YOU can Save Money with Your Automotive Repairs, follow theses steps

January 29, 2014

It has been some time since l have updated our company blog, but we have appreciated all the replies, comments we have had on this blog. So we have decided to show some simple steps that will help you save more money with your repair bills.

I have been working on a package for all our clients, or new clients to down load, providing tips on how to save money with you're automotive repairs. Just by following some simple steps, that will add years to the life of you're vehicle. Not to mention the savings you will enjoy.

If there are any topics on repairs that you need advise on, please feel free to leave a comment or just email us your concerns, and we will answer them as professionally as possible. 

Our mission statement has never changed, taking care of our customers is priority number one, we work on an appointment base, this way you are in and out with any surprises. We provide you with either a verbal or written quote on all the work that is needed, before we do any of the work.  

One of the outstanding features we offer our clients is all the work we do on your vehicle is calculated by the hour not by what it calls on the book. So if book job pays 2.5 hours, and we do it in 1.5 hours then you would be charged 1.5 hours, not like some shops who charge by the book, and you would be paying 2.5 hours for work that was done in 1.5 hours. 

Educating our customers is an important part of our service we provide, listening to what you have to say or need done is very important to us. This way we are all on the same page. 

For more up to date information you can always visit our Fan Page on FaceBook, and clicking the "Like Button" means a lot to us. We have made every effort, for you to share this information with your friends, who also need advise on how to keep their vehicle running at peak performance. 

Here is the information that l said we would supply you with for keeping your repair costs as low as possible, by following the steps in that package l designed for all of you who want to save on repair bills. 

How to Read Tire Codes and Understand What They Mean from jfbmarketing

RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com
TIRECRAFT!! We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

Summer Recommendation for keeping your vehicle running efficient

June 6, 2013

Perhaps we should not be in a panic to get our vehicle ready for summer driving. With the way the weather has been who knows what our next season will be. Sooner or later mother nature will provide us with some warmer and perhaps hot weather.

Some of the key areas you will need to focus on with your vehicle are listed below to ensure you that you have your vehicle running at it's peak performance.

Check or replace your tires.
If you have two sets of tires, one for winter driving and the other for summer driving you should have had them installed already by your local garage. They should be properly balanced, correct (PSI) and do not forget to go back and have them re-check for tightness after you had them mounted. this should be don within 30 - 50 kms of driving as a safety precautionary.

Lube Oil and change all your filters
Changing your oil should be done every 5,000 kms or 3,000 miles regardless of what your manufacturer say's it is the blood line and will add additional life to your investment. Air Filter, fuel filter should all be changed and one other filter not many think of is the cabin air filter. A cabin air filter is a mechanism that keeps air inside the passenger compartment of your vehicle from becoming stale and unhealthy. Many consumers are not even aware their vehicle has a cabin air filter. Normally found inside the dash or else where where it is not easily seen. More Information on this subject 

Coolant and Air Conditioning System
rust and sediment will accumulate over a period of time in the cooling system. When your flushing your radiator according to the guide lines provided to you in your owners manual will keep your vehicle cooling system clean and operating properly. More Information on this subject.

Your Air Conditioning system should be fully inspected. Coolant is subject to rapid break down because it functions in a hot and hostile environment. When the coolant's rust inhibitors get depleted, the confined cooling passages in the engine and radiator are vulnerable to corrosion. This should be down at a proper garage that has expertise in this field.

Have all Your Belts and Hoses Inspected
Your belts and hoses are basically the blood line to keeping your engine operating at its peak performance. When a hose or a belt fails, it can or will cause an engine to overheat, loss of power steering and loss of the electrical charging system.  Read more Information on this subject

The Last Tip we all know but forget at times.
Never leave a pet in a hot vehicle, the temperature can reach unbearable conditions and may cause instant death.

Book your vehicle to have all the summer maintenance that it requires, we save you a great deal of time, frustration and most of all avoid costly future repairs that could have been easily avoided.

RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com
TIRECRAFT!! We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

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Honest-1 Auto Care Revs Up its Industry Recognition with Respected Oil & Lube Magazine Ranking

Second Industry Award of 2013 Puts Growing Auto Care Chain in Center of Conversation of Lube Shops

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Honest-1 Auto Care (Honest-1), a national full-service auto care company that is 100 percent ESA® Certified Eco-Friendly, was named number 31 on Oil & Lube Magazine’s annual Tops In The Industry Rankings for 2013. The company increased five spots from their number 36 rank in 2012.

