Royal Moore Buick GMC

Oil Change FAQ | Royal Moore Buick GMC

Regular oil changes are an important part of your vehicle’s overall maintenance. Regular oil changes will help ensure your vehicle is running at peak performance. Changing your oil regularly will also help extend the lifespan of your engine. Royal Moore Buick GMC shares some frequently asked questions and answers about oil changes.

Why Are Regular Oil Changes So Important?

For a vehicle, oil is like the blood that runs through your veins. It is what keeps the engine running and parts lubricated. This helps to reduce friction, allowing the metal components to last longer.

When the oil levels are low or the oil is old, there is a serious risk of damage occurring to your vehicle. It may overheat, the pistons may stick, and the performance will be less than optimal, not to mention that the engine’s lifespan may be shortened.

Regular oil changes help ensure that your engine is in great condition and working properly.

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

All vehicle manufacturers have their own recommendations on the frequency of oil changes for each model they produce. This recommendation generally consists of a maximum number of miles or a maximum number of days/months your vehicle can be driven before the oil needs to be changed. As a general rule, most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

What Happens During an Oil Change?

During an oil change at Royal Moore Buick GMC, we will do more than just change the oil in your vehicle. The old oil is removed and replaced with new oil, depending on the needs of your vehicle. The oil filter will also be replaced. A full-service oil change will include a safety check to ensure your fluids, battery lights, hoses, belts, tire pressure, and more are in good condition.

What Kind of Oil Do I Use for an Oil Change?

If you aren’t familiar with vehicles, you may assume that all motor oils are the same. However, there are various types of engine oil available. When determining the best type of motor oil for your vehicle, you will need to consider the mileage, performance, and season, among other factors. If you are concerned about choosing the best oil for your vehicle, consult with a professional at Royal Moore Buick GMC.

Can I Just Top Off My Oil Instead of Getting a Full Oil Change?

When new motor oil is added, it will bring your levels back up to normal. However, the old oil is still there, mixed in with the fresh oil. This can add extra stress to the new oil, keeping it from working as effectively. If you find yourself in a low emergency situation, make sure to top off the oil. However, don’t just top off the oil in replacement for an oil change.

What Are the Signs an Oil Change Is Needed?

If you are concerned about the performance of your vehicle, or if your vehicle doesn’t monitor oil, there are some warning signs that you can keep an eye out for that will alert you that an oil change is imminent. These warning signs may include:

  • Oil Change or Check Engine light has illuminated on the dashboard
  • Darky, dirty, thick oil
  • Ticking or knocking sounds coming from the engine
  • Oil odor inside the cabin of your vehicle
  • Oil leaking from the exhaust

What Is the Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil?

Synthetic oil is man-made from artificial chemical compounds. The viscosity index is higher, which can help with advanced engine protection against heat, friction, and debris. Conventional oil comes from crude oil. It contains properties that allow it to lubricate the engine and components at both low and high temperatures. It may thicken during colder weather and thin during warm weather.

Schedule Your Oil Change Today at Royal Moore Buick GMC

While an oil change is a relatively simple maintenance task for your vehicle, modern vehicles tend to require the knowledge, experience, and expertise of skilled service technicians. At Royal Moore Buick GMC, our staff members are trained and have access to the necessary tools to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Contact us to schedule an oil change today.

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Benefits of Going with OEM Parts | Royal Moore Buick GMC

When it comes to getting work on your vehicle, all service requests aren’t created equal. Have you heard of using OEM parts to repair or maintain your car? If not, they provide many benefits over aftermarket parts, and we at Royal Moore Buick GMC always recommend them to our clients. Read why they are always the best option.

What are OEM Parts?

OEM parts are made by the same company that manufactured your vehicle. That might seem like an unnecessary distinction, but it’s an important one. Aftermarket parts are made by a variety of companies and they might not always adhere to the same quality standards.

OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer.” That means the parts were designed to work with your specific make and model of car from the very beginning. Aftermarket parts are made to fit a variety of vehicles, so they might not always be the perfect match for your car.

Why Should I Use OEM Parts?

There are several reasons to use OEM parts, and we’ll explain the benefits in more detail below.

