Engine oil has a lot of influence on the performance and lifespan of a vehicle’s engine. Aiming for higher performance? Increased fuel mileage? Improved reliability? Pennzoil offers motor oil that best fits all these needs. Today, oil is doing more than simply lubricating moving parts. That said—it’s important to select the right type of oil. Here’s a quick guide:

Conventional or Synthetic Oil?

Today’s oils are divided into two main categories: 1. Conventional oil which is made from crude oil that’s refined and 2. Synthetic oil which is made using expensive chemical processes. What’s the difference? Conventional oil is filtered and refined to separate the lubricating properties from those that are not useful. Conventional oil offers basic lubrication. Synthetic oils on the other hand, cost more but have more uniform molecules and better properties. Many new engines require syntehtic oil that allows them to run cleaner with improved gas mileage. Synthetic oil is designed for low or high operating temperatures, high mileage, chemical protection from oxidization and even transferring heat from the engine.

What Weight?

When it comes to oil’s viscosity, oil is described by two main values. The first is a number followed by a “W”. The “W” stands for winter and represents the low temperature viscosity of the oil. When this first number is lower than the second, the oil will stay thinner at lower temperatures. The second number is the high temperature viscosity. The higher the second number, the thicker the oil will remain under high temperatures. When choosing the correct viscosity for the vehicle, refer to its owner’s manual.

Extra Additives

These days, performance additives are often added to motor oil to help it do a lot more work. Detergents are added to keep the engine clean and eliminate corrosive acids that can build up when fuel is combusted. There are also features that carry away sludge and debris so that the oil lines in the engine flow freely. Finally, there are oils with additives that improve lubrication and form a film over moving parts to help reduce drag and friction. These oils help condition worn seals to prevent leaks. Selecting the right oil is all about understanding what goes into the oil. While some oils are simple and less expensive, others have ingredients that can help keep older engines running smoothly or protect new ones.

For more information on Pennzoil oil and oil changes, see Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus and check the Promotions page for oil change savings. Image courtesy of bigstock.com

Tags: chemical processes, chemical protection, conventional oil, correct motor oil, crude oil, motor oil, oil change place, oil changes, oil lines, pennzoil

Nothing looks better than a bright, shiny car. Today’s paint jobs use a clear coat that helps keep new cars shining longer—while thirty years ago, car makers simply sprayed the finished vehicles with a few layers of lacquer paint and polished them up before sending them off to dealerships. This left the future owner with an intense detailing regiment for their car to keep up with—while today’s paint jobs leave owners wondering how often they need to wax (if at all).

In the early 1980s, car manufacturers started using a clear coat that sealed the paint. This seal added a layer of protection from weather, debris and paint fading ultraviolet rays from the sun. This layer also kept the cars finish shiny for longer. However, as the paint aged, this layer wore down.

Now, waxing a car’s finish every two months (even if the car is still shiny) will add another layer of protection. This helps keep the car looking great a lot longer. Finally, it makes removing dirt easier during car washes.

According to Popular Mechanics, today’s automotive waxes feature additives that make the application process easier from wax on to wax off. There are synthetic formulas that last longer and can be supplemented in between waxes. These supplements include spray-on waxes that can be applied with no extra effort required.

Mr. Clean Car Wash offers a number of exterior detailing options—from an Express Wax that lasts up to 3 months, to a 2-Step Wax that removes the old wax and surface contaminants and applies a UV coating wax to protect the clear coat, all the way to complete detailing packages to keep the car’s paint protected and looking great for a long time.

Though keeping a fresh coat of wax on a vehicle may not seem as critical as it used to be—it is. Wax helps put an added layer of protection between the sun’s rays, road debris and pollution and the car’s paint. For more information on express detail services, see a local Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus and check the Promotions page for savings on your next wax or other detail service.

Image courtesy of Flickr

Most people don’t like to think about how dirty their carpets are. This is especially true when it comes to automotive carpet. Anyone who’s ever had wood or tile floors in their home can attest to how quickly dirt collects (and starts to show) on floors. That same dirt collects on carpet—it just isn’t as easy to see. That’s why a thorough, professional car shampoo plays a critical role when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

Why use car shampoo instead of just vacuuming?

While vacuuming is an important step towards keeping carpet clean, it only removes dirt from the top of the carpet. Getting down into the carpet’s pile — and, especially, the carpet’s backing, (which is where gravity eventually deposits most of the dirt) — requires more. In addition, many of the spills on a cars carpet could cause staining. Finally, if the car has an odor (perhaps from a spill) car shampoo may be the only way to make the car habitable again.

