Posted on 8/2/2019
Types of Oil When your vehicle needs an oil change, you can't dump in just any kind of motor oil you select from the shelf at an auto parts store. Motor oils come in different classes, and vehicles have their own requirements for proper motor oil and performance. As experts in vehicle maintenance, Austin's Automotive Specialists in Hutto, Texas follows factory recommendations for oil changes and ensures our customers always get the right fluid for their specific vehicle. Here are the five major kinds of oil we work with! Conventional Oil Conventional oil is the most widely used oil for a variety of vehicles. It's used and sold in bulk at dealerships and automotive stores because it works for many vehicles. Most vehicles with low-mile, but broken-in engines will use this kind of oil. Premium Conventional Oil Premium conventional is considered the standard for new vehicles. They come in viscosities to cover most light-duty vehicles on the road in all of their driving purposes. But more h ... read more
Posted on 8/2/2019
Essential Services: Explained Are you curious about what is done during routine oil change service? Here's what happens when you bring your vehicle to Austin's Automotive Specialists in Lakeway, Texas for its service. Remove Old Oil Once your vehicle is carefully parked in our bay, our technicians raise the vehicle to easily access components underneath. They drain the old motor oil into a pan for safe disposal, being careful of parts and the oil itself that may be hot. It may take a few minutes for all of the oil to drain out. The drain plug and gasket are inspected and cleaned before being replaced. Change the Oil Filter Oil filters accumulate contamination and must be replaced with the proper fitting filter during oil change services. When loosening the oil filter, our technicians are careful to catch any trapped oil in the drain pan. The filter gasket is primed with a light coating of the new motor oil for smooth installation. Then, the new oil filter is tightened into place. Add N ... read more
Posted on 8/2/2019
Maintenance Schedule So you know that you need to get your vehicle's oil changed regularly, but how do you know exactly when? Here are a few ways to determine when it's time to visit Austin's Automotive Specialists in Leander, Texas for your next oil change service! Check Your Owner's Manual When your vehicle was made, the manufacturers understood everything about it. They know what is needed to keep it running at its best and have included that information in your owner's manual. You can find their recommended maintenance schedule inside with intervals for oil changes. This information serves as a general guideline for service, but since individual driving habits vary between individuals, it can't account for situations that may require more frequent oil changes. For example, if you drive more than the average person, your vehicle will need oil changes sooner. Use Your Vehicle's Monitoring System Newer vehicles come equipped with computers that track and measure the car's condition. T ... read more
Posted on 8/2/2019
Why You Need This Service If there's one thing you need to do for your vehicle, it's changing the motor oil. Cars aren't designed to run without clean motor oil and if it's left to circulate through the engine beyond its ideal timeline, serious damage can occur. Luckily for drivers in Round Rock, Texas, Austin's Automotive Specialists can perform oil changes to keep all kinds of vehicles healthy. We're sharing four key reasons why you need to get your vehicle's motor oil changed! Lubrication Motor oil contains helpful additives that lubricate engine components and prevent damage from friction and overheating. It helps parts move smoothly and efficiently, but these additives don't last forever. Once they wear out, the motor oil doesn't serve its purpose to lubricate parts and the vehicle is susceptible to damage from the heat of excess friction. Contamination Have you ever noticed that dirt and debris always find a way into your vehicle? The debris ends up in the engine and can cause bu ... read more
Posted on 12/15/2018
It can be tricky trying to figure out the right motor oil for your car or truck for when you want to do an oil change in South Austin, TX. The best place to start is by checking your car's or truck's manual. The first thing you need to note is the suggested oil weight. Then the next step involves choosing a good motor oil brand. American Petroleum Institute Standards Check the bottle of motor oil to see if it has a starburst symbol. This symbol will indicate that the oil has been tested and has met the API—American Petroleum Standards. There should also be a 2-character service designation on the label. Your final step is to choose an oil with a suitable viscosity for your vehicle. Choosing Oil Viscosity Motor oil in your engine will thin as it heats up, and thicken as it cools. This is why you need to choose an oil that functions well in either type of environment. A 10W-30 oil will have less viscosity when cold or hot tha ... read more