Your Trusted Source for Oil Change Service in Hays County
If you need an oil change in San Marcos, Buda, or Kyle, you can trust the experts at Reliable Automotive. Our friendly, professional team is here to serve your needs with the best customer service while your oil change service is performed with precision and complete care.
During your oil change service, our ASE-certified mechanics will perform a visual inspection to ensure your vehicle will be dependable and safe to operate. If we notice any issues, we’ll discuss a repair plan with you and provide a clear estimate with a breakdown of all the fees so you can address any concerns without delay.
Why Do You Need Regular Oil Changes?
As most Hays County drivers know, oil changes are a crucial element of auto maintenance. That’s not to say this is the only service your car will need, of course, but oil changes are a relatively common task with significant implications for the well-being of your vehicle. By scheduling regular oil changes at trustworthy Hays County auto repair shops, you can take a sizable step towards keeping your vehicle in great shape for years to come.
Some (but not all) of the benefits you can get from setting up oil changes regularly include:
- Reduced emissions. Dirty oil is full of hydrocarbons, but the same isn’t true for clean oil—meaning you can help protect the environment whenever you get an oil change.
- Warranty protection. Staying up-to-date on routine maintenance tasks (including oil changes) is crucial to keeping your car’s warranty valid.
- Improved fuel usage. A car has to work extra hard to compensate for dirty oil, but changing your oil can help it do more with less.
- Better engine performance. Clean oil will help protect your engine and keep it running smoothly for ages.
Protecting Your Engine with Regular Oil Changes
One of the best and most affordable ways to keep your car or truck running longer is with regular oil changes and oil filter replacements.
The oil in your engine serves several purposes, including:
- Performing up to 40 percent of your engine cooling: Motor oil absorbs heat from certain areas and redistributes it to prevent the buildup of excessive heat in your car’s oil content.
- Preventing internal engine corrosion: Without clean oil in the right amount, your engine may be vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
- Lubricating moving components to prevent damage from friction and excessive heat: Oil has additives that reduce friction and provide a protective layer on engine components.
- Cleaning your engine: Motor oil absorbs debris and dirt, keeping it from building up on engine components, which is a crucial step in ensuring all engine components are functioning optimally.
If the oil in your engine is low quality or contaminated, or if the oil level is low, you can experience catastrophic engine problems. That’s why regular oil change service is so important.
The oil change schedule can vary for your car or truck, depending upon your manufacturer’s recommendation, your vehicle’s age and your regular driving habits, such as frequently towing or hauling heavy loads or making frequent short trips. Our expert Hays County oil change technicians can recommend a schedule that’s in the best interest of your vehicle based on your driving habits.
Oil Change Scheduling 101
Now that you know why oil changes in Hays County are essential, it’s time to address the obvious follow-up question: when should you get your oil changed? This can be a delicate balancing act since getting an oil change too soon can force you to deal with unnecessary expenses. But avoiding oil changes for too long could seriously affect the health of your vehicle.
The best way to start determining the ideal oil change schedule for your car is by checking your user manual. Auto manufacturers often encourage drivers to set up oil changes every 5,000–7,000 miles—but this isn’t set in stone, either. While you can start here, you should go on to consider whether or not your driving habits include:
- Traveling at high speeds
- Taking short trips regularly
- Driving when temperatures are high
- Hauling heavy loads often
Since all these factors can put a burden on your car, they can also affect your motor oil. If any of these driving habits sound familiar, there’s a good chance you’ll need oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles or so.
Motor Oil Varieties: What You Need to Know
Before your next oil change rolls around, you’ll have a significant decision to make. Not all oil varieties are created equal, so you’ll want to ensure you pick the correct type of oil for your vehicle’s needs. Here’s our guide to the three major motor oil categories:
- Standard motor oil. This is also known as “conventional motor oil,” and for good reason—it’s the most common oil variety available today. It’s made from refined crude oil and enhanced with various additives to boost its viscosity and protective properties. Standard oil is the least expensive type of oil you can get, but it’s not the most long-lasting option. Most drivers should change their standard motor oil at least once every 3,000-5,000 miles.
- Synthetic motor oil. Unlike standard motor oil, synthetic oil is made in a lab and includes multiple chemical compounds. A synthetic oil change costs more than conventional motor oil, but you’ll enjoy a noticeable performance improvement. On top of that, this oil variety only needs to be changed once every 10,000–20,000 miles.
- High-mileage motor oil. Your vehicle can benefit from this oil type if it has over 75,000 miles on its odometer. It’s usually a blend of synthetic and standard motor oil, packed with extra additives meant to keep older cars running smoothly.
Pick the Most Reliable Auto Shop for Oil Changes
In Hays County and other nearby areas, nobody beats Reliable Automotive when it comes to auto maintenance services—including oil changes. When you choose us for this task, you’ll benefit from:
Qualified Mechanics
The people working at Reliable Automotive aren’t just any mechanics. Our techs are ASE-certified, meaning they know exactly what your car needs and have the skills required to get the job done. Don’t get complacent just because oil changes are “simple”—let the professionals take care of this essential auto maintenance task!