  • Quality– The main one is quality. OEM parts are held to a higher quality standard because they’re made by the same company that made your car. That means they’re more likely to fit correctly and to last as long as the original part did. If you use aftermarket parts, you might have to replace them more often, and they might not fit as well.
  • Cost– This is where servicing your vehicle can get a little confusing if you’re trying to save money. Yes, it’s true that aftermarket parts are almost always cheaper than OEM. However, you’re sacrificing the same quality as we already discussed above. It’s proven that using OEM parts will actually save you money in the long run because you won’t have to keep replacing them.
  • Better performance– Your car was designed to work with OEM parts. That means that those are the parts that will perform the best in your vehicle. Aftermarket parts might not always be compatible, and they could actually end up damaging your car. Many of the vehicles that last well beyond 100,000 miles have had only OEM parts used for servicing. Some specific examples of how these parts impact your car include better fuel efficiency and less wear and tear on the engine.
  • Warranty- This is a big one, and it’s often forgotten. If you use aftermarket parts on your car and something goes wrong, your warranty could be voided. That means you’ll have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket, even if they’re related to the original problem.
  • Better resale value– If you’re planning to sell your vehicle anytime in the near future, you’ll have a better chance of getting top dollar for it if you’ve used only OEM parts. That’s because potential buyers will know that the quality of the car has been maintained, and they won’t have to worry about repairs anytime soon. Also, if you sell to a dealership like Royal Moore Buick GMC, we’ll give you a better offer if your car has only had OEM parts used.
  • Peace of mind– Finally, you can’t underestimate the peace of mind you’ll have by using OEM parts. Who wants to worry about breaking down on the side of the road or having to replace a part sooner than expected? By using only OEM parts, you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.

Order OEM Parts On Our Website

One of the benefits our dealership provides is the ability to order OEM parts directly on our website. You can fill out some quick information and we’ll take care of the rest! Even if you don’t know exactly what you need, you can always feel free to give us a call for assistance. Plus, we’re always offering special savings offers on service, parts, and much more.

Make A Service Appointment With Royal Moore Buick GMC

We hope you enjoyed this article about the benefits of using OEM parts for your GMC vehicle. Now that you know a little more about the subject, we hope you’ll consider letting our team help you with your next service appointment. We have a state-of-the-art facility and a team of highly trained technicians who know GMC vehicles inside and out. We’re also happy to answer any questions you might have about servicing your car. You can schedule an appointment online or give us a call.

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Road Trip Destinations near Hillsboro, OR to Plan this Summer | Royal Moore Buick GMC

Are you thinking about some of the trips you may want to take this summer? If so, there are plenty of beautiful cities to explore that are not that far from Hillsboro, Oregon. At Royal Moore Buick GMC, we want you to make sure that your car is ready for the road trips that you have in store. Make sure you visit our dealership to take care of all of your routine maintenance before you hit the road. Then, take a look at some of the cities you might want to explore this summer.

1. Seattle WA

If you are looking for a beautiful city that is not that far away, you may want to swing by Seattle, Washington. It is just a short drive to the north, and there is always something fun going on during the summer. There are a lot of fun breweries popping up, so if you are of age, you may want to check them out. Or, you may want to swing by the pier if you are looking for some of the best seafood in the country. Seattle is also home to the Seattle Mariners, so if you are in the mood for a baseball game, you may want to swing by the stadium. There are plenty of beautiful hiking opportunities in the area as well, so make sure you bring a good pair of shoes!

2. Vancouver CAN

If you are ready for a bit of an international adventure, you may want to head north to Vancouver, Canada. This is a beautiful city that has a lot of fun activities during the summer. If the Vancouver Canucks have made the playoffs, you may want to check out a hockey match. You can also relax on the beach and watch the waves roll in. Vancouver is also known for its delicious food, so check out a few of the restaurants in the local area. 

3. Sacramento CA

If you feel like heading south, you may want to visit Sacramento, California. This is a city that is known for its gorgeous scenery and its wine. Many of the wineries in the local area offer tours and tasting experiences, so consider taking advantage of them. You may want to head out to some of the hills that surround the city if you are looking for a bit of hiking or biking. Sacramento also has a tremendous amount of history, so you may want to head to the downtown area to take a tour. That way, you can learn more about what life was like for the first settlers who headed across the planes to settle in Sacramento.

4. San Francisco CA

Finally, if you had a bit further south, you will eventually reach San Francisco. This is one of the most exciting cities in the country, and there are plenty of summer activities to explore. For example, you may want to head down to the Embarcadero to see if there are any festivals taking place. Or, you may want to swing by some of the local restaurants to see if they have any specials. If you are in the mood for some dessert, you may want to swing by the local Ghirardelli store to see if they are handing out any free samples. San Francisco is also known for its amazing parades, so consider hanging out downtown to catch some terrific views!

