If your car isn’t running right, it can be tough to know where to start looking for the problem. It’s even more difficult if you don’t have a lot of car experience. This blog post will give you a few tips on where to start when trying to diagnose problems with your vehicle. 1. Leaks…
After starting your car, the valves in its engine move, thus turning the shaft. A revolution is a complete turning of the crankshaft, and RPM is the number of times the crankshaft rotates in a single minute. Vehicles with higher RPMs require more fuel, making the engine overwork. If your car has an internal problem…
Most drivers see a cracked or chipped windshield as minor auto glass damage that may not need a repair. But despite how small or big the crack or chip is, you should never ignore it. A chipped windshield is not just a cosmetic imperfection. Chipped or cracked windshields can be a safety hazard to you…
A car break down is a situation no one wants to be in. One minute you’re driving down the road and everything seems fine. The next minute, your car is stuttering and stalling, and you only have seconds to pull over to safety. While it’s something no one wants to go through, car break downs…
Have you ever wondered how automotive shops come up with estimates for car repairs? It’s a question that many people have, but few know the answer to. The truth is that it can vary greatly depending on the type of repair needed. The automotive shops use various techniques to determine what your car needs and…
Have you ever been out on the road and had a flat tire? Maybe you felt like it was just an inconvenience, or maybe you were really worried about being stranded. Whatever your feelings are, if this has happened to you before, then there is no doubt that it can be terrifying. Below, we’ll cover…
Your vehicle steering wheel can lock up for a variety of reasons. Any one – or more – of them could be the cause whenever your vehicle seems to “jerk” or pull to one side or the other. Jerking or Unstable Steering Loose steering components, such as loose steering U-joints and drag link ends (which…
Have you noticed your car pulling to one side when you drive? There are several reasons this can happen, any of which can end up causing damage to the car or creating unsafe driving conditions. Drifting to one side while driving is distracting for the driver and tiring, as it requires the driver to put…
What does your car’s exhaust smoke color mean? This quick guide will help you know what the different exhaust smoke colors mean and when it’s time to seek automotive repair services at a shop in Texas! Read on to learn more about common car exhaust smoke colors and what they mean. Blue Smoke If you’re…
Diesel offers excellent mileage, and with costs falling across the board, they’re often a more affordable option. The added power is an attractive bonus as well. As with any vehicle, a diesel engine needs to be correctly maintained to avoid ruining the whole machine. This maintenance can be an intimidating prospect for motorists who encounter…
Reliable Automotive in San Marcos offers the best oil change service in the area. Your vehicle is a major investment and it can be advantageous to maintain it with the help of the most qualified auto shop in the area. Schedule an appointment for a full-service oil change today. Then, check out our coupon and…
An oil change service is vital routine maintenance that helps to keep your vehicle in good shape. Clean oil can help to protect your engine and ensure efficient and smooth running. During a car oil change, old engine oil is replaced with new oil and the oil filter is also replaced, if necessary. Lack of regular oil changes can shorten the lifespan of your vehicle.
What Are the Benefits of an Oil Change Service in San Marcos?
In addition to keeping your car running smoothly and safely, regular oil changes have several benefits including:A Cleaner and More Efficient Engine
Motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine and it removes dirt and debris, as well. However, the oil absorbs grime and debris over time as it cleans and lubricates your engine. Eventually, sludge will build up in your engine, and the oil will be too dirty to do its job properly. Changing your engine oil and filter frequently, especially if you drive long hours or on dusty roads, can help to keep dirt and debris out of your engine and prevent damage.Better Fuel Efficiency and Gas Mileage
While gas mileage can be affected by many different variables such as your driving style and the driving terrain, a regular oil change can help to save you money on fuel. Clean engine oil reduces friction in your engine, helping it run more efficiently and it requires less gas than an engine running with old and dirty oil.Longer Engine Life
Changing motor oil frequently keeps your engine healthy and protects all important moving parts from damage and wear. However, once engine oil gets dirty, it can no longer remove all dirt and debris or lubricate your engine efficiently. Changing your engine oil and filter at the manufacturer’s suggested intervals will help protect your vehicle’s engine, saving you several hundred dollars in repair costs down the line.Reduced Environmental Pollution
Skipping car oil changes can be bad for the environment and may cause unnecessary pollution. Dirty oil causes a build-up of hydrocarbons in your engine. As a consequence, harmful pollution is released into the air. An engine running on clean and fresh oil releases far fewer pollutants.Avoiding Potential Problems
If a car is not maintained adequately at regular intervals, something will eventually go wrong. If your car runs on old oil, you risk overheating your engine, which can cause breakdowns. Moreover, the worst-case scenario of not having regular oil changes is a completely ruined engine. Replacing an engine typically costs thousands of dollars. In many cases, it is not worth saving a vehicle with a completely broken engine. A regular oil change is one of the cheapest ways to help your vehicle run at its best and extend the lifespan of your engine. Contact Reliable Automotive today to schedule an oil change or other service.What Happens During an Oil Change?