“We are thrilled to be chosen as one of Oil & Lube Magazine’s top oil change locations this year since our locations are constantly focusing on these cornerstone auto care jobs,” said Chip Baranowski, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest-1 Auto Care. “While our mechanics are trained to handle most repairs, oil changes remain at the center of our 21-point inspection, or patented ECO 360 oil.”

Each year, the publication conducts an extensive research program to quantify and rank the top auto care changes in not only the nation, but internationally, as well. The rankings particularly looked at “fast lube” locations, or those organizations deriving much of their income from quick, convenient oil change services and other preventative car care maintenance. It also takes into account “plus” locations having dual profit centers, such as muffler shops, auto care shops and mass merchant retailers. Companies offering oil changes as simply an additional service, but not the prime focus, were left off the list.

In total, 54 fast lube change companies were selected and 57 oil change plus locations were selected, with Honest-1 being in the plus category for its diversity in maintenance offerings. Coming off the brand’s inclusion in the eighth annual Franchise Business Review’s 2013 Franchise Satisfaction Awards (FBR50), the only awards program to rank companies based solely on actual franchise satisfaction, this ranking helps position Honest-1 as a major player in the industry.

Aiming to fix the auto care customer experience, Honest-1 took the time to re-define how the entire experience should look and feel, from the customer service members at the front desk to the waiting areas and top-quality amenities available while customers wait. Honest-1 is not only the best option for all consumer bases, who need all scopes of service work, from basic oil changes to full transmission diagnostics and complete auto repair services, but one that any car owner would feel comfortable spending time in. Plus, Honest-1 utilizes technology to review repairs with their customers by showing the customer their vehicle and service issue in 3D interface to visually see their vehicle needs, and not just hear it from their customer service manager.

“We know the customer has a myriad of options to choose from for their auto care service,” said Rissy Sutherland, COO of Honest-1 Auto Care. “But we like to think that we ‘get’ our customer better than any other company in the segment. Not only will you feel fully confident in our auto care services, you will also be able to relax and get what you need to get done while we service your vehicle, making your experience much more efficient and satisfying.”

Honest-1 Auto Care plans to expand into markets around the country including, Phoenix, Atlanta, Nashville, Indianapolis, Miami, Orlando, Raleigh, Charlotte, Michigan, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Denver, and many others. For more information about Honest-1 franchising, visit www.h1franchise.com. 

To read the full article and findings, please click here: http://noln.epubxp.com/i/110840

Tips for Safe winter driving

February 6, 2013

Winter tips for safe driving and protecting your vehicle for the long haul, some of these recommendation are advise directly from AAA. Just a good reminder for all of us who have to drive in the winter.

-Avoid driving while your fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter tasks reduces driving risks.
-Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as your garage.
-Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
-Never mix radial tires with other tire types
-Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze up.
-If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
-Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand.)
-Always look and steer where you want to go.
-use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle

Use the above items as a check list for safe driving this winter and always perform a walk around once and a week and make sure your tire pressure is accurate. Check the inside of the drivers door for the correct (PSI) for your vehicle never use the tire pressure on your tires that is suggested on your tires.

This is what could happen driving

in a nasty winter storm

RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com
TIRECRAFT!! We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

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Why "RJ's" charges by the hour not by the Book!

November 9, 2012

Something that is over looked by many customer, for the simple reason they have
not really understood how the hours where calculated on specific work done to their vehicles. Most shops use a fix rate for each specific job that is worked on. Let's take this example into consideration a "Front Brake Job" including replacing  "Front Rotors" and "Ceramic Pads," calls for 2 hours, most good techs will do this in hour or less. But the customers will be charged for 2 hours not the one hour it took the tech to perform this work.

This is called a flat rate system that most repair shops use in order to accumulate additional hours towards their pay checks and repair shop, it is a win, win situation for the repair shop and the tech. Here at RJ Pick Up Service we charge by the hour if took us 3 real hours and the book calls for 4.5 hours you will only get charged the 3 hours. This is what we call a share win, we both benefit from this process, your happy and we have your business for future service.

This system has been in place since day one here at RJ Pick Up Service! Well most shops are empty we have had a steady flow of work and on some cases had to turn work away or re book for another time and day. So next time you get any work done on your vehicle you should ask this question is your shop on a flat rate or hourly rate. When you compare quotes, you will see a drastic difference in pricing from hourly rate to a flat rate quote.

