Oil Change Near Henrietta
Getting routine oil changes is a big part of keeping your vehicle in top running order. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, many drivers neglect to do this; they put it off until they think they have a problem, or they simply forget to have it done. When this happens, you can have real issues with your vehicle, including damage to your engine and transmission. When you factor in the cold weather we get during the winter here in Upstate New York, as well as our hot, humid summers, you could be brewing a recipe for disaster if you don’t get routine oil changes.
At Ralph Honda, we are proud to service all makes and models for our friends who live nearby; this is why so many folks make the drive when they are looking for an oil change near Henrietta. In fact, we are just a quick fifteen-minute drive away! This short trip can be the difference between your car working optimally in all weather conditions or having serious problems. Take the quick trip to Ralph Honda to keep your car roadworthy.
Oil Changes: Why Are They Important?
If your vehicle's fuel is its food, its oil is its lifeblood. Motor oil is vital for lubricating all of the moving parts in your engine, making sure that your gears don’t tear themselves apart; it also helps keep the engine block stable by dissipating the heat, which prevents its moving parts from warping under fatigue. In their high-stress environment, these parts produce tiny metal filings that are carried away by the oil and captured in the oil filter; when the oil is changed regularly, you keep the engine's lubrication clean enough to keep lubricating.
Unfortunately, engine oil does not last forever. When it is new, it will look almost clear with a slight brown tinge, but over time, the oil will break down, losing viscosity and becoming almost black in color. If this happens, it will no longer be capable of lubricating the parts of your vehicle’s engine and transmission. In fact, it can start to cause problems, with your engine performing poorly. You may notice black smoke coming from your exhaust or an oily smell inside the passenger compartment. Your car’s fuel economy will suffer, too, and so will its performance. If you wait too long, you may even seize your engine.
When you come in for an oil change, the technician will elevate your vehicle, remove the oil receptacle, and drain the oil into a container for disposal. Next, we will remove and replace the oil filter. (Over time, the filter becomes filled with dirt and debris to the point where it will no longer function.) Finally, our technician will replace the oil with the proper type as suggested by your manufacturer’s specifications, checking for levels and leaks. Once this is done, you are ready to get back on the road!
Oil changes are something to do on a routine basis. In general, most new cars will need to have their oil changed at least once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However, some makes and models use fully synthetic motor oil with a range of up to 15,000 miles between changes. If you drive an older model or tend to speed or ride the brakes, then you may need more frequent oil changes. Fortunately, many vehicles come with a monitor that will indicate when it is time for your next oil change. No matter what you do, you should get your oil changed at least once every twelve months.
Other Maintenance Services We Offer
Oil changes are probably the most important routine maintenance that must be done on your vehicle. However, some other parts and features need attention as well. At our dealership, we feature a service department that can help you with all of these needs, from routine maintenance to major repairs.
Another crucial component is your tires. Their treads help funnel water and sediment away so that they can maintain a solid grip on the pavement. Unfortunately, tire treads do not wear evenly; if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, your front tires will wear down more quickly than the rear pair, while the opposite is true with rear-wheel drive models. In addition, making turns puts wear on different points of each tire. Over time, this uneven wear on the treads will affect the handling, traction, and braking of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should have your tires rotated at least once a year. This involves switching the right rear one with the left front one and the left rear one with the right front one. In addition, you should have your tires checked for proper pressure, leaks, and punctures. Our team can help you with all of your tire needs.
Another component that wears down is the pads on your vehicle’s brakes. These provide a cushion for the discs, so if they wear down, your vehicle’s stopping distance can increase. Also, when the pads have uneven wear, you can begin to feel your vehicle pull to one side; this may even occur if you hit a bump, rut, or pothole, knocking your wheels out of alignment. We can replace the pads, repair the discs and calipers if needed, and even perform a wheel alignment if necessary.
Engine oil is not the only fluid necessary to operate your vehicle. Transmission fluid helps the parts of this feature function properly. If you get dirt or debris on your windshield, you may need to use windshield washer fluid to keep it clean. Even your brakes use fluid to operate the various parts. When you bring your car in for service, our technicians will check all fluid levels and top off if needed.
We will also perform a multi-point inspection after servicing your vehicle. This will let you know if there are any potential problems. For example, batteries may lose charge, especially during the winter. If this happens, you may have trouble starting your engine. We can replace your battery if necessary. Your cabin air filter helps remove unpleasant odors and particles from the air inside your passenger compartment; over time, this filter becomes clogged with debris, at which point we can replace it. Each of these services will go a long way to helping you get the most out of your vehicle.
Why See Us for Your Servicing?
While many people think of Ralph Honda as a great place to buy a car, truck, or SUV from the Honda brand, they don’t realize that we can service any make and model of vehicle. Our service department is staffed with experienced technicians who can help you with everything from routine oil changes to major repairs and everything between.
When you get your vehicle serviced by a dealership, you have the peace of mind that the work is being done by someone with a vested interest in your satisfaction. This is why we rank #1 for customer satisfaction. We have spent years building our reputation with hard work and dedication; this not only applies to selling new and used vehicles but is the case with our service department. What’s more, the fact that we sell used models from other brands means our technicians have gained unparalleled knowledge of the mechanics of different types of vehicles; thus, they are experienced enough to help you with any vehicular issue.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained will give you years of excellent performance. Conversely, failing to do routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations will reduce a vehicle’s performance, fuel economy, and handling. As a result, you risk getting stranded when it breaks down, or worse, getting into an accident because the brakes and tires are not functioning properly.
At Ralph Honda, our team of trained technicians will help keep your vehicle running optimally by providing you with the services you need. Whether you require an oil change, tire rotation, brake job, or other repair or maintenance, we will handle it for you using only authentic parts designed for your vehicle. For example, if you need an oil change, we will only use the proper fluid; this level of certainty goes for all of the other repairs and replacements that your vehicle needs.
At Ralph Honda, we are dedicated to giving you the best service your vehicle has ever had. Set an appointment today so we can get to work.