What is an Oil Change?

An Oil Change is a regular auto maintenance service. This consists of removing the used oil in your engine and replacing it with oil. Over time, the oil in your vehicle deteriorates and gets dirty. When the breaking down happens, the oil is less slick and less effective at lubricating the parts of your engine.

Why is Engine Oil Important?

Engine oil plays a very significant role in the function of your overall engine. Engine oil’s primary purpose is to lubricate the moving parts within the engine. Without good oil, your vehicle’s engine cannot perform certain functions and each part cannot work together correctly. 

When Should My Vehicle Get An Oil Change?

In general, a vehicle’s oil should be changed approximately every 3,000 miles. If you arent counting the miles, your car’s oil should be changed at about three months. You should determine that by whichever method of counting comes first. If you just bought a car, then you should schedule an oil change every 6,000 miles or six months.

What Are the Benefits of an Oil Change?

There are many benefits of a proper oil change and these are why it is so important. This is of the most important routine vehicle maintenance services there is and should be done frequently. Some car owners discount the value of good oil running in their engine. The most obvious benefit is a fully functioning engine, but there are other great benefits.

• Routine Oil Changes Make A Clean Engine
• Lengthened Engine Lifespan
• Protection of Engine Parts
• Better MPG
• Increased Engine Performance

How Do I Know When My Car Needs an Oil Change?

AS stated previously, a vehicle’s oil should be changed approximately every 3,000 miles. If you arent counting the miles, your car’s oil should be changed at about three months. You should determine that by whichever method of counting comes first. If you just bought a car, then you should schedule an oil change every 6,000 miles or six months. Take into consideration these signs your vehicle needs an oil change that could be sooner than the calculated oil change time. 

7 Signs Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing

1. Oil Change or Check Engine Light Displays on the Dash
2. You can Hear the Cluncking and Clashing of Metal
3. Abnormal Engine Sounds
4. Discolored Oil
5. Dark Oil
6. Oil Odor Inside Your Vehicle
7. Driving Increased Mileage

What Happens if I Don’t Change My Oil?

When you don’t change your oil, the engine parts start to become dirty, damaged, and deteriorated, They no longer work together as smoothly as they should. After a while, your car could be toast! Once engine oil turns to muck, it no longer draws heat from the engine. The chances are, your engine could overheat and seise or in another case, blow a gasket.

Regular oil changes can help you prevent unexpected maintenance bills for a car that has gone too long without the necessary maintenance or even worse, repair time and fees that you never anticipated. 

It is recommended to have an auto maintenance schedule created for your vehicle to prevent future issues and help your vehicle live as long as possible. Auto maintenance schedules include oil changes. 

Will My Car Drive Better After an Oil Change?

After a regular oil change, your car will indeed drive better. You may not feel any big difference when driving but you may see your miles per gallon become better and your engine lives longer than you thought it would.

Get Your Oil Changed

If you are unsure when your vehicle needs an oil change or are in need of an oil change now, contact the professionals at Ray’s Muffler today for more information. We understand the importance of regular auto maintenance. Ray’s Muffler strives to provide the best oil changes and maintenance in Utah.

Muffler Replacement for my car?

The muffler is very important in the overall function of your automobile. With this being said, the muffler happens to be one of the most neglected car parts. Vehicle owners will typically overlook the muffler when an issue occurs with their vehicle. If the muffler is overlooked, unresolved problems with your vehicle’s muffler can remarkably reduce the efficiency of your car or can provoke harsh engine problems. 

The last thing you want to worry about is high auto repair bills that could have been avoided by having regular maintenance on your vehicle, keeping it in top condition. To avoid car problems and unexpected repair bills, it is crucial to monitor your car’s parts, including your muffler. 

What Do I Need To Know In Order to Avoid Mechanical Issues or Muffler Replacement?

You may be wondering how you can take precautions to avoid vehicle issues. It is quite common for vehicle owners to not understand the basic mechanics of their vehicle. We aren’t all Mechanics but it is wise to educate yourself on the basics. Leaning the basic mechanics and functions of your vehicle can ensure your car is in working condition, making you aware of possible problems. 

• Listen For Unusual Noises and Functioning
• Take An Auto 101 Course
• Do Your Research

Concerning your muffler, below you will find information that can help you see the signs of muffler issues.

Top 4 Signs You Need A Muffler Replacement

1. Blaring, Unusual Sounds
2. Fewer Miles Per Gallon
3. Engine Issues
4. Terrible Smelling Fumes

Blaring, Unusual Sounds

Many drivers “tune out” the sounds coming from their vehicles because they are listening to music or they don’t know what sounds are good or bad. When you are driving, turn down your radio volume and take the time to listen for odd sounds coming from your vehicle frequently. If your vehicle is blaring weird sounds, take a moment to check it out. If necessary, get help from a mechanic to diagnose the problem before it is too late. 

