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Tips to Maintain an Older Car, Part 1

Most of us rely on our vehicles for a variety of reasons. In general, most vehicle owners are good at keeping their vehicles in good running shape. Every vehicle owner most likely wants to keep his or her vehicle in the best possible shape so they can to avoid repair costs or even a new vehicle replacement. In today’s world, it is easier than ever to keep your vehicle in great shape so that it can run as long as possible. The best way to keep your car healthy is with regular maintenance that includes all of the following:

Change your oil and oil filter often.
Regular oil changes extend the life of your engine. Not changing the oil causes a lot of problems with the engine over time. Make sure you note the date and mileage after each oil change, so you know when your vehicle is due for another one.

Replace your transmission fluid and differential oil.
Check your vehicle’s manual for the suggested timeframes for changing your transmission fluid and differential oil. Also, add new coolant. Once in a while, it makes sense to flush out your coolant and add fresh coolant. Your car’s manual should suggest the intervals when it’s best to add new coolant.

Rely on Jiffy Lube of Hendersonville & Brevard for regular car maintenance in Brevard, NC. Call (828) 966-9464 for more information.

Common Questions About Oil Changes, Part 2

We continue our blog on “Common Questions About Oil Changes,” with the following questions and answers.

What happens during an oil change?
During an oil change in Hendersonville, NC, the mechanics at Jiffy Lube remove your old, gunky oil and replace it with synthetic oil, synthetic blend, conventional, or high-mileage oil depending on your vehicle’s needs. After replacing your oil filter, an inspection of the fluids, lights, and battery is conducted to make sure the vehicle is safe.

Why should I do a full oil change instead of just topping it off?
If you just add new motor oil to bring your oil levels back up to normal, the old, sludgy, dirty oil mixes with the new clean oil. This prevents the new oil from working as well as it could. In an emergency, you can top off your oil if, but make sure to follow up with a full oil change.

Can I switch brands of oil between oil changes?
Switching motor oil is not a problem as long as the motor oil meets the viscosity grade and engine oil specification in your owner’s manual. It is also okay switch between synthetic and conventional motor oils.

Is it better to change your oil when it’s hot or cold outside?
It’s important to change your oil throughout the year. If it is cold outside, run your engine for five minutes before the oil change so that the oil flows out of the drain plug easily when changing the oil.

Can cold weather affect when I need an oil change?
Follow the vehicle owner’s manual to determine the proper oil drain interval. Oil drain intervals are not at all dependent on outside temperatures.

Common Questions About Oil Changes, Part 1

All vehicles need regular care to stay in good working shape. One of the most important steps to take to help your car run smoother and longer is to keep your engine’s motor oil fresh and clean by taking it in for an oil change in Hendersonville, NC, at Jiffy Lube. Read the questions and answers below to find out what some of the most commonly sought answers are to your most pressing oil change questions.

Why do I need an oil change?
Vehicle engines need oil to run smoothly and avoid developing complicated issues in the future. Your engine needs fresh motor oil on a regular basis because oil lubricates all the moving pieces in the engine to keep everything running properly. Oil changes also help stop your car from overheating by reducing friction, transferring the heat, and absorbing by-products from combustion.

If the vehicle’s oil level gets too low or too old, your vehicle could end up with a decreased engine life, sticking piston rings, and an overheating problem. By getting your oil changed regularly, you can keep your engine in good condition and provide the best protection for all of its components and parts.

When should I get an oil change?
Different engines have different needs, so it’s best to follow the specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. The typical recommendation is to get an oil change every three months or 3000 miles. While many drivers stand by that guideline, innovations in tighter build tolerances and higher-quality synthetic oils, many sources suggest a 5,000-mile oil change should be the new normal.

How to Get Your Car Ready for Spring

We are always happy when winter is over, and spring is on its way. Frozen conditions, slush, salt, and cold temperatures take a toll on everything from your vehicle’s tires to its wiper blades. So, get your car ready for spring by giving it a thorough once-over to undo winter’s damage. Make sure your car is in road-ready condition with car maintenance in Brevard, NC, from Jiffy Lube of Hendersonville & Brevard. Some of the steps to take to get your vehicle ready for spring include the following:

Inspect Hoses, Belts, Gaskets, & Seals
It’s important to check for issues like cracked hoses and belts because rubber parts can dry out quickly. Also, be sure that components like gaskets and seals are checked for possible leaks.