Our main focus here is too educate our customer through articles we write about on how to maintain your vehicle and keep your vehicle running to it's peak performance. By sharing this type of information we all benefit; we do work that is only needed to be done, and keeps our shop busy, all that really matters. Thanks to our loyal customers and look forward to our future customers.


Now is the time to also to change your tires and have your winter tires installed, call us for an appointment and we will also make sure your vehicle is totally ready for the up coming winter.


RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com
TIRECRAFT!! We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

What to ask before getting your next oil change

September 24, 2012

Oil changes are probably the most common automotive services - performed so frequently that consumers may often pass up the opportunity to get more for their service dollar.

With auto-makers trying to gain increased efficiency, the "ordinary" oil change is become more comprehensive. Not only are companies recommending synthetic oil, but many auto -makers are developing their own oil specifications.

"The best way for consumers to ensure that they're getting optimal protection and using a product that meets factory specs is to ask a few questions to their service provider," says Jay Buckley, an ASE-certified master mechanic and technical training manager at Fram Group.

Doing your homework by reading the owner's manual is always a plus, he notes, but simply knowing what to ask will go a long way. Here are Buckley's recommendations:

Ask what is included in the service.
Many dealers and service stations bundle several different inspections in with the oil change. It's a great time for a mechanic to inspect brakes, hoses and under-car components to help stop a small problem from becoming a big and expensive one. In most cases, these additional inspections are a bargain.

Ask if the right specification of motor oil is being used.
Oil-change facilities like to use "bulk oil," which as the name implies, is a single viscosity grade and specification of oil bought in bulk from a supplier.  It will often suffice for many motor vehicles, but certainly not all. If your car or SUV requires a specialized formula of motor oil, such as a high-efficiency 0W-20 synthetic, or a manufacturer's specification, such as GM dexos, this "standard" oil may cause problems and potential invalidate the new-car warranty.

Ask if a premium oil filter will be installed.
Often overlooked during an oil change is the quality of the oil filter. A premium filter, such as Fram UltraTM, can trap more damaging dirt from circulating through your engine. In standardized tests, this filter had double the dirt-holding capacity of the leading economy filter brands average. the ability to trap and hold harmful particles for as much as 24,000 km or 14,400 miles becomes much more important as auto-makers extend service intervals, often to just once a year.

How your mechanic handles these questions can help you determine if "YOU" trust his or her work. Not only that, but you'll become an informed consumer, more knowledgeable about protecting your automotive investment.

This is articles Courtesy of News Canada


RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com
TIRECRAFT!!   We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

How often should l change the oil on my vehicle?

May 17, 2012

As a rule of thumb, you should have your oil changed every 5,000 KLMS or every 3 months for normal driving conditions. If you live out in the country where the roads are much dustier, then you should revise it accordingly to every 3,000 KLMS or every 2 months. Always check your Air filter every second oil change making sure it is clean and allow the engine to breathe properly.

The main functions of motor oil, is it lubricates metal parts that slide pass each other. This will reduce wear and prevents friction that would make the engine too hot to function properly. When there is no oil in the engine, parts then would start scraping against one another this would cause the piston’s precise machining would degrade overtime, increasing the friction, rate of wear and operating temperature. This would cause the engine to get even hotter burning all the oil off. The end results, the metal surfaces of the cylinders and piston could melt, seizing the engine and making it unsalvageable.

When the oil becomes dirtier, semi-solid dirty particulates precipitate out. The sludge can build up and clog your oil filter, not allowing oil to flow naturally through the oil filter. Without proper filtration, the oil gets dirtier quicker and this increase oil viscosity, causing to reducing the speed of your (RPM’s) engine turns.

2006 Dodge Ram 3500
with 5.9 Cummings Turbo Diesel Engine  

So make sure you keep on top of your scheduled oil changes


RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: rjpickupservice@hotmail.com

TIRECRAFT!!   We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

Changes Have Come to RJ Pick Up Services!

With spring fast approaching, RJ Pick Up Service will be advertising weekly specials on many Accessories for all your vehicle improvements. Enhancing your vehicle, makes everyone feel good. From simple rain visors to adding that 5th wheel or goose neck you have been dreaming about, a few simple changes will have you and your vehicle rived up and roaring to go this spring! 


