Chicagoland Jiffy Lube Blog

How to keep your car running longer

2009-04-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune
Last update: April 27, 2009 - 5:31 PM
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Change your oil every 3,000 miles. Don't try to save cash by skipping a change. Missing even one change can accelerate premature engine wear.
Stick to the maintenance schedule. Most city and suburban drivers should follow the "severe" or "extreme use" maintenance schedule.
Change brake and transmission fluids five or six years after a car leaves the factory and every two years after that.
Watch out for a repair shop or dealership that tries to add maintenance items not in the schedule.
Keep tires rotated for longer life and check their pressure. Losing even a few pounds of pressure can shorten tire life significantly.
Use only parts and fluids meeting manufacturer specs. Using the wrong type of oil or transmission fluid or no-name belts and hoses can lead to expensive repairs.
Keep the exterior clean to prevent corrosion and extend shine.
Source: Consumer Reports

An Opinion About the $19.99 Oil Change

2009-04-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sure, it’s popular. Why not? I’d love a 15 cent burger or an ice cream cone for 50 cents. But the people that provide that product can’t make money at those prices UNLESS you buy something else. Aha, so that’s the catch!

That’s exactly the point with a $19.99 oil change. If you add up the cost of the oil, the cost of the people who do the work, the supplies, the taxes, the overhead, etc, there is nothing left for the person who provided the product. And don’t kid yourself. All those extras make it impossible for someone to sell an oil change at that price and make a profit. Now maybe you don’t care if the service person you go to makes a profit, but the place won’t be there long. Have you noticed how many of your favorite auto repair facilities are no longer there?

Buy something extra, please

Without mentioning names, there are some giant retailers that also do some car repair and oil changes. They are usually attached to the retail store. It may take as long as an hour or so to get your oil changed, so you might as well go into the store and shop. That is their definition of convenience, but that will cost you a lot more than the price of the oil change.

I am the dealer, trust me

Some people are addicted to their car dealer. They feel they must go to them to keep the warranty in force. That is absolutely not true. The dealer is a franchised retail outlet for the manufacturer, but they are not the actual manufacturer. In many ways they are similar to the other automotive service suppliers, but they like to make you think they are the manufacturer. One other thing…always ask what kind of oil they are using. Many outlets used recycled oil to save cost. If you don’t mind using recycled oil, that’s your choice, but you should know. Also, wouldn’t you like to watch the work being done? Where do they go?

Is Jiffy Lube better?

Here is how Jiffy Lube approaches oil changes: It is the most important maintenance item you can buy for your car. We take it seriously and have dedicated out entire business to preventative maintenance. We value your time, so usually you are in and out in a matter of minutes. That is how we define convenient—nearby, quick and good. All Jiffy Lube Stores use fresh, new oil—major brands that you have heard of and see on TV like Pennzoil, Mobil, Conoco and others. The people that do the work are trained well and supervised by people that have experience in the business. We value your time and we take care of your car. That’s why I think Jiffy Lube is better.

Chuck Graziano

Jiffy Lube Chicagoland

2009-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

Visit our web site, http://jiffylubechicagoland.com/ for more information on car care and additional offers on Jiffy Lube® services.

CarJunky - Get the Most Out of Your Vehicle Keep Your Ride Going For the Long Haul

2009-04-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Apr 6, 2009 - 8:09:42 PM
(ARA) - With vehicles staying on the road longer than ever, the harsh conditions of the daily drive can take their toll over time. As the amount of time a vehicle stays on the road increases, so does the amount of maintenance required to keep it running. There are ways to increase your car's longevity. Three of the most important areas to maintain are your engine, your tires and the exterior of your vehicle.

READ COMPLETE ARTICLE

Chicagoland Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program

2009-03-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Chicagoland Jiffy Lube owners are proud to provide scholarships for Chicago area students.

To apply, visit:

http://www.yourturn2apply.com/illinois.htm

Jiffy Lube Coupon

2009-03-04T15:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a $7 Off coupon for a Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change.

Help Jiffy Lube raise funds to fight heart disease!

2009-03-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

January 28 – March 16, 2009

Jiffy Lube® has teamed up with The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® campaign to band together to help wipe out heart disease.

Donate $3 and receive a Maintenance Partners For Life book containing over $100 in savings from Jiffy Lube and other great retailers. Best yet, your donation benefits our community. Savings book available until March 16th or while supplies last.

Keeping Your Cool as Summer Driving Approaches

2009-03-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

According to AutoNetTV, the second most common cause of vehicle failure is engine coolant (tires are No. 1).

Engine coolant (antifreeze) is critical to keeping your engine running in optimum condition. If you haven't had your coolant replaced within's your manufacturer's recommended time frame, then it's a good idea to do that soon. Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than car repairs. If you want to know more about coolant exchange/radiator service, take a look at this video from AutoNetTV (click to go to their video on radiator service):