An oil change service in Kyle, Buda, or virtually anywhere for that matter, entails more than simply pouring fresh oil into your engine. During a full-service oil change, our ASE-certified technicians will:- Check the condition and level of your old oil
- Remove the old oil and dispose of it safely
- Remove and replace the old oil filter
- Pour new, fresh oil into your engine
- Perform a courtesy inspection of your vehicle
Why not simply top off the old oil?
If your oil level is dangerously low and you are in an emergency situation, topping off with new oil can be acceptable. However, in all other instances, vehicle owners should always do an entire car oil change. When you simply top off your old engine oil, the dirty and sludgy oil that is still present will stop the new oil from working efficiently. A complete oil change is affordable and by far the best way to keep your engine healthy and efficient.The Different Types of Motor Oil Available for Oil Changes
When it comes to selecting the best type of engine oil, you have several different options. It is important to note that motor oils can differ drastically when it comes to price and levels of engine protection. Some of the main types of engine oil include:Full-Synthetic
Full-synthetic oil is the Ferrari of motor oils. It lasts longer than many other types of engine oil and offers your engine superior protection and performance. However, full-synthetic oil is also the most expensive option.Synthetic Blend
Synthetic blend oil is a good compromise between the pricier full-synthetic and conventional engine oil. Blended oils offer similar increased performance and added protection compared to synthetic oils at a more affordable price.Conventional
Conventional motor oil is the cheapest option and can be a reasonable choice for cars with lower mileage and a simpler engine design. However, if you frequently drive long distances or are exposed to extreme driving conditions such as dusty roads and particularly high or low temperatures, conventional oil may not be the best option. Conventional oil typically has a shorter lifespan and may need replacing more often than synthetic oil.High-Mileage
High-mileage motor oil is specifically designed for vehicle engines with over 75,000 miles on the clock. This type of oil provides extra protection for older engines and can help reduce oil consumption and emissions, as well as oil leaks.How Often Should I Have an Oil Change Service in San Marcos?
When it comes to oil changes, there is no hard and fast rule that can be applied to all vehicles. The type of vehicle, its age, and your driving habits can all have an impact on oil change timing. If you generally drive long distances in extreme weather or other detrimental environmental conditions, you will most likely need to change your oil sooner than other drivers. A good starting point for determining the timing of your oil change service is the manufacturer’s suggested oil change schedule, which you can find in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. However, you may need to have an oil change sooner if you are experiencing the following:- Frequent stop and go traffic
- Towing heavy loads frequently
- Frequent long-distance and high-mileage driving
- Extreme temperature
- Driving on dirt roads or dusty roads frequently
Type of Engine Oil
The type of engine oil used in your vehicle can also determine the timing of your next oil change, as some engine oils last longer than others. Full-synthetic oil, for example, generally has a longer lifespan than blended and conventional engine oil. Texas heat and dusty roads can result in your engine oil needing more frequent changes. To keep your engine performing well and avoid any unnecessary breakdowns or repair costs, we suggest a regular oil change schedule depending on your specific vehicle’s needs. Contact Reliable Automotive to find out more.How Can I Save on Regular Oil Changes?
At Reliable Automotive, we want to help you keep your vehicle in good condition and we recognize that regular oil changes may not be expensive, but they can add up. We have regular special offers on a variety of services, including oil changes. Since our special offers change frequently, make sure you head over to our coupon page often to download oil change coupons that may come in handy during your next visit.Schedule an Oil Change Service with Reliable Automotive Today
If you're in search of a reliable shop to get regular oil change service in Buda, San Marcos, or surrounding areas, make Reliable Automotive your top choice. We provide you with the option to wait in one of our comfortable customer lounges or if you live within three miles of a Reliable Automotive service shop, you can take advantage of our concierge service. With this convenient service, we can pick up and return your vehicle for free. Contact us today with any questions or to schedule your appointment.- A clunking sound from the engine.
