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Top 10 reasons to give Dad the “Oil Change Spa” this Father’s Day

9. Jun 2016 bonnied Regina Auto Repair & Service, Regina Oil, TRUSTED TIPS

Great Canadian Oil Change on Quance and North Albert Street in Regina provides oil changes in 10 minutes. No appointment needed! At Great Canadian Oil Change they will always do their best to keep you traveling safely, in a cleaner environment.

They are your Trusted Regina Oil Change experts in the Regina Automotive General category.


Pamper him AND his vehicle!

Dad deserves a gift that he will appreciate and feel treated by!  Is he the type of guy who likes to pamper his vehicle?  Pamper them both by sending him to the Oil Change Spa to relax while our experts take care of the car or truck he loves.  We’ll make sure his vehicle is kept in tip-top shape.  This is the kind of spa that dad will really appreciate!

Now available – electronic gift cards – instantly redeemable – purchase securely – send to your loved one by email, Facebook, text or print. Press here for more information or to purchase.



1. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED

We have great hours and no appointment is ever needed.


2. WARRANTY-APPROVED WORK BY TRAINED, KNOWLEDGEABLE, FRIENDLY TECHNICIANS

Our technicians have the expertise you need – some of our technicians have 20,000 oil changes under their belts.  All work is warranty-approved which means the manufacturer of your vehicle recognizes the work that we do.


3. CHOICES

We make recommendations based on information from the manufacturer of your vehicle.  You choose the type of oil you want and add any other service we offer as desired.


4. QUESTIONS ANSWERED

We’ll answer your questions or help you find the answer.


5. RELAX WHILE WE DO THE WORK

Stay in your car and relax how you choose. Our friendly hostess will offer you a choice of complimentary beverage and something to read.  Be entertained by our informative GCOC-TV or watch what is happening below with the undercarriage camera.  Enjoy our free WIFI or even take a (short) nap.


6. TOP UP OF FLUIDS

A top up of fluids is included in the service.


7. MULTI-POINT INSPECTION

A multi-point inspection is also included in the service including checks for leaks and the lights.  We will give you an indication of problem areas in your vehicle if there are any.


8. FAST

An oil change at our shops typically takes less than 15 minutes – you have the rest of the day free and do not have to be without your vehicle for hours


9. NO PUSHY UP-SELLING

You choose what to do with the information about your vehicle from the multi-point inspection.


10. THE AIR FRESHENER

Many of our customers love the complimentary air freshener and other extras like a dash wipe and garbage bag.


You won’t go wrong by getting your dad, grandfather, uncle, brother, son, spouse or partner a gift card to the Oil Change Spa this Father’s Day

To purchase a gift card securely online, press here.  A convenient way to send a gift he will love!

Great Canadian Oil Change Regina – serving Regina and area with pride.


At Great Canadian Oil change in Regina, we follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of your vehicle.  We will verify that your vehicle is due for an oil change before performing it.  We look forward to seeing you for an oil change or for one of the many other services we offer!  See here for the services we offer. http://gcocregina.ca/ 


 

Great Canadian Oil Change on Quance Street and North Albert Street in Regina deserve the Thumbs up from www.trustedregina.com in our Regina Automotive General Category and they are Regina's Trusted oil change experts!

 

Trusted Regina partner shares a guideline for checking your headlights, taillights, running lights and signal lights.

28. Mar 2016 bonnied Regina Auto Repair & Service, Regina Oil, TRUSTED TIPS

Great Canadian Oil Change on Quance and North Albert Street in Regina provide oil changes in 10 minutes. No appointment needed! At Great Canadian Oil Change they will always do their best to keep you traveling safely, in a cleaner environment.

They are your Trusted Regina Oil Change experts in the Regina Automotive General category.

Have you checked your lights lately?  Great Canadian Oil Change shares a guideline for checking your vehicles lights.


WHY CHECK YOUR LIGHTS REGULARLY

For your safety and the safety of others, it is important that all lights on your vehicle are working properly.  Bright and functioning headlights and taillights are necessary to be visible to other drivers and pedestrians at night.  Well-maintained headlights also help you to see obstacles in the road in front of you.

PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND REDUCE ROAD RAGE

Working lights also help to prevent accidents and reduce road rage.  You know how annoying it can be when the car ahead of you slows down unexpectedly and turns without having a working brake light or signal light.  Or when the driver in front of you slows down without apparently any advance notice because their brake lights were not functioning properly and therefore you did not have time to adjust your speed.  How about waiting behind someone who apparently wants to make a left turn but did not have a working signal light that might have given you the opportunity to choose another lane earlier?  And we all can do without getting a ticket for having a burned out headlight or taillight.  All if these situations could lead to accidents or unnecessary stress.  Don’t be part of the problem!  Take the initiative and responsibility for checking that your own lights are working.



DO I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR ON TO CHECK THE LIGHTS?

It is easy to check SOME of your lights when the car is not running, however most vehicles these days require that the ignition be on (and some vehicles must actually be in gear) to do a thorough check of ALL of the lights.

