A wise older cousin once told me to never skimp on engine oil before I started writing for Top Gear Philippines. He compared it to the vitality of a car, which was a pretty good analogy.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to encourage my dad to keep our automobiles maintained and tuned up on a regular basis. I also done my best to keep an ancient family car in good operating order when it came time for it to be passed down to me.
But apparently my best wasn’t good enough since a few months ago, I started experiencing oil problems. The “check oil” light in the instrument cluster would first turn on, flicker erratically, and then go back to being inert. It was unsettling because an issue with the oil may be the precursor to bigger problems later on.
So I visited the technician that Mikko David, our motorsports editor and photographer, had suggested. In a nutshell, Mikko’s guy claimed that because of the way my car’s engine is built, it requires frequent oil changes since sludge builds up quickly. When I looked back, I saw that I had been performing lubrication maintenance based on distance traveled rather than time. And while I occasionally test drive for Top Gear, my personal vehicle is left at home. In the end, I discovered that replacing your lubrication should be dependent on time rather than distance.
Mikko’s technician, Jeff de Leon, removed the gunk from my engine block and advised me to change the oil more frequently going forward.
I went to the Shell Helix Service Center on Julia Vargas when the next oil change was due. I like this location because it’s pretty close to my house, and getting a free oil change from Shell Philippines didn’t hurt either.
But there are actual reasons I use this service center in addition to those flimsy ones. I had made several purchases while I was here. Here’s why I keep returning:
1. The three locations are crucial. This Helix Service Center is situated on C5 and Julia Vargas, a great accessible location, even if you don’t live nearby like I do. It’s not difficult to find or get to. In the same compound, there are Chowking and Jollibee food outlets so you may eat while your car is being repaired.
2. Relax. There is a straightforward lounge area with WiFi. You can use your laptop or tablet to catch up on your e-mail because it is tidy and air-conditioned.
3. Quick but not furious. The mechanics operate effectively and rapidly. An easy oil change will take an hour or so. Because you have to wait, you won’t become angry. Of course, I must admit that I schedule my visits at times when there are the fewest customers, such as weekday mornings.
4. Recommendation staff. The mechanics looked to see if my automobile needed any more work in addition to performing the task I requested. During a tune-up there, I learned that I needed to replace one of my shock absorbers. Once I gave them the go-ahead, they made useful suggestions and quickly fixed what they could.
5. Cost-effective. You could be pleasantly pleased at the pricing this Helix Service Center charges for basic services if you’re used to paying exorbitant amounts for tune-ups. The most expensive HX3 product costs P888, the HX7 synthetic oil change costs P1,880, the HX5 multi-grade oil service costs P1,440, and the Shell Helix Ultra E totally synthetic oil costs P3,120 for an oil change. If you don’t know much about engine oils, a general rule of thumb is to use the most expensive oil when your automobile is brand new and if it’s performance-oriented. As it ages, you switch to less expensive lubricants. And the most basic HX3 line should be used if your car is ten years old or older.
6. Recall of names Like a car dealer, this Helix Service Center keeps track of your visits. You can then keep track of the items you need to repair and see what work has been done to your car.
7. Following godliness. The repair bays are spotless. If you’re interested enough, you can actually stay and watch your car be serviced. If you drive a car and have seen your fair share of repair shops, you know how challenging it can be to keep a place like this spotless.
In This Article...
How much does changing the oil in a car cost?
Depending on where you live, an oil and filter change using standard oil will typically cost between $35 and $75. You should expect to pay extra (anything from $65 to $125) if your automobile needs synthetic oil, but you can offset some of the expense since synthetic oil lasts longer and needs to be changed less frequently.
How frequently are oil changes advised by Toyota?
Toyota advises changing your oil every 10,000 miles, but that you should keep the 5,000-mile service intervals for fluid top-offs, inspections, and tire rotations. To get going, make a service appointment, or keep reading to learn more.
How much does Petron’s change oil cost?
In a “effort to be more responsive to customer needs,” Petron Corporation is now providing comprehensive change oil packages.
According to a statement from Petron, “the value packages offer standard and discounted prices for a complete change oil service inclusive of engine oil, oil filter, and labor charges.”