Our attitude is to become more customer friendly, by helping you become more knowledgeable about products before you make a purchase that is not exactly what you expected it to be. We will be improving our showroom with features that allow our customers to shop for items they desire and gather all the information necessary to make an informed decision.

We will be posting our specials for the upcoming month, allowing you to be reminded of the items on a vehicle that will need attention. A well looked after vehicle will provide you with painless hours of driving and increasing the resale value of your vehicle that you would like to up grade to. We will also have a display of vehicles on our lot, from trucks to cars to suite your automotive needs. If we do not have we will located that vehicle on your conditions from price to features.


Many changes that will enhance our imagine and provide our surrounding and loyal customers to all our new customers. We treat one customer at a time, with the knowledge and enthusiasm. This is a project in the works, but give us a chance to see if we met or exceed your expectations as a consumer, and improve our imagine with your feed back.

  We will be having a customer
"Appreciation Day"Revised DateSaturday April 28th from 9am - 3pmMore information to follow....RJ PICK UP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1C3
Phone 905-852-4238
Email: EMAIL US




TIRECRAFT!!   We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

Here is Eleven Tips for YOU to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smooth!

February 23, 2012

Follow these steps and you will not only have a very efficient running vehicle it will save you a lot of unnecessary money on future maintenance that can be avoid by following these steps.

1. It is ideal for auto-mobile owners to refer to the user manual for fixing certain minor problems within the engine. As a thumb rule, change the oil filter on a regular basis, each 5,000 - 6,000 Klms. With every second oil change you should have your tires rotated.

2. Checking the tire inflation is very important. Tires, which are under-inflated, result in loss of fuel efficiency. This is one cheap form of safety and preventive maintenance. Check the tires every month. Especially during the winter months, with the drop of temperature, will effect your PSI in your tires.

3. Check all the fluids that include power steering, brake, antifreeze and wind shield washer solvent and trans-axle/transmission, since these fluids ensure safety and good performance of a vehicle and are an important measure of taking care of your vehicle.

4. Since a restricted fuel injector/polluted spark plug reduces the efficiency of fuel by 30%, an auto mobile owner has to be cautious while tuning up the engine.

5. Clean the battery posts and cables when needed and check the same for corrosion. Besides, check battery fluids and fill them if low except for batteries that are maintenance-free.

6. Inspect engine belts always since worn belts are likely to affect performance of the engine. See if these belts have developed any cracks and try fixing the problem.

7. Lubricate the chassis often, since it extends life of engine components.

8. Check the lighting system including turn signals, tail-lights, brake and headlights.

9. Auto mobile owners need to check washer blades of the wind shield for tears and cracks and replace them once a year.

10. Always check for air filtration system in the engine. Owners need to do this at every oil change for confirming if there is any damage or clogging. It ensures better functioning of the vehicle.

11. Always keep the user manual handy. No matter whether the engine is minor or major, the moment it gives any problem, owners may refer the same for fixing temporary problems before taking the vehicle to a qualified technician.

Short Video On Tire Inflation


Hope this article will provide you with the motivation in making sure your vehicle is always running at it's peak performance. If you have enjoyed this article please share it, always appreciated.   We will be having a customer
"Appreciation Day"Revised DateSaturday April 28th from 9am - 3pmMore information to follow....
All The Best
RJ PICKUP SERVICE
241A Main Street North
Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1C3
905-852-4238

TIRECRAFT!!

We're driving towards a cure with every car we serviceshow your support and go pink!!

How to Read Tire Codes and Understand What They Mean from jfbmarketing

Keep Your Vehicle Wheels Balanced and Aligned!

February 21, 2012

Keep Your Vehicle Wheels Balanced and Aligned!

This is one of the biggest causes that will kill the life of your tires and front end, leading to more complicated future repair bills that can be avoided with simply making sure you have had your wheels balanced properly and a yearly front end wheel alignment.

Tires and front end that are not properly balanced and aligned, tires will drag instead of rolling freely.

The end results are an increase usage of fuel consumption, reduce tire life expectation and create problems with how your vehicle's handling and ride. Make sure to performing a yearly inspection on your front end and have an annual front wheel alignment done.

The second tip you will need to perform on a monthly bases is to make sure your tires have the correct tire pressure. By looking inside the drivers door you will find the correct (PSI) for the front tires and your rear tires. In some case the fronts and rears tires may have a different (PSI) that is specifically rated for your vehicle and tires. Make sure you get this information from your vehicle and not from what is suggested on your tires.