HOW EASY IS IT TO CHECK THE LIGHTS MYSELF?

It is possible to check the lights by yourself, although not the quickest.  You will need to have a method to have something to hold the brake down (creative use of a long handled windshield scraper or even an anti-theft device might do), and you may have to get in and out of the car a few times.  If you can park the car beside something reflective (such as a window) or plain (a wall), you may be able to see some of the lights without getting our of your vehicle.  It is definitely possible to check the lights yourself, however the job will take less time if you have the assistance of another person.

HOW CAN I CHECK MY LIGHTS EASILY IN THE DAY TIME?

In the day time it is more difficult to see some of the lights on your car.  One option would be to use a dark piece of clothing, like a jacket, when going up close to each light to see how bight it shines on that surface to see if it is working.  Other options include parking beside a reflective surface like a window.  Or even shining your lights onto a building with a plain wall could work.  Waiting until it is close to evening or checking your lights indoors in dim lighting is suggested.



Follow this general plan to check the headlights, taillights, brake lights, running lights and signal lights on most cars.
Every vehicle is different.  Check the owner’s manual for vehicle-specific instructions.  For example, not all vehicles have running lights and some vehicles need to actually be in gear for some of the lights to be checked.
If you have two people and it is dark enough to see the lights easily, this can be a quick and easy job.
Turn on the engine.  Have a buddy on the outside of the car as you go through the list of lights to check.

FRONT – Have your buddy go to the front of the car.
Are the running lights working?  Are they even in brightness on both sides?
Turn on the headlights. Are they both lit up sufficiently?  Is one brighter or dimmer than the other?
Try the high beams. Are they both lit up sufficiently?  Is one brighter or dimmer than the other?
Try the right signal light.  Is it working? Is it easily visible?
Now the left signal light. Is it working? Is it easily visible?
 
REAR – Have your buddy go to the back of the car.
Are the running lights working?  Are they even in brightness on both sides?
Test the right signal light. Is it working? Is it easily visible?
Then the left signal. Is it working? Is it easily visible?
Press on the brakes to check the brake lights.  Are they working?  Are all lights easily visible?  Are they even on both sides? (Two or three bulbs on each side may come on)
 
That’s it!
If you find that some bulbs are dim or not working, make arrangements to have the bulbs replaced.  In some cases it may be the wiring or fuses that are the problem.
HOW CAN GREAT CANADIAN OIL CHANGE HELP?
At Great Canadian Oil Change we do a complimentary check of all of your lights when you come in for any service.  We also can replace the bulbs if you choose.
Great Canadian Oil Change  – helping you to drive safe and to maintain your vehicle in tip top 


Great Canadian Oil Change a Trusted Regina Automotive and Oil Expert share a tip on Synthetic Oil

15. Mar 2016 Trusted Regina Regina Auto Repair & Service, Regina Oil, TRUSTED TIPS

At Great Canadian Oil Change, they will always do their best to keep you travelling safely, in a cleaner environment. At Great Canadian Oil Change, they guarantee that they will always value your business. Great Canadian Oil Change is your Trusted Regina Oil Change expert. In their latest helpful oil tip, they share info on synthetic oil and older vehicles



 


Can synthetic oil be used in older vehicles?

Using synthetic oil in an older vehicle is not a problem.  If the vehicle is in good running condition with minimal leaks, running synthetic oil will not harm anything at all.  You will enjoy all the benefits that a full synthetic oil has to offer.  Read on to find out more about why people are hesitant to change to full synthetic and how to go about it.

Why do people think synthetic oil should be used in older vehicles?

There are some misconceptions out there that lead people to believe that problems may develop when changing from a conventional oil to a full synthetic oil in an older vehicle.

The confusion starts with the idea that synthetic oil is more slippery (lower in viscosity) than conventional oil.  This further leads to the concern that synthetic oil is not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak (or leak more) in places conventional oil might not.  These ideas are unfounded. The truth is that synthetic oils will enhance the engine protection in older vehicles just as they do for new engines.  In addition, most synthetic motor oils are fully compatible with modern seal materials. Most synthetic oils are formulated to condition seals, keeping them pliable to prevent leakage.

                                                         

Another common misconception is that changing to a full synthetic oil will clean and loosen sludge from the engine and cause it to plug the filter and passageways. This too is false. Switching from conventional oil to full synthetic oil in routinely maintained vehicles will not cause clogged oil filters or passageways, regardless of how many kilometres are on the vehicle. Sludge, which is caused by poor quality oil and neglected maintenance practices, would have to be present in significant amounts to plug oil filters and passageways. If this excessive amount of sludge is present in an engine, it is just a matter of time before oil filters and passageways clog, regardless of the installation of synthetics.  Regardless of the type of oil you put in your vehicle, it is important to take care of your vehicle by ensuring it gets routine maintenance.

How do I switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil?


There are no special procedures for changing from conventional oil to full synthetic oil.  As a precaution in older vehicles or those with high mileage, it may be advisable to perform an engine flush first. This will ensure that the engine is clean and free of any accumulated contaminants which might have an effect on the service life of synthetic motor oils. You may also choose to use a high mileage oil which will have added seal conditioners to combat against engine leaks and friction issues with the motor. However, both of these suggestions are optional and completely at your discretion.  Many vehicles have no problem simply switching to a synthetic oil.