Check Tires
Have the tread life and the quality of the rubber checked on your tires. Rubber breaks down over time and needs to be replaced. Also, check to ensure there’s enough air pressure in each tire.

Wash the Vehicle’s Underbody
Driving in the winter coats the bottom of your car with salt, sand, and other grime that can cause corrosion. Corrosion leads to rust problems, which can make your car hard to resell or even dangerous to drive.

Replace Wiper Blades
In the winter, wiper blades work hard. That’s why they should be changed each spring and fall.

Handling Extreme Road Conditions

Winter brings unpredictable weather and potentially hazardous road conditions. That’s why it makes sense to prepare your car for any road condition with car maintenance in Brevard, NC, from Jiffy Lube of Hendersonville & Brevard. Regular inspections keep your vehicle safe on the road, which helps you avoid costly repairs in the future. Throughout the year we prepare our customers for the roads in our Western North Carolina towns, so we always consider extreme road conditions. Whenever you’re driving on a daily basis, be sure your vehicle can handle all of the following conditions:

Rain
Heavy storms can create unsafe road conditions. In addition to reduced visibility from rain and fog, wet roads impact traction—in fact, 30% of accidents in which cares run off the road are caused by wet roads. You don’t want to risk hydroplaning, which can make rain one of the most dangerous conditions for driving. Some of the ways to increase your safety while driving in hazardous conditions include:

Prepare: Be sure that your headlights are easily seen by other drivers in such conditions as rain, mist, and fog. Be sure that your AC, defroster, and wipers are working properly to improve your visibility during rainstorms.

Ice
When ice is hidden underneath the visible surface on the road, it is known as “black ice.” It increases the chance of an accident and accumulates on bridges, overpasses, and tunnels.

Prepare: Make sure your tires can give your vehicle enough traction to handle slick roads, and that your brakes will stop your vehicle safely.

Mud
You also want to pay attention to mud because thick mud on a slick road can impair your vehicle’s ability to stop and even makes it difficult to steer. After a heavy rain or snow, unpaved country roads are especially treacherous.

Prepare: You want to be confident that your alignment has been checked and corrected to avoid damage to your wheels and tires. Drive slowly and avoid muddy back roads when possible.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Holiday Traffic, Part 2

As we stated in “Helpful Tips to Avoid Holiday Traffic, Part 1,” it is essential to become familiar with the street names, exit numbers, and alternative routes before heading out. For example, when you’re traveling on a congested highway and know your exit is coming up, you can think ahead and not wait until the last minute to merge. It’s thought that merging at the last minute is the cause of around 40% of traffic congestion.

Prevent Breakdowns

Breakdowns and accidents cause a lot of traffic jams. Stop by Jiffy Lube for an inspection and an oil change in Brevard, NC, before you hit the road for the holidays. That way any threatening issues can be addressed before your road trip.

Use Traffic Apps

Before you head out, check your favorite source for traffic updates. Google shows real-time traffic conditions, and there are a variety of apps and websites (along with radio stations) that provide current traffic reports. Plan alternative routes as needed.

Check the Weather

Rain and snow often contribute to traffic delays. Consider the forecast and plan accordingly. You may need to allow for extra time if rain or snow is predicted.

Be Prepared

Prior to long trips, make sure your emergency kit is stocked and packed in your vehicle. Check the tire pressure in your spare tire and make sure your jack, lug nut wrench, and tools are in place. A quick check will confirm that you are prepared to handle a flat tire or other auto emergency on the road.

Helpful Tips to Avoid Holiday Traffic, Part 1

The holidays are always the busiest times on the roads. Winter’s holiday season brings unpredictable weather and road conditions across the country, which makes long road trips a bit stressful. Before you start on your long holiday journey, bring your vehicle in for an auto inspection in Brevard, NC, from Jiffy Lube. Our mechanics will thoroughly inspect your vehicle, fix any minor issues before they become costly repairs, and give you the peace of mind you need to embark safely on the road. Additional tips to help keep you and your family safe and secure in your vehicle along the way to your destination include:

Plan

If you have the time, it’s best to avoid traveling on the busiest days. Also, if possible, don’t use major highways during rush hour (7–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.). Save time and trouble by planning your route ahead of time, or use a GPS or smartphone to identify alternative routes.