This is specialty important in winter conditions as with the drop in temperature will have an immediate effect on your PSI on your tires. So by perform this simple procedure you will have proper inflated tires to handle all winter conditions and provide you a more fuel efficient vehicle. It's advisable to purchase your own tire pressure gauge because those at air pumps are often inaccurate or missing

As a rule of thumb you should also have your tires rotated with every second oil change and properly balanced. If they are not properly balanced, your vehicle will feel a pounding or shaking through the steering wheel. This will provide your vehicle to perform at it's highest capacity, providing even distribution of the wear evenly among all four tires and providing longer tire life.





For more information and a Free Evolution on your tires  please stop by RJ PICK UP SERVICE and have one of our Techs check your tires

Leave a comment on this article if you have enjoyed it, and if it provided you with information that is useful.   We will be having a customer
"Appreciation Day"Revised DateSaturday April 28th from 9am - 3pmMore information to follow....

Regards,

Joseph F. Botelho

RJ PICK UP SERVICE

241 Main Street North

Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1C3

905-852-4238





Authorized TIRECRAFT DEALER '
REQUEST a FREE QUOTE on all makes and models of tires

Keep Your Vehicle well-maintained for Fuel Efficient driving!

February 16, 2012


Keep Your Vehicle well-maintained for Fuel Efficient driving!

Keeping your vehicle in top operating condition will save you fuel and money, reduce your long-term maintenance costs and minimize harmful exhaust emissions. A well-maintained vehicle is also more reliable and could be worth more when you want to sell it.

It's usually best to leave the servicing of your vehicle in the hands of trained automotive professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and correct problems and to put you on the road to safe, fuel-efficient driving.

Your tires need special attention during winter. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature.  Rotating your tires helps prolong their life and improve fuel economy. On most vehicles, they should be rotated every 10,000 kilometers, or about twice a year. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended rotation pattern and frequency for your vehicle. Tire pressure needs special attention in cold weather. It can be expected to drop by about 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 5°C drop in temperature.

Almost all gasoline vehicles on the road today are fuel-injected. A recent study showed that replacing a clogged air filter on a vehicle with a fuel-injected gasoline engine does not improve fuel economy. However the study also showed that a clogged air filter may reduce acceleration performance

Neglecting to replace worn-out oil results in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and possibly severe engine damage. Changing the engine oil regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle in top operating condition. Oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, preventing metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction and carrying away excess heat – all of which promote better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Motor oil also removes dirt, metal shavings and other impurities from the engine and captures them in the oil filter. You can pay a severe penalty for neglecting engine oil, possibly even needing to replace the engine itself.




A well-maintained vehicle is more reliable and could be worth more when you want to sell it.   We will be having a customer
"Appreciation Day"Revised DateSaturday April 28th from 9am - 3pmMore information to follow.... RJ Pick Up service241 Main StreetUxbridge, Ontario L9P 1C3905-852-4238rjpickupservice@hotmail.com

All the Best

Joseph F. Botelho Testimonials at LinkedIn

Welcome To RJ PICK UP SERVICE

February 16, 2012

Welcome To RJ PICK UP SERVICE

RJ PICK SERVICE is located in Uxbridge, Ontario formally knowing as RJ Pickups & Accessories Inc. On October 1st 2011 Jody Gay and Carl White bought the business from Raymond Jacques.  Jody and Carl welcome all existing customers and look forward to providing the highest quality of customer satisfaction in the industry.

Jody Gay and Carl White are both Licensed Mechanics with  (MVIS) Motor Vehicle Inspection Station of Ontario. They are experienced on all makes and models, cars, trucks Gas or Diesel no job is too complicated for these boys. Their mutual goal is to fix it right the first time.

Drop By and enjoy our laid back atmosphere. Our goal is to make you a customer for life. By going that extra mile with our service. Understanding our customers needs and wants by providing a written repair quote that is accurate and followed up with a phone call is what RJ PICK SERVICE is all about keeping you up to date with the status of your vehicle.

We are also an Authorized Tire Craft Dealer, we handle and sell all makes and models of tires for Trucks, Cars, SUV's,Trailers and Farm Equipment.  Our price always includes installation, balancing and new valve stems, the only thing on top is the taxes. We also provide a follow up with re torquing your wheels making sure they are well secured and safe.