Visit Royal Moore Buick GMC for All Vehicle Maintenance

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many destinations you may want to check out this summer. There are plenty of options available, but you need to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the stress of a road trip before you hit the road. That is where our team can help you. At Royal Mohr Buick GMC, our service center is one of the best in the local area. Our goal is to not only help you find the right vehicle but also to help you take care of it. Let us handle your routine maintenance to maximize your fuel efficiency and reduce your chances of dealing with the repair. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our service center. 

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Winter Driving Tips | Royal Moore Buick GMC

Driving in winter weather conditions isn’t for the faint of heart, especially here in Portland. Royal Moore Buick GMC is here to remind you to take care as you drive around town or across the country this season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2019 saw 440 fatal crashes along with an estimated 33,000 injury crashes caused by severe winter weather.

The last thing you’d want is for snow-covered roads, sudden whiteout conditions, and other unexpected winter events to endanger you and others traveling with you. Here are a few winter driving tips aimed at helping you stay safe, alert, and prepared.

Staying Prepared

No vehicle is complete without a winter emergency kit. On top of the first aid kit you should already have inside your vehicle, you should also have plenty of cold-weather gear on hand for every journey. That includes extra blankets and extra sets of warm clothing. You should also keep extra water and non-perishable foods in your vehicle, along with a flashlight, extra batteries, and an ice scraper, among other useful items.

If you haven’t switched over to winter tires already, now is a good time to do just that. Winter tires offer more usable traction than what you’d get from ordinary all-season tires. Some varieties even feature metal studs for clawing through thick snow and ice, although that’s only useful on mountain passes and other roads that aren’t regularly plowed or de-iced.

It’s also a good idea to keep your gas tank half-full throughout the winter. Not only does it help protect your fuel pump, but you’ll also have fewer worries about running low on fuel.

Driving in Cold Weather

No one said driving in cold weather was easy, but these tips should make it a bit easier to make it through the winter:

  • Always check your fluids before setting off on long trips. Make sure all of your car’s vital fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. – are at their correct levels and top them off as needed. Also, keep a close eye on your vehicle’s undercarriage for leaks.
  • Check your tire pressures before each drive. For each 10-degree drop in outdoor temperatures, your tires will lose up to 2 PSI of pressure. A 25-percent drop in tire pressure can trigger your TPMS light, so be mindful of this as you keep track of your car’s tire pressures.
  • Make sure your tires have plenty of tread. Even winter tires can lose traction if there’s not enough tread left. Use a tire gauge to measure the remaining tread. Tires with less than 3/32-inches of tread should be replaced as soon as possible.
  • Always check the weather report before your trip. Find out what the weather has in store for your planned route and plan accordingly. Don’t hesitate to delay your trip by a few hours or even a few days to avoid severe winter weather.
  • Use a winterized variety of windshield washer fluid. Winter blends feature anti-freeze properties that prevent them from icing over, making them effective when temperatures dip below freezing.

If you don’t have to drive in bad winter weather, just stay home. There’s no point in taking unnecessary risks, even if you feel you can drive safely under severe weather conditions.

Driving in the Snow

  • Don’t speed on icy or snowy roads. You don’t have as much traction or braking ability as you think. Instead, drive a bit slower than you normally would in dry weather. Doing so will give you more time to react to unexpected obstacles and other sudden changes.
  • Accelerate and brake smoothly. Hard acceleration and hard breaking only breaks traction on snow- and slush-covered roads. Apply the gas slowly and smoothly as you accelerate from a stop. Use the same slow and smooth motion as you bring your vehicle to a safe and predictable stop.
  • Increase your following distances. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy and snowy roads, so make your following distances a bit longer to account for the longer stopping distance. Leave a 5- to 6-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Don’t floor it up hills. Again, flooring it will only make you lose traction. Instead, take a gradual approach to climbing hills. Use only as much power as needed to move forward without breaking traction and let inertia do the rest.
  • If you’re going up a hill, don’t stop mid-way. In most cases, you won’t have enough traction or inertia to get yourself started again.
  • Avoid making any sudden turns or lane changes. Sudden movement can easily unsettle your vehicle, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Know when to expect black ice. Although you can’t see it, you always want to be on the lookout for it. Approach bridges, overpasses, tunnels, and other parts of the road that sporadically see sunshine. Occasionally, you can spot black ice via shiny patches that stand out from an ordinarily dull road.  

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