                                                         



How can Great Canadian Oil Change help?

At Great Canadian Oil Change, we follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on types of oils and recommended service intervals for your vehicle, regardless of whether you choose to use conventional a synthetic blend or a full synthetic.  The choice is always yours! The technicians will answer any questions you have, backed by up-to-date information about your type of vehicle.

We offer high milage oil and engine flushes if this is what you choose when you are making the switch from conventional to synthetic oil in a vehicle with a significant number of kilometres on it.

Happy and safe driving from the Great Canadian Oil Change Team!

Great Canadian Oil Change is your Trusted Regina Oil Change expert.

                                                                                   


Great Canadian Oil Change a Trusted Regina Automotive and Oil Expert share a tip on Differential Oil

12. Feb 2016 Admin Regina Oil, TRUSTED TIPS

At Great Canadian Oil Change, they will always do their best to keep you travelling safely, in a cleaner environment. At Great Canadian Oil Change, they guarantee that they will always value your business. Great Canadian Oil Change is your Trusted Regina Oil Change expert. In their latest helpful oil tip, they share info on differential oil.


 


What is differential Oil?  How does it work? How often should I get a differential service?

First of all, what is a differential?

The differential is a component in all automobiles designed to compensate for the difference in distance than the inner wheels and outer wheels travel as the car goes around a corner. Basically, the differential allows your car to make corners without drama. If both drive wheels rotated together, going around corners would be jerky because the outside tire travels farther than the inside.

                                                                        

In a rear-wheel-drive car, the differential has its own housing and lubrication. Front-wheel-drive vehicles typically integrate the differential in the transmission housing and share the same fluid.

The differential can be seen by looking under the bumper from the rear. The driveshaft connects to the front of it, and the axles and rear tires come off either side of it.

If you want to know more detail, search the internet. There are some cool pictures and videos of how the gears in a differential work.

What is differential oil?

Differential oil, sometimes referred to as gear oil, is found in the axle housing. It’s thicker than engine oil and is designed to perform under high pressure (gears mashing together, hydraulic nature of clutch packs) rather than high temperatures like engine oil.

                                                                   

How does the differential oil work in my vehicle? 

As you cruise down the road, the gear oil splashes about lubricating gears, bearings and clutch packs. The differential oil lubricates the ring and pinion gears that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles. If your car is fitted with a limited-slip differential, it also keeps all the moving parts in that assembly healthy. The purpose of the differential fluid is to cool and lubricate your differential. Without the oil, your differential would overheat due to the metal-to-metal contact and burn itself out.

How often do I need to change the differential oil? 

Unless the gear oil has been contaminated with water, you should change the differential oil at the time recommended by the owner’s manual of your vehicle. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, we have access at Great Canadian Oil Change to all manufacturers’ recommended service intervals.

Why is it important that I have it changed when recommended? 

Changing this oil is just as important as changing your engine’s oil and for the same reason. Metal-to-metal contact wears down surfaces and creates heat from friction, which inevitably weakens the gears and leads to failure. To keep your differential in optimum condition and to avoid costly repairs, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on when to change the differential oil.

                                                                             

How can Great Canadian Oil Change help with the maintenance of my differential?

The technicians at Great Canadian Oil Change refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations of the make and model of your vehicle in order to properly service your differential. We will let you know when the recommended service interval has been reached for a change in differential oil. We offer front and rear differential services to help you maintain your vehicle.


                                                        


                                                                   

Great Canadian Oil Change is your Trusted Regina Oil Change expert.


Great Canadian Oil Change a Trusted Regina Automotive and oil expert share a tip on when you should change your oil

1. Dec 2015 Admin Regina Oil, TRUSTED TIPS

At Great Canadian Oil Change, they will always do their best to keep you travelling safely, in a cleaner environment. At Great Canadian Oil Change, they guarantee that they will always value your business. Great Canadian Oil Change is your Trusted Regina Oil Change expert. In their latest helpful oil tip, they share how frequently you should change your oil.



How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

If you ask three shops how often you should change your oil you may get six different answers.  But we feel confident with our recommendation.

Follow the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle

We recommend to our customers that they follow their manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals.  This means that the manufacturer will recommend that you have your oil changed every so many kilometres.  Depending on your specific vehicle, this may mean having your oil changed every 5000 km, 7500 km, 12000 km or some variation thereof.

What are some exceptions to following the service interval recommendations of the manufacturer?

There is one exception to using the service interval recommended by the manufacturer and that is: driving conditions.  Here are some examples of driving conditions that justify changing the oil earlier than recommended:

Short trips in the winter, where the engine fails to meet operating temperature for ten minutes or more, are tough on oil.  All of that condensation has no place to go but into the crankcase.

Unusually dusty conditions.  (Did you ever follow a combine at harvest?)

These two scenarios justify changing the oil before the recommended service interval.