When is car shampoo necessary?

Any stains or odors are grounds for an immediate shampoo. In both instances, quick action provides the best results. Visible dirt like mud or sand should also be removed with shampoo as soon as possible. Beyond that, a good rule of thumb is to get the car shampooed several times a year—whether it be seasonal (following winter defrosting or a summer vacation at the beach)-and those numbers go up for people who regularly drive with children, dogs, or multiple passengers.

While regularly vacuuming at home is great preventive maintenance, most people don’t have the tools or equipment to do a thorough car shampoo at home. That’s why so many choose a car shampoo service like the one offered at Mr. Clean Car Wash.

Like all of Mr. Clean Car Wash’s express detailing packages, the car carpet shampoo detail can be done in 30 minutes. Mr. Clean Car Wash is currently offering a coupon for $5 off any single detailing package.

Don’t assume that a carpet that looks clean is clean. Instead, come by Mr. Clean Car Wash today for a professional interior car shampoo.

Image courtesy of bigstock.com

The first scratch on a new car is heartbreaking—and so is the second, third, fourth, etc. Though it’s not always possible to avoid scratches, an automatic car wash is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing scratches on cars. In addition, smart drivers have an arsenal of scratch-avoidance tactics they use. Here are a few:

• Keep it clean: Keeping a car clean is one of the best ways to defend against scratches and other types of paint damage. Dirt and road debris can contain tiny particles capable of causing micro scratches when rubbed against. Things like bird droppings and bug splatter can eat away at the paint. The cleaner the car is, the lower the risk of scratches and other paint damage.
• Wax the car: Regular waxing of a cars painted surfaces gives an extra layer of protection from environmental effects that can damage its paint.
• Use a car cover: Using a car cover not only protects against things like pollen and bird droppings, it also protects against door dings, cat or bird claws, and anything else that could come in contact with a car’s paint.
• Remember that even garages aren’t hazard-free: Parking in a garage overnight is one of the best ways to avoid scratches. However, many forget that things like bikes and ladders can topple over and do a great deal of damage. Garages offer the greatest protection when they’re clean, uncluttered, and free of anything that could fall on a car or be hit by an opening car door.
• Park with care: Parking spot decisions can make a big difference. Parking in spots that are too small for the vehicle is a major no-no. Also, parking in the last spot in a row (especially if it’s against a curb, wall, or hedge) makes one side of the car prone to scratches. Finally, avoiding high-traffic, accident-prone areas (like cart-returns) is another way to prevent scratches.

Scratches do more than just detract from a car’s appearance—they make the car vulnerable to rust. That’s why all scratches should immediately be repaired by a professional detailer. Since it’s easier to spot a scratch on a clean car, frequent car washes are essential to maintaining a car’s value.

Currently, Mr. Clean Car Wash customers who join the VIP club will receive a 50 percent discount on a full-service, automatic car wash. VIP members also have special access to other discounts and promotions. Sometimes scratches happen even when the best precautions are taken—however, Mr. Clean Car Wash is dedicated to making these instances are few and far between.

Image courtesty of flickr via Jonathan Rolande, 2013

If a washing a car is like cleaning the kitchen after dinner, detailing car is like hiring someone to whip the entire house into tip-top shape. Car Detailing expands the definition of “clean” to mean “immaculate” and “polished.” Professional detailers offer the following services:

• Waxing exterior painted surfaces
• Shampooing the carpets and mats
• Cleaning and conditioning the seats
• Cleaning and conditioning interior hard surfaces

And that’s just basic car details. The upgrade options are practically unlimited. In fact, almost every car surface can benefit from the TLC delivered with a professional detailing:

• Enhanced waxing and conditioning options, like polishing to remove old wax buildup before adding a new coat of synthetic wax
• Clay bar treatment, during which a clay bar is used like an eraser to remove oxidation, contaminants, tar, and scuffs before waxing painted surfaces
• Restoring headlights

Though, traditional car detailing can take several hours—the professionals at Mr. Clean Car Wash understand that being without a car for that long isn’t always feasible. That’s why Mr. Clean Car Wash express detailing services take about 30 minutes each to complete. Customers can choose as many as they have time for, in any combination. It’s a great way to maintain and enhance the condition and appearance of your vehicle without a huge time commitment.

In addition, Mr. Clean Car Wash customers can take advantage of a coupon for $5 off of any detailing service. Visit Mr. Clean Car Wash for a car detailing near you today.

