Oil Change Archives - Oldsmar Automotive

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.

Tips to Boost Fuel Economy

December 14, 2020 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

Although gas prices continue to remain low, you should always strive to get the most out of every tank. If you’ve noticed that you’re not going as many miles per tank as you once did, chances are something is off in your car’s system. Here are a few things you should check that may help boost fuel economy.

1. Tire Pressure

A tire that’s underinflated (which happens often in cooler temperatures) can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%. That may not sound like a lot but over time those miles add up! Just look inside your driver’s door or at the tires for proper pressure, expressed in PSI. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to boost fuel economy.

2. Air Filter

If you schedule regular maintenance like oil changes and tune-ups, you should have clean air filters. However, it’s always worth checking if you notice your fuel economy decreasing. Clean filters impact your car in many ways, one of which may be a boost in fuel efficiency.

3. Your Gas Cap

If yours is cracked or missing, you’re leaving your car open to potential damage and reduced fuel economy. The only solution is to replace yours. Newer cars don’t have gas caps but if your self-sealing fuel point isn’t closing, take your car to a mechanic.

4. Tune Up Recommendations

Every car has slightly different recommendations for when to perform a tune up and what should be checked or replaced. If you’ve never looked at your manual or keep putting off necessary maintenance, your fuel economy will suffer. You may also do damage to parts of your car by not replacing fluids or flushing systems.

5. Dash Indicators

Are there any indicators on your dashboard you’ve been ignoring? If so, call your local mechanic and have them check which code your vehicle has an alert. Things like a fault O2 sensor or other maintenance issue can impact your car in more ways than just reducing fuel efficiency.

If you need regular schedule maintenance like a tune up, new tires, a tire rotation, a fluid flush or just need to know why your dash light is on, come by Oldsmar Automotive. We’ll let you know if we see any thing that should be repaired to boost fuel economy. We’re conveniently located at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. If you prefer to make an appointment, call us at (727) 784-3501.

Don’t Neglect Your Delivery Vehicles

May 28, 2020 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

During this time of social distancing and take out only services, we’ve noticed many more business vehicles on the road. This many be a new or growth area for you. We want to remind you that the more you drive the vehicle, the more frequent the need for maintenance. Here are some things you should check on and if it’s time, schedule the service.

Tire Rotation

If you’re use to delivering a few times a week and now your company vehicle is being used every day, multiple times a day, you’re putting more miles on your tires. One way to help them last is with regular tire rotation. We know you like need the vehicle and if you call us to schedule a tire rotation, we’ll get you in on time, get the tires rotated and have you back out on the road when promised.

Oil Change

You may be use to changing the oil every three to four months as the sticker advises, but are you also paying attention to the mileage. Short trips (less than 10 miles) and frequent turning on and off the engine can lead to a need for more frequent oil changes, even if the manual recommends 5,000 – 7,500 miles. Check the dipstick for oil levels and its appearance. If you’re in doubt call us for an oil change. We’ll help you understand how frequently, based on the vehicle and driving patterns, you should be scheduling your oil changes.

Brakes

Brakes are susceptible to wear and tear just like the rest of your car, truck or van. If you’re not the one driving it, you may not realize that they aren’t stopping the car like they once did. We advise having your brakes checked about every six months or when your tires are rotated. Because you may have different people driving the vehicle, they may not mention that the brakes are squeaking or may not realize that the stopping distance isn’t what it once was. It’s never good advertising to be involved in an accident because of brake failure.

Oldsmar Automotive can help you keep your delivery vehicle in good mechanical condition. We’re here for minor services like an oil change or tire rotation and bigger needs from transmission fluid flushes and brake replacement. We only use quality parts and our ASE mechanics do the job as your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends. Call us today to schedule your maintenance appointment – (727) 784-3501. We’re conveniently located at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.

Now is a Great Time to Have Your Vehicle Serviced

May 14, 2020 By Oldsmar Automotive Leave a Comment

If you’ve been putting off routine maintenance or a necessary repair, now is a great time to schedule the work with your local mechanics. Not only are we open for business, but we have availability in our schedule to fit you in quickly. Plus, if you’re like many people, you’re not going into work so you won’t need to make alternate arrangements to get to work if we need your vehicle for more than just a day. Wondering about your car’s maintenance needs? Here are some things to think about.

Oil Change

If you look closely your car’s oil change reminder sticker doesn’t just have a mileage reminder, it also has a date reminder. That’s because even oil that’s sitting in your car or only being cycled through the engine occasionally breaks down. You don’t want to go beyond the date any more than you want to go beyond the mileage. Check your sticker for both and call your local mechanics if it’s time for an oil change.

50,000/100,000/150,000 Tune Ups

We know that tune ups can be costly, however, neglecting your car’s health can be more expensive than taking care of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance. Look at your car’s manual (or Google it) and see what you should have done and call your local mechanics. They can easily give you an estimate for the work and let you know how long it will take. By investing in your car’s health, it will last longer and cost less over its lifetime.

Fluid Flush

Many fluid flushes appear on the tune up schedules. However, we have more harsh driving conditions than some other parts of the country. This means that we need to pay attention to the appearance of our car’s fluids more often than some other parts of the country. It’s easy to check your fluids and it is something you should be doing regularly. Again, you manual, or Google, can tell you how to check your specific car’s various fluids.

Oldsmar Automotive is here to help you with your car’s maintenance and repair needs. Our team of local mechanics are ASE certified. We’re also happy to answer your questions over the phone or in person before we service your vehicle. Call us today at (727) 784-3501 or come by our facility at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.