Unmatched Customer Satisfaction
At Reliable Automotive, we take customer satisfaction seriously. During your oil change, we’ll take the time to inspect your vehicle thoroughly and check for other maintenance issues. Then, our crew members will notify you of any warning signs they found in their inspection.
Valuable Oil Change Coupons
Everyone in Hays County wants a cheap oil change, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of quality workmanship. Save money on oil changes without settling for inferior service by checking out our online coupons!
Take Advantage of Our Free Shuttle Service
We want to make taking care of your vehicle as hassle-free as possible! When you make your appointment for an oil change you will receive an email. After this, you can request our free shuttle service. We will drop you off wherever you need to go, then pick you up in an hour or more when your oil change service is complete. Whether you’d prefer to relax at home, need to get to work, or have class on the Texas State campus, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Schedule Your Next Hays County Oil Change Today
Are you unsure when your last oil change was, or have you been putting this service off for months? Either way, Reliable Automotive can deliver the oil change you need at a great price.
Whether you drive a high-mileage work truck, a compact car, or a high-performance car, the pros at Reliable Automotive know which type of oil and oil filter are best for long-lasting performance. We’ll match the right grade of oil to your vehicle and usage, and we always install high-quality oil filters for the most efficient engine cleaning.
Make an appointment today at the Reliable Automotive nearest you:
We look forward to providing you with a fast friendly experience!
Hays County Oil Change Service FAQs
Your new, clean oil won’t stay that way for long if you have a clogged, dirty oil filter. These filters help the oil stay clean for many miles, but there comes a point where they can’t hold any more dirt or debris. When that happens, you’ll end up running unfiltered oil throughout your engine and reducing all of the protection that clean oil provides. Oil and oil filter changes are relatively inexpensive, so make sure you don’t put off your next oil change.
Most of our customers come to us because our auto service is fast and convenient, but there are several other reasons to forego doing it yourself. In addition to running the risk of overlooking an oil leak, you may not have the easy access you expect to the areas you need to reach, such as the oil filter and oil pan bolt, for instance. It’s also unlikely that you’ll be able to dispose of the old oil properly or that you will notice other problems with your vehicle.
To make sure the job is done right, come to Reliable Automotive. Our expert technicians will make sure you have the type of oil and filter that are ideal for your car or truck, and they’ll do a visual inspection of your hoses, brake system, tires, and other important parts of your car without a bunch of added fees to let you know of any potential issues so you can stay informed of your vehicle’s health and take care of any small problems before they become big headaches.
Many drivers aren’t familiar with the different types of oil available on the market today-conventional and synthetic. “Synthetic” oil may refer to full synthetic oil or a synthetic blend. Here’s what you should know about the differences in the types of motor oil:
Conventional motor oil is derived from crude oil and doesn’t have any additives. It does its job well, but it’s important to adhere to a regular schedule of oil change service to ensure your engine is staying protected. It breaks down or degrades more quickly than synthetics. Synthetic oils are man-made. Full synthetic oil contains a synthetic base plus additives that enhance its performance and its ability to protect your engine.
Semi-synthetic, or synthetic blends, are a mix of a synthetic base with conventional kinds of oil. There is more than one type of full synthetic oil, with each having a different blend of additives and providing various degrees of durability and cleaning power.
If you’re unsure which type of motor oil is best for your car or truck, don’t worry-the pros at Reliable Automotive can make a recommendation and answer any questions you may have. We’ll make sure you only purchase exactly what you need to keep your vehicle running great.
Because oil is critical to keeping your engine clean and running properly, the oil level should be checked about once a month, and you may also want to check it if you’re about to take a long trip. If you find that your oil level is low month after month, you may have an oil leak. Make an appointment at your nearest Reliable Automotive location for a leak check and a change of your oil and filter.
In nearly every instance, you’re not required by your warranty terms to have your oil changed or get any other type of auto repairs or service at the dealership. At Reliable Automotive, our ASE-Certified technicians have the same expertise that you’ll find at a dealership. Check your warranty to verify maintenance requirements (you may need to use a certain type of oil and filter), then schedule an appointment for your oil change at Reliable Automotive.
While you may need to add some oil from time to time, keeping it topped off does not do anything to protect your engine from the harmful effects of dirty oil. As you add fresh motor oil, it blends with the old oil, so it’s much less effective than a complete change. You will still have sludgy oil circulating throughout your engine, leaving your engine components susceptible to damage from excessive friction and heat buildup.
Keep in mind that if you’re having to top off your oil frequently to get it back up to the designated level, you may have an oil leak. Make sure you have a leak-free system and fresh, clean oil in your engine by scheduling an oil change service appointment at Reliable Automotive’s Buda, San Marcos, or Kyle location.
Yes! Our technicians will be glad to recommend the right oil for better protection and performance than your previous type of oil. In general, if the oil is in line with the oil and viscosity that your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies, making a change to a different type or brand of oil won’t cause any issues.