Photo courtesy of flickr via Shane Gorksi, 2008

Saturdays: they should be spent having fun with family and friends. They should not be spent doing chores or washing the family car- though, unfortunately, they often are. Why? Many think that an at-home, DIY car wash is a more convenient, “greener” alternative to a professional car wash. If only they knew that, in most cases, having a car washed by a professional is more eco-friendly than doing it at home. Not only are professional car washes better for the community because they cut down on water usage, they also help prevent the contaminated runoff that hand car washes at home cause.

Washing a car at home requires about 110 gallons of water. This water is used to wet the car down and rinse it off and doesn’t include the liquid that’s mixed in with the wash solution. This is almost the same amount of water it takes to run a dishwasher seven times.

Professional car washes typically only use 17 to 69 gallons per car.

Water usage isn’t the only category where the professionals come out ahead – the pros win on what happens after the car wash, too. Many cities let storm water flow directly into nearby bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans. This means gallons of water containing soap and dirt end up contaminating local water supplies every time a car is hand washed at home. That runoff often contains heavy metals, like copper from brake dust or cadmium, lead, and zinc from tires. Those heavy metals can be poisonous to wildlife when ingested or even when absorbed through the skin.

While those facts may make dealing with a dirty car sound more appealing, filthy vehicles are not the answer either. Heavy rains wash off a lot of accumulated grime that will end up right back in the storm system. For this reason, the most environmentally friendly choice is to use a professional car wash.

Mr. Clean Car Wash recycles ninety percent of the water they use. This both conserves water and practically eliminates the release of contaminants into the environment. Mr. Clean Car Wash not only allows families and friends to take in Saturday fun, it also lends a hand in saving the planet while saving consumers money. Currently, Mr. Clean Car Wash visitors can enjoy unlimited car washes for one low monthly fee, or can buy a wash booklet of 6 car washes for the price of 5! What’s not to love?

Image courtesy of flickr via bark, 2009

Without a doubt, the quality of your vehicle’s motor oil is one of the most important elements in keeping your car running reliably. While this may be, it is often times one of the most overlooked factors in car maintenance and something that people let go longer than they should. Letting your oil change stretch out or skipping over them entirely can damage the engines internal components and shorten its lifespan. Thinking of going past that sticker in the top corner of your windshield? Here’s a quick look at what can happen if you do.

Slip And Slide
At its most basic purpose, motor oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine. Without it, metal-on-metal parts would generate so much heat and friction that they would weld themselves together and seize the engine. According to Pennzoil, today’s motor oil is designed with special additives that coat moving parts and helps reduce drag, which helps your engine operate efficiently and quietly.

Keep It Clean
Along with providing lubrication for your engine’s components, motor oils today are designed to prevent sludge build up and keep dirt and debris from collecting on the inside of your engine and causing blockages and damage. Your engine’s oil system has a filter that collects the dirt from the oil and extends its lifespan but in time, the filter will fill up and clog causing the oil to bypass it. The dirty oil and the debris within can be abrasive and damage parts more than it protects them.

Get Dirty
When it comes to corrosion, think of your engine like the Tin Man in the Wizard Of Oz. Motor oil lubricates and cleans your engine but it also protects it from corrosion and oxidization which can eventually cause damage to its moving parts. A regularly scheduled oil change ensures that the oil in your engine keeps your engine from building up corrosion, which could damage it.

Hot Stuff
Your engine’s oil also acts as part of its cooling system in a sense. By drawing heat away from extra hot areas such as pistons and cylinder heads, the oil spread the heat more evenly throughout the entire engine and allows the coolant to draw it away more efficiently. Changing your oil regularly ensures that the oil is stable enough to consistently move heat away from specific areas and keep them from warping or breaking down entirely.

Changing your vehicle’s oil regularly may not be the first thing on your mind but it’s crucial to keeping the engine running in top form. The oil within helps lubricate moving parts, cleans dirt and debris, prevents corrosion and helps transfer heat away from vital areas of the engine. For more information on oil changes, see your local Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change Plus and check the Promotions page for savings on your next oil change.

Image courtesy of Flickr

We notice that the newer your car is to you, the more often we get to see you. We suppose that this is normal. If your car is brand new, or new to you, it only makes sense that in the early days, you spend a little more time and attention because you want your new baby to look its best.

The thing is though, that being a regular customer for any car wash should be part of all the ongoing maintenance for your car. Just like regular oil changes protect the inside of your car, washing it on a regular basis keep the finish stronger and helps the shine last a lot longer and keeps the resale value up.