- Illuminated oil light on the dash.
- Overheated engine.
- Burning smell.
- Using the wrong viscosity of oil. Viscosity refers to how easily the oil resists flow. It determines how a car’s engine reacts to the normal changes of pressure, speed, and temperature. If the wrong grade viscosity is used, the result can be low oil pressure and engine damage. To find out the correct oil to use, check the owner’s manual for your car. Then, consult with your Reliable Automotive service staff for additional advice.
- Oil leaks. The older your vehicle is, the more susceptible it is to oil leaks. But there are a number of fluids that can leak onto the floor under your vehicle. Oil is only one of them. No matter which fluid it is, it is critical to find out what is going on in your car’s engine to cause a fluid leak. If it turns out to be an oil leak, your mechanic will know what needs to be done to correct that problem.
- Bad oil pump or pressure sensor. The oil in a vehicle needs to travel through the engine to lubricate all the moving parts. The oil pump generates the pressure to take care of this duty. This pump also has a sensor that measures the pressure in the system. If the pressure drops below a certain level, the dashboard light turns on. At that point, it is important to pull over and turn the engine off. Engine parts can seize up and stop working if they become dry.
- Dirty oil filter. The oil filter catches debris before it flows into the oil. This prevents the oil from becoming dirty as it lubricates the engine and all those moving parts. Oil with contaminants can’t do its job properly, plus the filter can become clogged, too. That is another reason for sticking to a schedule of regular oil and oil filter changes.
- Inconsistent oil change service. The primary reason for following a schedule of oil change service is to prevent all of the above. Your Reliable Automotive oil change specialists can identify problems with oil pressure and faulty oil filters before those problems damage the engine in your car.
- Enhance existing base oil properties.
- Suppress undesirable base oil properties.
- Give new properties to base oils to enhance performance.
- Warranty: You don’t want to void your warranty by adding anything to your car before checking how it will affect the terms of the warranty.
- Mileage and Vehicle Age: A high-mileage car is more likely to suffer damage from loss of additives over time. It can be helpful to your car’s engine to add carefully selected oil additives to engine oil designed for high-mileage cars. This helps restore engine performance to original levels.
When it comes to protecting your vehicle and keeping it running smoothly, regular oil changes are key. Although there may be more specific guidelines in your owner’s manual, the general rule is to have conventional oil change service every 3,000 miles and synthetic oil changes every 7,5000 miles. To get started, schedule an appointment with…
Your vehicle can last longer if you keep the oil changed regularly. Yes, it’s true and it’s that simple. Your car or truck is a major investment and it’s your responsibility to make the best decisions that can enable you to get the most out of your vehicle. To start, you should look for a…
A Serpentine Belt is a simple device which, if neglected, can leave a driver stranded. In most cases, there is plenty of opportunity to avoid such a disaster. Simple inspections and paying attention to the performance of the vehicle gives a driver clues that the Serpentine Belt is in need of replacement. What Is It,…
The smell of something burning in your car can be caused by many issues relating to the engine or other systems in some cases. The smell could stem from things as simple as a belt or something more technical like burning oil. When these smells occur, the driver needs to take action right away in…
One of the most important and often neglected areas of car maintenance is the ignition and starting system. Most drivers don’t consider the many working parts that go into the simple act of inserting the key and putting the car into gear. There are a couple of different places to check when your car won’t…
No car owner loves or wants a cracked or chipped windshield. Even if the damage seems minimal, broken windshields are distracting and unattractive. While small cracks in the windshield seem to be harmless because the windshield itself is still intact, driving with windshield damage of any kind is a worse idea than many think it…
Your vehicle is one of the most important assets you own. It gets you from place to place and provides you a method of private transportation. That’s why it’s important to keep your vehicle running at optimum performance and to understand when to take it to a repair shop. You never want to be going…
When you buy a new car, it almost always comes with a warranty. Most people know that. Understanding that you have a warranty is great, but knowing about what voids it and what doesn’t is arguably more important. What most people don’t know is that you can go anywhere to get repairs on your vehicle…