The bundles are now only offered at a few Petron stations in Metro Manila, but the firm promised that they will soon be made available throughout the rest of the nation as well.
Four liters of Petron Ultron, which comes in four varietiesRace, Rallye, Touring, and Extraare included in packages for gasoline engines. Priced at P2,499 for Race, P1,499 for Rallye, P1,049 for Touring, and P849 for Extra, the Petron Ultron Complete Change Oil Value Packages come in four different variants.
However, diesel oil changes require six liters of Petron Rev-X with one of the following options: All-Terrain, Trekker, Hauler, or HD. P2,999 for Rev-X All-Terrain, P1,499 for Rev-X Trekker, P1,399 for Rev-X Hauler, and P1,199 for Rev-X HD are the prices for the Petron Rev-X Complete Change Oil Value Packages.
Regarding Petron’s engine oil products, see:
The 5W-40 viscosity grade Petron Ultron Race engine oil is the highest performing synthetic engine oil available for the utmost protection of high-performance engines.
A multi-grade semi-synthetic engine oil called Petron Ultron Rallye helps engines run more efficiently and have longer oil drain intervals.
A universal multi-grade gasoline engine oil called Petron Ultron Touring provides outstanding anti-wear protection while keeping the engine free of deposits, rust, and sludge.
For gasoline engines used in vehicles with moderate operating conditions, such as passenger automobiles, Petron Ultron Extra is a multi-grade engine oil.
A synthetic, ultra-high, multi-grade, heavy-duty engine oil that satisfies the strictest requirements of American and European heavy-duty diesel regulations is Petron Rev-X All-Terrain.
A premium multi-grade, heavy-duty engine oil that can fulfill the exacting standards of the newest diesel car engines is Petron Rev-X Trekker.
A high-performance single-grade engine oil called Petron Rev-X hauler was created to address the needs of automobile diesel engines with turbochargers and superchargers, particularly in passenger cars and buses.
For passenger cars with short drain intervals and moderate operating conditions, Petron Rev-X HD is a single-grade, heavy-duty motor oil that is advised.
Have you ever used any of these Petron products? Use the comment section below to share your experience.
Philippines, when should I replace my oil?
Every 10,000 miles, 15,000 kilometers, or every 12 months, whichever comes first, have your oil changed. Under challenging driving circumstances, such intervals should be cut in half.
The mythical 4,500-kilometer (3,000-mile) oil change period must have been mentioned to you. Despite the amazing improvements in oil chemistry and engine technology that have occurred recently, it is nevertheless recommended that oil be changed every 4,500 kilometers (3,000 miles). In truth, the majority of automakers specify that the interval should be either 11,000 or 15,000 kilometers in their service manuals. So why is this myth still considered to be true? Customers continue to adhere to this conventional guideline since they are unaware of the improvements and advancements taking place in the automotive sector. Instead, by opting to adhere to the oil change interval advised by the majority of manufacturers, you will not only save time and money on maintenance expenditures but also contribute to environmental protection.
Should oil be changed every six months?
When COVID-19 made it risky to carry on with regular routines and business as usual six months ago, life for most of the planet significantly changed. The general populace is still being cautious while engaging with strangers, despite the fact that most establishments have partially reopened.
You might have noticed unfavorable changes in your body, including weight increase, during this period of inactivity. Your health suffers if you don’t exercise regularly like you did before the pandemic. Your automobile is comparable in this regard. It can cost a lot of money to repair your car if you drive it infrequently or worse, never.
Fortunately, especially at this time of year, you have the option of going outside and working out to lose those unwanted pounds. But what can you do to keep your car in great condition?
Car Maintenance Tips During COVID
“Jim Ward, service manager at Smart Motors in Madison, says there are a number of things one can do to ensure a car remains in good working condition. “The simplest option is to drive it.
Consumer Reports recommends driving a car for at least 20 minutes each week.
According to Ward, “it doesn’t imply leaving it idle in your driveway for 20 minutes.”
Driving it will lessen brake pulsation brought on by corrosion on the brake rotors, avoid tire flat spots, and keep your battery charged.
