General Automotive Information Archives

Common Questions About Oil Changes – Pt 2

December 29, 2021 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

oil change centers aren't the only option for oil change

In our last blog we answered two of the most common questions about oil changes. If you missed it, click here. Today we’re going to tackle a few more that not all oil change centers will easily answer for you. Of course, if your question isn’t answered in one of our blogs, call us and we’ll answer your question.

Do I Need Synthetic Oil?

Again, we default to the vehicle manufacturer to answer this question. Some manufacturers recommend it for performance. However, in the vast majority of vehicles it comes down to personal preference and driving styles. Synthetic oil will last longer and is often a better choice for owners who tend to drive far distances frequently. If you do mostly local driving and frequently have short trips, conventional oil may be a better choice.

Which Viscosity Oil Do I Need?

Most oil change centers will default to the manufacturer’s guidelines for this as well. However, if you are a full time Florida resident, you don’t need to worry about changing the viscosity during the winter or summer as it doesn’t get cold enough frequently enough to make a difference here. Make sure to let your mechanic know if you’re heading back north so they can take that information into consideration when they choose a viscosity.

If I Change My Oil Regularly, Do I Really Need a New Oil Filter Too?

Oil change centers aren’t trying to make an extra buck off of you by changing your oil filter. It needs to be changed with every oil change. Think of the oil filter like your air filter in your home. Over time it gets clogged. You’re wasting money on an oil change if you don’t also change your filter.

Let Oldsmar Automotive Help You Today

Oil change centers aren’t the only place for an oil change. Oldsmar Automotive offers complete care maintenance and repair services and can answer your questions about oil changes. If you have questions about vehicle maintenance, come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501. One of our ASE certified mechanics can look at your car or answer the questions you have regarding repair or maintenance.

Common Questions About Oil Changes

December 15, 2021 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

checking oil at home instead of at oil chane center

Although we’re ASE certified mechanics, which means we’re more than just an oil change center, we do perform a lot of oil changes. And, we hear many questions from both experienced and new vehicle owners. We thought we’d try to answer some of the most common ones over these next two blogs.

Why Is My Reminder Sticker Set to 3,000 Miles?

Unfortunately, that’s the default for the majority of the oil change centers out there. There was a time when almost every vehicle’s manual did recommend an oil change at 3,000 miles. However, unless you have an older car, your vehicle likely has another recommendation. In general today’s common recommendations range from 5,000 to 15,000 miles depending on the type of oil used, driving conditions and they type of engine. If you have a new car, chances are good that there’s an oil use light that will tell you when it’s time for an oil change.

Do I Need to Check My Oil if I Have a Newer Car?

Yes! Although new cars have sophisticated computers that often indicated when your oil is low or it’s time for an oil change, they’re not perfect. If you’re planning a long trip or don’t recall the last time you had an oil change, check it. And, if the sticker says it’s time for an oil change but you know it’s been far less than the recommended number of miles, take a look at the level and the color. If you notice that it’s low and looks dirty, head to your oil change center.

Stay Tuned for Our Next Blog

Still have questions about oil changes? These are our two most frequently asked questions. In our next blog, we’ll answer the next most common ones. However, if you’re in need of an oil change center before then and have questions, call us at (727) 784-3501 or come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar and ask! One of our ASE certified mechanics will be happy to answer your questions and get your oil changed if it’s time.

Facts About Hybrid Maintenance

June 30, 2021 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

Hybrid vehicles require some of the same type of maintenance as full gas engine vehicles. Neglecting maintenance on a hybrid can lead to vehicle breakdown, lower fuel economy and higher repair bills. However, hybrid maintenance does differ in some ways from traditional gas or diesel maintenance.

Fewer Oil Changes

Because your engine isn’t always running, you won’t need an oil change as frequently. Although every manufacturer recommends something different for their engines, you will likely find that your owner’s manual suggests oil changes somewhere between every 7,500 and 10,000 miles. It’s always a good idea to check the oil level every 5,000 miles or every three months to avoid an issue.

Same Tire Rotation Schedule

Even if you don’t need an oil change as frequently, if you want your tires to last and keep you safe, you still need to rotate those about every 7,500 miles. There are few exceptions to this, so consult your owner’s manual.

Longer Brake Pad Life

Because hybrids use the braking to recharge the battery, your brake pads don’t experience as much heat or friction. This means they last longer. However, the rule is still the same, once you hear squealing, it takes longer to stop or there’s vibration when you stop, it’s time to have your brakes checked.

