There are quite a few different car types in today’s world. One of the leading new styles — electric cars — is getting increasingly popular as the months and years progress. Many electric vehicle (EV) companies are rising to the top at fast rates. While many of these vehicles often look similar to the classic gas-powered options we have seen for decades, EVs are quite different under the hood. The components that run an electric car make ongoing maintenance quite the opposite of their gas-powered cousins. 

If you are considering purchasing one, you may have questions about electric car maintenance and how it is different. Here are a few answers to questions you might be asking yourself when looking at new cars and considering purchasing an electric vehicle. 

Do Electric Cars Use Oil? 

There is an exceedingly simple answer to this question; No, they don’t use oil and therefore require no oil change. The explanation for why this is the case revolves around electric vehicles using a battery-powered EV engine with an electric motor. They have no pistons or valves that require lubricants like other modern vehicles. Whereas gas-powered cars use an internal combustion engine, the oil deteriorates over time as the combustion fumes mix with it. This requires regular replacement so that there is no damage to the engine. 

However, another type of vehicle that is similar to an electric car is a hybrid. Hybrids do require regular oil change services. They feature an internal combustion engine, an electric battery, and an electric motor. However, the internal combustion engine needs frequent oil changes so they do not overheat. Hybrid vehicles also run on fuel, meaning their maintenance differs greatly from electric car maintenance.  

What Does Electric Car Maintenance Consist Of? 

Even though an electric car does not require oil change services, there are many other options and replacements that will routinely need to be part of your maintenance routine. Here are some of the requirements that you will need to remember when you bring your EV into the shop: 

• Battery coolant — Battery coolant helps keep everything under the hood from overheating. This substance must be administered to your car regularly. Otherwise, you put your vehicle and yourself at risk of the battery overheating and possibly causing serious damage. Battery replacement may also be necessary over time, so you must keep a close eye on it. It can be extremely expensive to replace a battery in an electric car, typically costing between $1,000 to $6,000. 

• Brake pads/fluid — Ensuring your brake pads and fluid are in good condition remains necessary elements in electric car maintenance. Always ensuring that your brake pads are in good working order and your car’s brake fluid levels are high enough is essential for a properly functioning brake system. You should get your brake fluid refilled at around the 25,000 miles mark. 

• Windshield wiper fluid — Ensure your electric car has good windshield blades and fluid as needed. You don’t want to get caught in any mess or rainstorm, so ensure your vehicle is prepared. 

Is an Electric Car the Better Choice? 

An electric vehicle offers drivers a slew of benefits — including helping the environment. Here are a few advantages that may help you decide that an electric car is best for you.

• Lower maintenance — they are significantly easier to take care of than a gasoline-powered vehicle since they require maintenance but much less than a normal car. 

• They are the ideal energy-efficient vehicle choice. 

• They have zero exhaust emissions, reducing the amount of gasoline and other toxic fumes harmful to the environment that gets released by traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Get the Best Auto Care You Can!

An electric vehicle is a great choice and has many benefits for forward-thinking drivers. However, you should always ensure that no matter what type of car you purchase, you are always performing routine safety checks to help ensure your driving safety. Don’t worry about completing this exhaustive checklist yourself! Bring your vehicle to us at LubeMaster, and we can help inspect and repair your vehicle needs so you can be back on the road asap! 

Whether you’ve just gotten your first car or been a proud vehicle owner for several years, you’ve likely heard that getting regular tire rotations is important. But how often is “regular”? Every six months, two years, more, or less? You want to do everything you can to take care of your car or truck for the long term, but being a vehicle owner can sometimes be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know about scheduling tire rotation services.

Read More about How Often Should I Have My Tires Rotated?

Is it time for you to schedule an inspection for your car or truck this year? If you’re in Pennsylvania, you probably already know that your vehicle needs to be inspected annually, including emissions testing for most vehicles. PA requires both these inspections to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive and not leaking excessive toxic fumes into the atmosphere.

Read More about What to Do Before Getting a Car Inspection in PA

Your car needs more than gasoline to run smoothly — it also needs the right oil. Changing your oil is an essential car maintenance task, and you should schedule regular oil changes in order to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. However, while you can make a quick pit stop to fill up your gas tank as soon as your fuel level is approaching empty, it’s not as easy to know when to change your oil. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “how often should I get an oil change,” this guide is for you! Read on to learn the real facts about oil change intervals.

Read More about How Often Should I Get an Oil Change?

If you’re like most vehicle owners, you’re very much aware of the value of keeping your car or truck in good running condition. After all, you depend on your automobile to get you back and forth from work, shopping, school, and more — and no one wants to be left high and dry when their ride breaks down. Taking a proactive approach regarding signs of failing transmission is an essential component of ensuring minimal disruption due to car trouble. Keep in mind that the engine isn’t the only potential trouble spot — it’s also important to be mindful of any possible faulty transmission symptoms.

Read More about Transmission Impossible: 6 Faulty Transmission Symptoms Every Car Owner Should Know

The check engine light can be a great source of frustration and confusion for many drivers. There are numerous reasons why you might see this symbol appear on your dashboard, and these car problems can range from mild to severe. Some drivers may be tempted to disregard this warning sign altogether and continue driving. However, this is a bad idea that can put your safety at risk.