Although the car is far from reaching the mileage interval, Ward claims that the question he is asked the most during this period of general inactivity is whether or not oil changes are actually necessary. His quick response? Yes!
Do I Need An Oil Change if I Haven’t Been Driving?
How long should you really avoid getting your oil changed?” According to him, the standard recommendation for changing the oil in most cars is every 5,000 miles or every six months. “Since we’re trying to stay safe at home and are just making brief visits to the grocery store and other places, not many people have reached the 5,000 mile milestone in the last six months. But notwithstanding, it is advised to change the oil every six months in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
According to Ward, short travels (never allowing the engine to fully warm up; at most 10 miles) are difficult for an engine. Particularly in humid weather, condensation accumulates in the oil and the engine never gets hot enough to burn it off.
Why Do Cars Need Oil Changes?
According to him, the reason why clean oil is so crucial is that it lubricates and cools hundreds of moving engine parts, reducing friction and wear. It closes cracks to minimize contamination. Additionally, it safeguards your engine by preventing the accumulation of pollutants and grime, as well as corrosion brought on by moisture or acids.
According to Ward, Smart Motors has also noticed an increase in battery problems for this season, which is thought to be due to people staying indoors more often and leaving their cars parked for weeks or months at a time.
“Again, according to Ward, many of the problems individuals are having with their cars may be solved by simply driving for at least 20 minutes a week. ” However, if you haven’t gotten your oil changed since the pandemic began, it’s past time.
Why do oil changes cost so much?
There aren’t many things in life that are guaranteed, but one of them is that things will changeoil changes, specifically. Even though we all deal with changes on a daily basis, being slapped with new or increased costs for the upkeep and care of your vehicles is typically not a welcome development.
You might have noticed that prices have increased over the past few years for what seems to be the same oil change when you go in for your regularly scheduled oil change. We are all aware of the regular rises in the cost of living, but we are here to help explain why the price increase for some oil changes has risen significantly more than the cost of living.
Let’s take the perennially popular Chevy Silverado as an example to illustrate the growth we’re talking about. An oil change cost about $38 in 2013, but the price increased to $90 the following year.
If consumers are unprepared for that, it could lead to needless confusion and frustration. Many customers, however, are unaware that the oil change conducted in 2013 was not the same oil change that could suit the automobiles from the 2014 model year.
Manufacturers are mandating the use of a different kind of synthetic oil that is higher in grade and has a larger capacity in the newer automobiles. This is a result of advancements in onboard and engine design technology. The cost of the high-grade synthetic oil is higher, and more of it must be used to adequately maintain the car. The fact that the oil change costs more up front also makes it possible for the car to go longer stretches between oil changes.
If car owners change their oil more frequently but don’t use the more expensive synthetic oils that are advised for their vehicle, it will damage their engine and wind up costing much more in the long run.
How much less expensive is doing your own oil change?
5. Add the clean oil and keep checking the level to ensure the right amount has been added.
Use the dipstick to check the level after adding the oil. You may have noticed that the oil you are adding is more amber in color rather than the dark hue it seems to be on the dipstick. That can lead you to believe that your oil needs to be changed right away since it is soiled. Oil quickly turns dark, so its hue isn’t a great indication of how clean it is. The best approach to ensure that your oil is clean and functioning properly is to follow the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil changes.
Depending on the oil and filter you use, you can save anywhere from $25 to $75 by performing this chore yourself.
Which kind of oil and filter should I use?
Because it lasts substantially longer than regular oil, synthetic oil initially appears to be the obvious choice. But many autos don’t need pricey synthetic oil. For more recent model cars, look inside the oil cap or in the owner’s manual to find the required oil weight. Synthetic motor oil would be a better option if you frequently drive short distances, really push your car (such when towing a trailer), or live in an extreme climate.
Choose an oil filter that is rated for the mileage between oil changes that you are following. In other words, avoid combining pricey synthetic oil with a poor filter. You will have wasted money by using the more expensive oil, and the filter won’t last. It is worth spending a little bit extra to buy a filter that will last because the price difference between an economy filter and a better-quality one isn’t really large. If you want to go between oil changes for a longer period of time, ask the auto parts store employee or visit the manufacturer’s website for further information on which filters will last longer.