Battery

One misconception many people have is that there is only one battery in a hybrid vehicle. However, there are two. The traditional 12-volt battery that gasoline engines need and the hybrid battery that gives the car the increased gas mileage. Your 12-volt lead-acid battery can and will die in the hybrid’s gasoline engine compartment just like it would in a gasoline only vehicle. Plan on replacing it as you would any car’s battery.

The hybrid battery has a longer warranty, perhaps as long as ten years or 100,000 miles. After that you may need to replace the hybrid battery. Your car can’t run, even on gasoline, with a dead hybrid battery.

Trust Oldsmar Automotive with All Your Routine Maintenance

Whether you need an oil change, new brakes, or other regularly schedule maintenance on your hybrid vehicle, trust Oldsmar Automotive. Our ASE certified mechanics understand both traditional gasoline engines as well as hybrid engines. Call us today at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment or come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar for service today.

Your Car’s Ventilation System

June 15, 2021 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

You likely know there’s an air filter under your hood. Most oil change service centers include checking the engine air filter as part of their oil change service. They’ll even let you know if you need a new engine air filter and most of the time can replace it for you. However, do you know that there’s likely at least one more air filter in your vehicle? It’s your cabin air filter and part of your vehicle’s ventilation system.

Why Your Car’s Ventilation Needs Regular Attention

Do you remember how your car was yellow just a few months ago? All that pollen that sits on your car also gets in the ventilation when you’re driving. The air filters help keep it out of the car’s cabin. Bugs, especially love bugs and their many parts, can also end up in the ventilation system without the help of air filters. In cars that aren’t driven every day, rodents and lizards may find their way into an air filter. Add in construction dust and regular air pollution and you can quickly see why you may need a new cabin air filter.

Where is My Cabin Air Filter and How Often Should I Change it?

The exact location differs on every car, your manual should tell you where to find it. In some vehicles it’s located in the engine compartment and in others it’s accessible from the car’s interior. It is not the same size as your engine air filter so don’t purchase that expecting it to fit.

As for when it needs to be changed, just like the engine air filter, the best answer is whenever it gets dirty. Your driving conditions and the season may impact that. At the very least, you should check it every 6 months and always replace it about 15,000 miles or annually. Breathing clean air is more enjoyable than breathing polluted air.

Oldsmar Automotive Offers Complete Routine Maintenance Services

When your car needs its regular maintenance, whether it’s an oil change, 50,000 mile check up or tire rotation, come to Oldsmar Automotive. If you’ve never checked your cabin air filter, let us know and we’ll check it and replace it if necessary, upon request with our other services. Come in to our convenient location at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule your service.

Road Trip Car Maintenance Essentials

May 14, 2021 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

If you’re heading out on a road trip this summer, you’ve likely already done a lot of planning. If you’ve not planned your car maintenance, don’t skip that essential step. You don’t want your trip disrupted because your car has an issue. Here are some car maintenance essentials you need to do before hitting the road.

Get an Oil Change

Although every car’s needs vary, most recommend an oil change somewhere between 3,000 – 7,500 miles. An oil change is one of the most affordable and best ways to ensure your car will run as it should the entire trip. Plus, most oil change services also include checking air pressure in your tires along with a few other safety checks.

Speaking of Tires

Do you need new tires? What about a tire rotation? A blow out is dangerous and a flat tire is inconvenient to say the least. Don’t risk your safety with old tires or ones that should be rotated. Schedule a tire rotation or buy new tires before you head out.

Other Fluids

Although oil is the most talked about fluid that keeps your vehicle operating smoothly, it’s not the only one. You also need to have your transmission, power steering, brake, and coolant (or antifreeze) checked. Although they don’t need changing as often as oil, they’re still essential fluids for your car to operate. It’s also a good idea to top off your windshield washer fluid.

Lights & Wipers

Before you go, take a walk around your car with the help of another person. Make sure all your lights are operating properly. This will help you stay safe on the road. If your wiper blades are cracking or you’ve noticed they’re not doing a great job of clearing your windshield, replace those before you go.

Do You Need an Inspection?

If you’re unsure about your fluids, oil and tires, bring your car to Oldsmar Automotive. We offer complete car maintenance services before your road trip or anytime. You can stop by our convenient location at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment.