Hi friends,
I’m sure you’ll agree that getting back to the “normal” lifestyle that we all deserve is nice. I enjoy seeing friends and relatives again. In doing so, I’m getting asked a lot of questions about oil life and tires since some people have relied less on their vehicles during COVID-19. You may have similar questions now that you’re back behind the wheel again. I can provide some advice to help you make sense of these two critical items.
Because I’m known as the “oil guy,” one question I often get asked is: why do I need to change my oil if I’m not driving as much? Well, today’s engines give us more horsepower (way more) and burn less fuel (way less) than ever. Motor oil plays a fundamental role in this, and just because our vehicles have been sitting for a few months doesn’t necessarily mean the oil can last a few months more.
Due to lack of driving, unburned fuel and condensation build up in the oil and on critical engine parts because it is not bring burned off. Fuel can thin oil, which is not good. I always tell my family and friends to check their owner’s manual or the electronic oil meter on their vehicle. If it tells you that your oil life is low or if you surpass the six-month time interval for oil changes, it’s important to get it changed. For around $100, it is the cheapest maintenance (by far) you can do on your vehicle. Oil change maintenance will pay off for years of driving!
I also get a lot of questions about tire pressures, especially now that we are getting into cooler months. Your car will probably tell you that your tire pressure is low once temperatures start to dip below 10 degrees. If that happens, a tire pressure light will come on in your vehicle, indicating pressure is low in one of your tires. That is somewhat normal, as air compresses in the cold and some air is lost through the tire and wheel assembly process.
I suggest checking your tire pressures every week during seasonal transitions (summer to fall, fall to winter) or whenever your vehicle’s tire monitoring system tells you to check them. If your vehicle has its original sized rims and tires, you should always set your tire pressure to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. These can be found in your owner’s manual, on the tire placard on the inside of your driver’s side door, or inside your gas filler door. Make sure you try to maintain tire pressures, so you stay safe and get the best life out of your tires.
I won’t want you out in the cold, paying money to figure this out. If you need help with your tire pressures, don’t throw a loonie in the air machine at the gas station. Instead, drive into your local Jiffy Lube®, and we’ll adjust them at no charge; that’s part of our service to our loyal customers.
If you are a regular with us, it will be good to see you again. If you are new to us, welcome! We hope we have earned your trust as your maintenance spot in town.
Enjoy the changing seasons and be safe.
– Albert