Take a look at the oil on the dipstick. Look to see if it appears milky or has clumps in it, and check to see if it feels gritty. Even if you have a late-model vehicle with a digital display of how much life you have left in the oil, a quick check of the dipstick is always a good idea.
We know you have plenty of options for oil change service, including “quick lube” shops. That’s one reason we go beyond a fast oil change to give our customers extra value and exceptional customer service. While you have your car or truck at Reliable Automotive for your oil change, we’ll also check several of your engine’s major components. If we discover any issues, we’ll give you a clear estimate and be able to take care of any repairs or additional services you may need. We offer a complete range of automotive services, including brake repair, engine repair, transmission repair, A/C repair, and much more.
We love our Bobcats! In addition to our already-low rates, we offer a variety of coupons and discounts throughout the year. To see what specials we’re running at any given time, please visit our Coupons page. Whether you need routine maintenance or auto repair services, our expert technicians will take care of you with auto service offers that can’t be beat in Hays County and the surrounding areas.
Regular oil changes are an excellent way to keep your car in good working order, both now and for years to come, but that doesn’t mean they’ll impact your vehicle’s functionality in ways that most drivers would consciously notice. Unlike tasks such as engine and transmission repair, an oil change service is a maintenance job that focuses on helping your car continue to run smoothly, as opposed to fixing things that have gone wrong with your vehicle.
Still, you could catch a glimpse of some improvements to your vehicle’s performance after an oil change. One difference you could pick up on is fuel economy. When you get an oil change service, your car should be able to use gas more efficiently. You might also spot enhancements to your vehicle’s acceleration and engine efficiency.
However, the real point of an oil change is its “behind-the-scenes” perks, such as keeping your vehicle’s engine cool and lubricated. Do you want to be sure you’ll get the oil change your Hays County, Texas, vehicle deserves? If so, choose Reliable Automotive for the job!
When you need some forms of automotive service, you won’t have to spend too much time wondering if there’s really something wrong. Unusual vibrations and loud noises can be scary, but they’re also clear-cut indicators that your vehicle needs professional attention. On the other hand, the symptoms of old motor oil or a low oil level can be much harder to spot — at first, that is. Still, if you leave this issue unchecked for long enough, you could run the risk of severe engine damage.
Has it been a long time since you last got an oil change? If so, be on the lookout for these signs of trouble:
- Dirty or thick oil. Ideally, motor oil should have a thin consistency and no visible debris. When your oil is full of dirt or visibly thicker than it should be, it’s time to replace it.
- Smoke coming from your exhaust pipe. This can be caused by several issues in your vehicle, including problems related to motor oil. Whether or not oil is the cause of your exhaust smoke, the issue should be resolved by a qualified mechanic.
- Strange sounds. The noises associated with oil trouble aren’t as loud as some unexpected automotive sounds. However, they’re still there if you listen closely. Look out for “knocking” sounds when you drive and a “ticking” noise when you start your vehicle.
- A “check engine” light. It’s tough to say what caused your “check engine” light to activate without running a diagnostic test. Still, you should know that oil problems are among the many potential factors that can trigger this light.
Most Texas drivers understand that there are two “main” motor oil varieties — conventional and synthetic. If you know anything about these two oil types beyond the basics, you’ve likely heard that synthetic oil is the better option. While conventional and synthetic oil both come with strengths and weaknesses, the latter easily outshines the former. That’s why the ASE-certified mechanics at Reliable Automotive proudly offer synthetic oil changes to our customers in the Hays County area.
Synthetic oil is designed to have a uniform molecular structure, allowing it to flow effortlessly through even the tightest spaces in today’s engines. As a result, synthetic oil can deliver unmatched lubrication while lasting considerably longer than conventional oil.
One of the few drawbacks associated with synthetic oil is its cost. Generally speaking, this motor oil variety is more expensive than conventional oil. Even so, it’s important to note that synthetic oil’s longer lifespan means you won’t need oil changes as frequently as you might expect.
Instead of resorting to conventional oil changes to save a few dollars in the short term, your best move is to find a Texas shop that offers a highly affordable synthetic oil change service. The crew at Reliable Automotive works hard to deliver the area’s best oil changes at incredibly low rates!
Few things are more critical to your vehicle’s continued operation than clean, fresh motor oil. Oil is responsible for lubricating your car’s engine, and the components in a poorly-lubricated engine can’t work together correctly. So, if your car didn’t have oil, it wouldn’t be able to function as it should.
However, motor oil isn’t the kind of thing you can replace once and forget about. If more than a few months have passed since your last oil change, this fluid may have started to collect sludge and dirt. These contaminants can prevent your oil from functioning at 100%, making it harder for your engine — and your vehicle as a whole — to operate.
The early effects of dirty oil are challenging for even the most experienced drivers to notice. Still, even a small amount of debris in your oil can reduce your MPG and cause noise in your vehicle. Continuing to avoid oil changes for months after the onset of these effects can result in more severe consequences, such as a blown gasket or an overheated engine.
To prevent both large and small problems related to motor oil, make an appointment at your local Reliable Automotive garage for an oil change service today! (And before you do, be sure to check out our selection of online coupons.)
