of the vehicle.
Above all, ensure to keep a spare tire and make sure its properly inflated and ready to use. You will never know when you’re going to need it. Drive safe and ensure to maintain those tires right!
If you are planning on doing the oil change process for your car yourself, then there are a few things you must know. Mistakes can prove to be a costly affair, especially if your car engine gets damaged. Here are a few common oil change mistakes that people tend to make and what you need to do to avoid them.
Using the wrong oil
One of the main functions of engine oil is to keep the meal parts of the engine lubricated, thus reducing to its wear and tear. It’s role doesn’t end there. Oil also provides hydraulic pressure to your car’s engine parts required for the smooth running of your car. Using the wrong oil can create issues with these hydraulic components contribution to engine damage. While buying the right oil, you need to ensure that its viscosity (weight of the oil) is suitable for the engine. You’ll have to choose between thick, thin synthetic or conventional oils. The best way to go about this is to consult the car’s owner manual to ensure you are picking the right grade oil.
Losing track of oil changes
Most people forget to keep track of the number of miles driven or the number of months since the last oil change. Changing oil too soon or too late can cause engine damage. Hence, it is vital that you keep a note somewhere.
Installing the wrong oil filter
A lot of people neglect the importance of using the right oil filter. Oil filters help in preventing leaks, filtering the oil. It ensures that the oils doesn’t accumulate dirt that clogs up your engine’s internal parts. Not using the right size or not putting the filter on properly can cause oil leaks, putting your engine at significant risk. It is therefore essential to use suitable, high-quality oil filters. You can get the right advice and recommendation from you car company to prevent damage.
Not putting the right amount of oil
It is extremely essential that you feed your engine with the right amount of oil. Under filling can reduce the lubrication, causing friction between internal parts and the subsequent damage to the engine components. Over-filling can cause the oil to foam-up and reduce the hydraulic pressure. It can also cause leaks by adding extra pressure on the pct system. Make sure you park your car on a flat surface to fill the right amount of oil.
Not changing the O-ring
The O-ring must be changed every time you change the oil filter ad they get worn out fairly quickly. The O-ring acts a seal to the filter, preventing oil leakage.