Stay Alert

It sounds obvious, but when you are driving in heavy traffic or slick winter road conditions, pay strict attention. That means you should avoid distractions like the radio and your cell phone, to focus only on the road ahead. Staying alert enables you to react to changing road conditions faster, stay safer, and avoid congestion.

The Importance of Changing Your Oil Filter

If the oil filter in your vehicle is not good quality, it can shorten the life of your engine and cause other parts to fail as well. As the oil passes through the filter, it is cleaned, which prevents abrasive contaminants from damaging the engine parts. While the oil filter may not seem like a big part of your car’s lubrication system it plays an important role in protecting your engine from premature wear. With a high-quality oil filter, the moving parts in the engine are properly cleaned and lubricated. Sometimes small pieces of metal chips get into the engine while it’s running. If these tiny pieces penetrate the oil, they could break off other bits of metal, and possibly cause erosion in the engine. That’s why it is recommended to use a quality oil filter to prevent this kind of destruction.

Filtration efficiency is the term used for one of the standards that determine the quality of an oil filter. Another standard—particle size retention—measures how well a filter retains particles of different sizes. Also, a quality filter must meet the standard capacity for holding dirt. This includes the amount of contaminants that can be removed and held by the filter until the filter no longer works.

Be sure you get a high-quality oil filter from Jiffy Lube. Visit JiffyLubeofWNC.com to learn more about getting a quick lube in Hendersonville, NC.

Fast Facts about Motor Oil

Did you ever wonder what motor oil was made from or where it comes from? If so, read on to find some fast facts about the motor oil we use in our cars, trucks, and SUVs. The majority of motor oils are made from a weighty, thick petroleum hydrocarbon base stock that comes from crude oil, and has been improved with additives.

The motor oil we use comes from several countries that produce petroleum and oil. You may not know that Canada is the biggest exporter of oil to the United States and supplies a large percent of the annual consumption. Saudi Arabia is the second biggest exporter of oil to the U.S. The following are some of the additional fast facts for information about motor oil:

Mechanical components like transmissions and brakes also use motor oils.
Synthetic engine oil protects your vehicle under extreme conditions. However, it does not substantially increase performance or efficiency.
Motor oils have different ratings and viscosity for different components.
The three types of motor oils are mineral/regular, Semi-synthetic, and Synthetic. Your vehicle manufacturer recommends the SAE international rating of your oil to match that of the vehicle.
The faster you drive, the more stress is induced on your vehicle components, so you may need to get your oil changed more often.
Dark motor oil does not indicate an oil change.
Consult with your mechanic about the ideal time for an oil change in Brevard, NC, at Jiffy Lube or refer to your car’s owner’s manual.
Make sure filters are replaced when you get an oil change.

Safety Items to Keep in Your Trunk, Part 2

As we wrote in “Safety Items to Keep in Your Trunk, Part 1,” it pays to be prepared on the road. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that, while you may not ever use the safety items in your trunk, they are there to keep you comfortable in the event of an emergency. To continue our tips on the best safety items to travel with in your trunk, we suggest that you put together a kit that can sustain you for a few days. For example, your kit might contain a battery-powered radio, snacks with a long-term shelf life, a solar blanket, and several gallons of drinkable water. More safety items to keep in your trunk include the following:

Triangle and Flares: If your vehicle breaks down you want to safety warn others on the road to keep a distance around you. Use reflective triangles and flares at night to provide a bright way to alert other drivers you have an emergency.

First Aid Kit: It’s easy to buy a ready-made kit with basic items such as Band-Aids, anti-bacterial creams, and gauze in the event of an injury on the road.

Flashlight: If you break down at night, you definitely want to have a flashlight. You may also use it in daylight if you are looking into areas that have very little light available. Keep fresh batteries around for extras in case you need them.

The team at Jiffy Lube of Hendersonville & Brevard wants to ensure all of our customers are as safe as possible on the road. Be sure to stop by for a quick lube in Hendersonville, NC, to ensure your vehicle is a well-maintained machine.