Honestly, some of the things your exterior encounters on the road are nasty, caustic and corrosive. Salt, bug juice, asphalt, paint, can all eat away at your finish. Regular washing removes the grime and empowers your finish to better defend itself.

Some of the other stuff like tree spittle, acid rain, bird attacks and other naturally occurring environmental threats are constantly parking themselves on your shine and dulling your ride. The long term effects of this constant barrage of man-made and environmental threats, left unchecked, will flat out ruin your car’s look and luster.

Don’t forget the interior either, regular shampooing and protecting the hard interior surfaces add to your look, comfort and the value of your baby. She’s happy when she’s clean.

We suggest the following seasonal schedule for regular exterior maintenance:

Winter – if you live in areas with heavy snow and salt on the roads, wash your car every week. There is just no way to get that corrosive salt off your car without a top and bottom wash.

If you live in areas less prone to snow and ice, a routine wash every few weeks can empower your finish to fight normal environmental threats. Since many of us avoid the snow by fleeing southward to the beach, don’t forget that regular winter washing keeps corrosion from the salt air at bay.

In extra corrosive conditions, replenish your wax protection about the beginning of February. In less icy areas, your regular deep cleaning detail schedule combined with a wash every few weeks should leave you sparkling.

Spring – Here come the bugs, the rain and the pollen. Removing the sticky tree sap and pollen can be a weekly need in early spring. At Mr. Clean Car Wash we provide discounts for multiple wash booklets that could be utilized all spring or pick up an unlimited wash plan to make running through the wash easy and super affordable.

End of winter / early spring is also a great time to schedule one of the two annual deep details you need to protect your interior as well. (The other should be done just as the Fall arrives.)

Summer- Just before that long road trip, hit your nearest Mr. Clean Car Wash for a thorough inside and out cleaning. Let us go ahead and apply our 2-Step wax process to protect from road hazards like sticky asphalt and grime from the road.

At Mr. Clean Car Wash we feature fully capable maintenance shop, get the oil changed and the tires checked and take a look at the wiper blades, as part of an overall inspection under the hood. That move could save you big time. Finding a one stop wash/oil/ maintenance and inspection place will save you time and should save you some money when you combine services.

Fall- Once the kids get back in school or you have finished the summer travel schedule, get a deep cleaning detail. There is only one way to get a really deep and lasting clean: Give your car the gift of time with a detail professional. Shampoo the rugs, do a fresh deep cleaning hand wax on the outside, give the detailer time to get in to all the cracks and crevasses. If the detail is done right, you should feel like you just left the showroom again. Your Fall detail brings you half way home to protecting that shine year round and strengthens your finish against the coming Winter.

The family SUV gets a lot of wear and tear hauling kids and running errands. That vintage car in the garage has been through a lot of loving restoration and needs some TLC. Your commuter scooter needs to stay in top shape for as long as possible during your working years. The thing all three of these beauties have in common is a need for a regular batch of fresh oil.

Just about everyone reading this knows the value of an oil change and hopefully, if you care at all about the long life of your vehicle, you are getting your oil changed out often enough to better your gas mileage, remove the old grime and gunk from your car’s engine and protecting that same engine from the normal wear and tear that heat and constant motion bring from everyday use.

So, you need a place you can trust. But, with oil change places on every corner, who should you designate as your go to guy?

Consider 3 main points for determining your oil changer number one service provider:

• Cleanliness is the tell all. If the environment of the facility is run down and dirty, we think your best bet is to move on. At Mr. Clean Car Wash, we strive to provide the same quality of service in every aspect of our business. Keeping our facilities clean is just part of being a part of the Mr. Clean Brand.

• Cheap may not be all that cheap. Sure, there is no reason to over pay now-a-days. You can figure out pricing for just about anything with a few clicks. But, don’t be fooled by a $9.99 oil change. When you bite on the loss leader, watch out for two possible pit falls: First, they may just want to get under your hood. Cracking that hood means they may want to take that $9.99 and turn it into to a possibly unneeded repair to cover the loss on the oil change. If you are paying a low ball price for the oil service, look out for inflated prices elsewhere. At Mr. Clean Car Wash, we review the services with you before we start and work and we utilize the recommendations provided for your vehicle by your manufacturer. You can rest assured that our recommendations are based on the same facts as your dealer’s service department.

• Finally, they may be using off-brand oil for the low ball deal. At Mr. Clean Car Wash we utilize the highest quality Pennzoil Products for our Oil Change Services. In addition to our high quality products and trained technicians, we also provide a Full Service Car Wash as part of our Process. Pay the right price and get a better job.