Fewer Miles Per Gallon

Have you been taking more frequent trips to the gas station to fill up your gas tank? This abnormal amount of gas tank fills could be a key indicator of exhaust system issues or muffler problems. One way to help monitor this is by tracking your Miles Per Gallon (MPG). When you have a fully functioning exhaust system and muffler, you can add to a better fuel economy. Read more about how mufflers affect gas mileage.

Engine Issues

Each piece of your vehicle works together harmoniously. When everything is running properly, it is composed like a harmonious song. With one part breaking, the “song” will come together correctly. In order for your engine to work correctly, all parts of your automobile must be functioning in conjunction efficiently, including your muffler. 

If you noticed that your vehicle not running like it usually does, unforeseen problems have come about, or your vehicle is showing warning signs such as the check engine light on your dash, these may be indicators that you need to replace or repair your muffler. The instant something appears wrong or abnormal with your automobile, stop by Ray’s Muffler for an inspection.

Terrible Smelling Fumes

Do you smell any odd fumes when you are driving or just running your vehicle? Do not disregard these smells! Investigate the fumes and contact a professional. Odd smells are key indicators for muffler issues and many other mechanical issues.

What Does It Sound Like When You Need A New Muffler?

The sounds that your exhaust makes voyages through the muffler. Loud screeching or blaring noises are common with muffler problems. Listen for odd noises coming from the muffler. These noises can be indicators of needed muffler replacement or repair.

When Is It Time To Replace My Muffler?

Usually, mufflers last roughly five to seven years depending on the vehicle, muffler, and condition of the overall vehicle’s function. There are several elements that can decrease the lifespan of the muffler such as regular exposure to speed bumps, salt on roads, and potholes. These are all factors that can cause premature wear and tear. 

Look for the Warning Signs

If you are experiencing mechanical issues or are seeing these signs addressed above with your own vehicle, stop in at Ray’s Muffler for a proper inspection and diagnosis before problems get out of hand. Neglected signs of muffler and engine problems can leave you with a broken-down automobile. Contact us today for more information. 

How long do car batteries last? While some people may give you an exact time period, not all car batteries are the same. If you are receiving different answers, read below to get a better understanding of battery lifespans and signs of a low battery. Contact Ray’s Muffler to schedule regular car maintenance.

Car Battery Lifespan

Turning the ignition only for nothing to happen can derail your commute and plans completely. Your car will typically need a new battery at about three to four years. Some car batteries will last five to six years. 

You may be wondering why there is not a concrete answer. The reason why there is no one definite answer for how long your battery can last is that there are many elements that can affect your battery life.

Things That Effect Battery Lifespan:

Take into consideration all of these effects. 

• Your Driving Habits
• The Place You Live
• Vehicle Inactivity
• Leaving the power on when the ignition is off
• Leaving the car key in the ignition

The two most significant factors that determine how long your battery can live are your climate and driving habits. If you live in a climate where the weather and temperature are hot, your car is more likely to die faster than if the climate is frigid.

In addition, If you leave an internal light in your car overnight or leave the key in the ignition, then there is a higher chance of draining the battery fast.

Regular Battery Check-Up

Car battery inspection is a part of regular, essential car maintenance. Getting your battery inspected and examined should be standard for your auto service visits after about three years. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t needed it replaced yet, it is a crucial area of inspection.

Track Your Car Battery Lifespan

It is a good idea to track the time you have had the car battery. However, it’s good to be aware of the signs you need a car battery because the last thing you want to experience is a dead battery when it is least expected.

Your Battery Is Low Because:

Many drivers do not understand when their car’s battery is low or in need of a replacement. They usually know once their car battery dies. Luckily, there are a few signs to be wary of that can determine if you need a new battery. 

A primary sign that you need a new battery is that your vehicle is taking a bit longer to start. You may be waiting for your ignition to turn over longer or hear your engine cranking for a longer duration than normal. This indicates that the charge of that battery has become weak. 

Are the car interior lights dimmer than usual? This could be a key indication that your car’s battery is dying. Depending on your vehicle, your dashboard may possess a lit icon that looks like your battery. It will notify you if your battery is low or the battery fluid is low. 

Last but not least, keep an eye out for damage to the battery. This damage can include corrosion, cracks, or even odd odors you can smell. This scent can smell like sulfur. 

Battery Replacement & Service at Ray’s Muffler

Ray’s Muffler can answer all questions about your car’s battery and tips for car care. Contact us today for more information and schedule a service.