It’s crucial not to ignore your check engine light under any circumstances. If the light is on and you’re not sure why, there are several possible explanations for this. Here’s everything you need to know about monitoring your check engine light and when to schedule engine diagnostic services:

What Does the Check Engine Light Look Like?

To properly address any issues with your vehicle, you need to be able to recognize your car’s check engine light and know where to find it. The light is normally shaped like a standard car engine and is sometimes accompanied by the words “check engine.” Most check engine lights are yellow, orange, or red.

The light is located on your dashboard panel and appears when there’s a problem with your engine. Be sure not to ignore your check engine light if it ever shows up at any time.

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

Your check engine light will alert you of a problem in one of two ways. Either it will begin blinking or flashing, or it will remain steady. The action you should take is determined by the way the light behaves.

If the light is flashing or blinking, this means your car engine is experiencing a more severe problem. It’s important not to waste time if this happens. Instead, pull over and turn off your engine before having your car towed. You will then be safely transported to a repair facility where an auto mechanic can identify the issue at hand.

If the light remains steady, the problem likely isn’t as urgent as it is with a flashing light. However, you should still be careful not to ignore your check engine light. The best course of action in this scenario is to bring your vehicle to a repair center as soon as possible. Prompt action will help you avoid extra repair costs in the long run.

Addressing the Issue

Now that you know what the purpose of the check engine light is, it’s important to take the right steps to address the issue. First, you need to take a look at the check engine light code, which is found in your vehicle’s computer system. The first option is to use a scan tool to read the code yourself. This is a less costly method that can help give you an idea of what engine problems you’re experiencing.

However, if you want a more accurate diagnosis, it’s best to visit an auto repair shop. A mechanic can get to the root of the problem, whether your gas cap is loose or something is wrong with your spark plug. Not only does an expert help you identify the issue, but they will also propose the ideal solution for your needs.

Stay on the Road Safely With LubeMaster

Whether your check engine light turns yellow, red, or orange, it’s crucial not to ignore your check engine light and to get help immediately. At LubeMaster, we run on-board diagnostics (OBD II) to help get your vehicle up and running in no time. Whether you’re dealing with a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter, our parts stores offer just the solution you need. For more information about our offerings, including vehicle inspections and diagnostics, turn to LubeMaster today!

Caring for your vehicle and ensuring its motor and engine parts enjoy a long, healthy life means choosing the right oil. But what are the differences between synthetic and conventional motor oil? Is one type of oil better than the other? What about the price and performance of synthetic and conventional oils? We’ll address these questions and more to help you extend the life of your engine.

Qualities of Conventional Oil

Manufacturing: Conventional motor oil is made from a natural process by refining crude oil. Because of these natural properties, each batch of conventional oil has impurities.

Price: The cost of conventional oil is about one-third to one-half of synthetic oil. However, check out the performance facts before reaching for this “value” engine oil.

Performance: Conventional oil has been around for a long time and is adequate for lubricating engine components. However, due to impurities in conventional oil, engine sludge (which happens when base oils break down) develops faster and puts your engine at risk. For best results, opt for oil changes every 3,000 miles. Also, extreme temperatures and aggressive driving styles will cause conventional oils to break down more quickly, requiring more frequent oil changes.

Qualities of Synthetic Oil

Manufacturing: Full synthetic motor oils are chemically developed with detergent additives that allow each batch to be uniform in structure. This means far fewer — if any — impurities in a batch of synthetic oil compared to its conventional counterpart.

Price: A huge difference between synthetic and conventional motor oil is the price. The manufacturing process is complicated, which drives the cost up. However, though you may pay more upfront, you’ll save money in the long run as synthetic does a great job of protecting your engine — and your engine will require fewer oil changes over the life of the vehicle.

Performance: Synthetic oil tends to break down more slowly, offering protection long past that 3,000-mile mark. Some full synthetic options can hold up to 10,000 miles before an oil change is needed — especially in modern engines.

Switching to Synthetic Oil

After comparing the differences between synthetic and conventional motor oil, you may consider switching to synthetic motor oil to increase engine performance. This is an easy process if you have a newer model, and your vehicle may not require an engine flush to switch oil types.

However, certain high-mileage vehicles, and those older engines that have never used synthetic, may need a flush or a gradual change over, as they were not made with synthetic oil properties in mind. Your mechanic or manufacturer’s instructions can help you decide if your vehicle requires conventional or synthetic engine oil.

Your LubeMaster technician can also help you choose between full synthetic (which uses the highest quality base oils) and a synthetic blend (a mixture of conventional and synthetic oils).

Get a Full Service Oil Change From LubeMaster

From helping you understand the differences between synthetic and conventional motor oil to performing quick, full-service oil changes and even diagnosing why your check engine light is on, LubeMaster is here for you and the health of your engine, no matter what you drive. Contact our team today for preventative maintenance by certified technicians, where we’ll ensure your oil and other essential fluids are checked and topped off, giving you peace of mind on the road.