What type of oil should I use in my car?
Rapid Oil Change Inc. recommends following the manufacturer’s recommendations. This information is easily found in the owner’s manual or stamped directly on the oil fill cap. It is sometimes stamped on the dip stick, as well. Most manuals provide a viscosity (thickness) chart based on climate and temperature; they list their recommended choice according to climate.
How often should I change my oil?
The conditions in which you operate your vehicle will dictate your recommended oil change interval. For instance, off road, construction and taxi cab vehicles may require much more frequent oil changes than someone who drives to work, school, church, and the grocery store on clean, paved roads.
A good rule of thumb is to change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. You can double this if you use synthetic oil.
What is included in my oil change?
We provide you with up to 6 quarts of premium motor oil, a top quality oil filter that meets OEM specifications, and lubrication, including u-joints where applicable; we check and fill all fluids*; we inspect belts, hoses, and wiper blades, and we check your tire pressure and adjust it as needed; we perform a light interior vacuum**, clean your windshield, and check your State inspection sticker for expiration.
We guarantee the oil and filters we use will not void your new car warranty. For more information on why we can make this promise, please click on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act banner in the right sidebar.
*Occasionally there is an extra charge for a special type fluid, but this is the exception, not the norm.
**We do not vacuum trunks or the rear of vans or limousines. We reserve the right to refuse to vacuum extremely dirty vehicles; we do not move personal items or possessions to vacuum the interior.
Why would my drain plug need to be changed?
Damage or wear can cause a drain plug not to seal properly. Most often, we find the head of the drain plug has been rounded or deformed. This can be caused if a previous oil changer used the wrong size or type wrench, or tried to overtighten the plug. The plug can be deformed if your vehicle has hit or scraped something that bent the plug or shaved the head off on one side. Examples of these impacts could include speed bumps, curbs, or road debris.
Another common reason for drain plug replacement is the threads on the drain plug and in the oil pan have become deformed from normal wear and tear associated with regular oil change services. Occasionally you will find threads deformed from over-tightening the drain plug. A properly trained Rapid Oil Change technician will never over-tighten and subsequently stretch and deform your drain plug threads.
Is it okay to switch between synthetic and conventional oil?
Yes. You may replace conventional oil with synthetic, or the other way around. No worries. However, you should never combine the two, or mix brands.
What are the benefits of synthetic oil?
Synthetic oil is far advanced over conventional oil. Its long-chain molecules provide better wear protection, maintain maximum horsepower, and cool internal engine parts much more efficiently.
Synthetic oil does not evaporate as quickly as conventional oil.
Synthetic oils protect vital engine parts better than conventional oil by bonding with engine components, and they maintain a film of protection even after an engine has cooled off, thus preventing wear at start-up much better than conventional oils.
What is difference between bulk oil and bottled oil?
Cost is the only difference. Bulk oil is delivered to us in sealed 55-gallon drums and transferred to our holding tanks. Bottled oil is purchased by the case and simply costs more. Rapid Oil Change guarantees all oil we sell, whether bulk or bottled. Our bulk oil sells so fast and at such a high volume it never becomes stale or old. We simply pass cost savings on to you, our valued customer.
What is a PCV valve?
This is a Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. This vital part re-circulates vapors formed inside the engine. The engine then re-burns the vapor, reducing pollutants in the environment.
An equally important function of the PCV valve is that it prevents sludge and deposits from building up in the engine. A clogged PCV valve will dramatically shorten an engine’s life.
Most PCV valves need replacing at 50,000 mile intervals; replacing your PCV valve is an inexpensive way to prolong your engine’s life.
Why do I need to change my air filter?
An engine uses 100 times more air than fuel. Your air filter removes dust, pollen, grit and other pollutants out of the intake air, keeping them from getting into your engine. Eventually, all these pollutants will cause your air filter to become dirty, which reduces airflow to the engine. This reduced airflow will reduce your engine’s life and your gas mileage. A dirty air filter also reduces engine performance, and can lead to costly repairs.
An air filter is designed to trap even the smallest particles of dirt and debris.
I do not recommend that you blow out or tap your air filter to remove contaminants, because inevitably some of these contaminants will wind up on the wrong side of the filter and get into your engine. A clean air filter is the correct remedy.
Most air filters are good for at least 15,000 miles under normal conditions. This part is reasonably priced.
What is a cabin air filter and what does it do?
A cabin air filter is similar to the air conditioning filter in your home. It literally cleans the air you breathe. It is vital to peak performance of your automobile’s air conditioning system. It prevents dust and dirt from clogging your evaporator core and other components.
A clean cabin air filter is essential for maximum cooling and heating.