With __ convenient locations across Western Canada, Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres is committed to precision, promptness, and expert service.
Regular maintenance today means fewer headaches and lower repair bills tomorrow. Visit us for expert service and peace of mind — your car (and your wallet) will thank you.
Stay cool. Drive confident
Oil Change Maintenance
Driving on BC’s hilly roads, in damp weather conditions and heavy urban traffic can be challenging for your car – Minit- Tune & Brake can help extend the life of your engine. Regular vehicle inspection, maintenance, and oil change services will protect your investment in your vehicle. For affordable, quick, and convenient oil change services in Vancouver, as well as across Alberta and BC areas, such as Surrey and Langley, among others, drivers know that they’ll find superior service and substantial savings at their nearby Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre garage.
Time for an Oil and Filter Change?
A regular schedule of oil and filter changes is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your car in good condition. The conventional wisdom of an oil change every 5,000 km has changed somewhat with greater concern for the environment and advances in both engine design and engine oil formulation.
Today’s engines can be maintained with oil changes at longer intervals, up to 8,000 km by utilizing full synthetic oil, and depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the kind of driving you do. For stop-and-start highway driving, for instance, or cold weather extremes, you might need more frequent oil changes to protect your engine. Drive in to any Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres location and ask our trained mechanics about the right type of oil and an appropriate schedule for your vehicle’s oil change.
Your Vehicle Will Tell You When It Needs an Oil Change
Forgotten the date of your last oil change? It might be time to bring your car in if you can’t remember the last time you had an oil change done. Don’t ignore the other signs you should be on the lookout for, including:
- Engine noise
- Check engine light
- Black oil when you check oil levels
- Oily leaks under your vehicle
Regular Multi-Point Maintenance Inspection
When you bring your vehicle to Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres, our mechanics will also do a thorough visual inspection of your vehicle. Our inspection includes:
- Brakes – front and rear brake systems
- Front-End – shock absorbers, struts and steering components
- Exhaust System – catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, manifold and gaskets
- Electrical System – battery, lights, horn and wipers
- Tires – tread depth, rotate tires and adjust tire pressure
- Cooling System – hoses, clamps, water pump and radiator
- Belts – alternator, power steering and air conditioning belts
- Fluids – level and quality of all critical fluid levels
Drive in to one of our 14 Vancouver, BC, and Alberta locations – you’re likely within 20 minutes of the most reliable car mechanics in your area. We have busy shops in Richmond, New Westminster, and more! When you drive out of your local Minit-Tune Brake, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your car and your passengers are safe on the road.
FAQs
While actual driving and mileage play huge factors in your oil’s lifespan, so does time (including time not spent driving). Motor oil breaks down over time, although at a slower pace when the vehicle is not frequently in use, and it is very important to have the quality checked regularly. Your owner’s manual will indicate optimal oil-change frequency but, if you’re not sure, our mechanics can do a visual inspection and determine whether or not your oil needs to be changed.
Generally speaking, you should stick to one type and grade of oil. Switching brands is fine, but the type of motor oil (conventional, synthetic, etc.) and grade (0W20, 5W20, 5W30, 10W30) should remain consistent throughout the life of your vehicle. Many newer vehicles have tighter internal engine tolerances that require a thinner grade (i.e. 0W20, 5W20, etc.) of oil for efficient cold starting of the vehicle engine. Furthermore, newer high-performance engines also require the use of synthetic motor oil that has superior lubricating properties, and stands up to higher operating temperatures. If you’re contemplating a change, visit a Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centre location near you and we’ll help you choose the best option, without putting your vehicle at risk.
Rigorous testing has proven that synthetic oil lubricates and stands up to high heat better than conventional motor oil. While it is specifically designed for high-performance engines, as well as high-mileage vehicles, synthetic oil is beneficial to all cars for the above reasons, and also because it will improve your car’s fuel mileage. It comes at a slightly higher cost, so we’ll help you decide if making the switch is worth it for your specific vehicle.
As your engine runs, all the moving parts create friction and heat. This heat breaks down oil, over time, and causes it to lose lubricating efficacy over time (oil turns black and gummy). Once the oil is completely broken down, your engine’s moving parts are no longer properly lubricated, and this can lead to serious consequences. Changing your oil regularly ensures the optimal functioning of your engine, and keeps it cool by reducing friction and moving heat away.
Unfortunately, no. Your “Check Engine” light will only switch on if there is some sort of malfunction occurring with your vehicle. You need to personally track the amount of time your oil has been in your car, as well as the mileage you’ve travelled with your current oil. If your “Check Engine” light is on, bring your car in and we’ll run a diagnostics test to pinpoint the issue.
Trust the experts at Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres
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