We also supply accessories for trucks and vehicles from floor mats to tunnel covers and just about anything you will need to spice up your vehicle by adding that personal touch that makes you proud of your vehicle. We deal with major suppliers such as Robert Thibert,  Action Car  and Truck Accessories just to name a few.

We also specialize in Trailer Hitches, 5th Wheels and Goose Necks for all makes and models professionally installed with complete wiring and braking systems. This is an item you need to have people who have full experience with the above items, no room for mistakes. once you drill a hole it is there for ever.

We will be posting tips and updates on how you can better maintain your vehicle and making sure your repairs do not get out of hand when you look after your vehicle. We all know how important an "Oil Changes" is to your vehicle and other maintenance you can do to keep your vehicle running as smooth as possible.

All The Best 

Joseph F. Botelho profile on LinkedIn

Former Trainer for General Motors (GMDA)

"We are committed to providing the best trained personnel in the automotive industry" that was our mission statement when l worked for "Dealers Association of Toronto and District".

The 435,000 Mile Lexus: Dedicated Maintenance Goes the Distance

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

Rob and I were having a chat about oil changes the other day, and I asked him how frequently his average customer visits the shop for routine maintenance, such as oil changes. Although I asked the question for marketing purposes, I was also personally curious to know how the "average" driver maintains his or her car, as I myself am a notoriously neglectful car owner.

His answer was as you would expect: all drivers are different! Some come in for the recommended 3,000 mile oil change, some for 7,000 miles, and a few (like me) come in for maintenance only when their car is hacking and wheezing from a dry engine.

However, I was shocked when he told me about one customer in particular who visits Cars for Keeps for an oil change every two to four weeks. "Two to four weeks - you mean twice a month??!!" I said, aghast that someone would be that dedicated to their car's maintenance. "Isn't that just...unnecessary?" I asked Rob, who did an equivalent of an over-the-phone shrug. "Well, his Lexus is the best in our High Mile Club," he said.

Like all good business owners, Rob keeps tabs on his best customers, inducting owners of cars that show...shall we say "unusual vitality" into the Cars for Keeps High Mile Club. The Club includes vehicles - many of them older - that are still running smoothly after an impressive number of miles (thanks to dedicated owners and the automotive expertise of the Cars for Keeps crew). But Gale and his 2000 Lexus LS400 tops them all, purring smoothly after a whopping 435,000 miles!


Perhaps Gale's bi-monthly oil change visits are a bit excessive, but if you compare the cost of two oil changes per month to a monthly car payment, he's getting quite a deal. In the end, buying a new car (or a new engine or transmission) is far more expensive than maintaining the one you already have. We're not suggesting you come in every month for an oil change, but coming in every three months for an oil change and routine inspection can save you (and your car) from a lot of grief. Remember, Cars for Keeps' routine "Pit Stop" inspections are always free!

Safe driving!

Top 4 Reasons to Change the Oil in Your Car (Featuring Red Green)

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Marketing Consultant

Remember the Red Green Show? If Michigan's rednecks, bumpkins and "yoopers" had an icon (other than Ted Nugent), it would be Red, handyman extrodinaire.

Since Cars for Keeps is giving away a free oil change this month, today we'll focus on a few reasons why oil changes are important to your vehicle's health. Red Green will demonstrate a few of the many things NOT to do to keep your vehicle running.

Changing your oil at home to save money is a nice idea, but as Red so charmingly demonstrates, oil changes gone wrong can easily lead to far bigger expenses. Like Red says:

"If you get it done at a gas station or wherever, you're just not sure if they've done a bad job, where if you do it at home, you know."

We hate to gainsay Red Green, but you can be sure that an oil change performed by Cars for Keeps is done right.

To make sure I had my facts straight, I called our mechanics at the shop and had them list for me a few of the grittily-detailed benefits of regular oil changes. They listed the top 4 ways regular oil changes can prevent mechanical failure and increase your car's performance.

Regular oil changes:

1) Remove contaminants like dirt and metal shavings from the engine, removing risk of failure or part wearing

2) Prolong engine life by reducing friction and heat

3) Keep the engine cool which, if you remember my overheated engine confession from last Wednesday, is very important

4) Keep your car running efficiently. Old oil can bog down your vehicle's mileage.

Consult your owners manual to see how often the oil in your vehicle should be changed. If it's been more than a year, you can just assume it's time to change your oil now.