What Type of Oil Should You Be Using?

When it comes to oil changes, everyone seems to have their own method of getting it done. Your oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and needs to be changed regularly. At Larry H. Miller Used Car Supermarkets, we are offering to have the oil in your car changed in 30 minutes or less or it is on us. Although a challenge for us, this is something that we are more than capable of doing to make sure that you are getting excellent service done quickly.

With such a great service available, we have many customers who come in with questions about the different types of oil and how to tell what kind is best for their vehicle. We would like to offer a few facts that will give you better confidence the next time you come in to get your oil changed.

As mentioned before, there are many different types of oil. Each one contains different additives that help keep your engine, cool, calm, and collected. Much like taking a vitamin, the additives in your oil will help to keep your vehicle’s systems corrosion free.

Automobile oil is also rated based on its viscosity. This is the based on the oil density and ability to flow through your engine. There are two types of oil on the market: single-viscosity oil and multi-viscosity oil. Most cars are designed to run on multi-viscosity oil. The rating is given in two numbers, like 10W-40. The 10W refers to the rate at which the oil will flow in cold temperatures. The 40 is the rate in high temperatures. As a general rule of thumb, the lower the number, the better it flows. Pay particular attention to the first number before the “W.” In Utah, where we experience drastic changes in temperature, the lower this number is, the better your engine will perform throughout the year.

In a lot of older vehicles, single-viscosity oil is used. As single-viscosity oil does not have a detergent in it, there may be a lot of sludge built up in the engine, which means you may want to have it cleaned out. If your vehicle has only ever run on that type of oil, it is not a good idea to change to a multi-viscosity oil. Although it will break up the sludge, it will also move it to other parts of the engine, which could lead to serious problems.

The last thing you need to know for picking out oil is the Oil Classification Number. This is located in a starburst symbol on the oil container itself. It basically implies that the oil that you are using meets certain standards that are agreed to by U.S. and Japanese car manufacturers.

There are a few things you should watch out for when you are looking for an oil change. First, you’ll want to know if your vehicle is under warranty or not. That is information that you should receive when you purchase the vehicle. In some cases, if you do not use the recommended oil in your vehicle, it will invalidate the warranty on your vehicle. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for more details, or your service writer when you bring your vehicle in.

Many ask about the difference between synthetic versus non-synthetic oils. Synthetic oil is said to last longer, meaning you don’t have to have your oil changed as often. This has yet to be proven, but it is always good to check if there are benefits for using one or the other in your particular vehicle. But all vehicles will run on both.

With these few facts in mind, you can go into your next appointment with confidence knowing what the oil is doing to help your engine. Here at Larry H. Miller Used Car Supermarket, our trained service professionals are happy to answer any questions you may have about what’s best for your vehicle. We are always willing to help you find the perfect oil for your car, so make your appointment today so we can help keep you on the road.

Back to School: the Benefits of Having a Car in College

It’s that time of year! Wrapping up summer internships, giving your notice at your summer job, trying to find your way back home after your three months abroad. There is a lot to think about: trying to find a place to live; making sure that you get all your course books; and what you’re going to do about getting around. You’ve experienced all the independence of getting around on your own this summer, the last thing you want to worry about is being stranded at your apartment with that awful roommate whose bed you want to set on fire. The reality is, you need a car! And with all the summer earnings you’ve saved up, you have the means to make that happen. Not sure if this is the right choice for you? Here are five reasons why we think it is:

1.     Convenience

Our first reason is a pretty obvious one: having a car is incredibly convenient while you’re at school. You have the ability to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Run to the grocery store to stock up on ramen as soon as you run out. With a pre-owned SUV, can you imagine how much ramen you can fit in the back? Enough for you and your roommate to last for most of the semester.

2.     Independence

Not like when you were living at home driving mom and dad’s car, now you have the ability to take charge of your life and go and do as you please with a car of your own. In your own little hatchback, you don’t have to wait for the bus to ride downtown, or ask a friend or parent for a ride. No, you are the captain of your own ship, and no one can tell you what to do. 

3.     Friends

Let’s be honest, we all need that friend who has the car. So instead of having to find that friend, be that friend! Sure, you run the risk of attracting mooches as friends; but let’s be honest, that’s better than no friends at all. And think about the potential friends you could make throwing your own tailgate party from the bed of your truck.

4.     Extra Cash

One huge down side to a car is a car payment. We know this can be a real bummer. You really don’t have to bust the bank either with so many options costing less than $10,000. With a car, you can get one of those off-campus jobs that actually pays better than what you make working at the library computer lab. You also have the opportunity to make some money off those mooches who are now your friends. Charge them for rides. Become the Uber of your friend group!

5.     Get Away

Last, but not least, with a car you have the ability to get away for the weekends. Load up with your friends in your sedan and get out of town. This is especially good for those who tend to get a little homesick while at school. With your own car, you never have to miss another family dinner again. Unless your family lives somewhere like Arkansas. In which case, you might want to think about saving your pennies for a plane ticket home.

At the Used Car Supermarket, we have a wide variety of inventory for every student, and options for financing as well. Our vehicles are safe and dependable. You can trust that a vehicle from us will get you wherever you need to go.

Top 10 Road Trip Movies for Kids

Planning a family road trip this summer? We have a few suggestions—10 actually—for great movies to take along for the kids to watch while they are in the car. Taking full advantage of the technology that the Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid are equipped with, there is no reason long trips to Yellowstone or Disneyland should not be entertaining for the entire family.

10. THE GOOFY MOVIE—

Starting out with a classic that many older kids might find very entertaining, this father and son story follows accident-prone Goofy and his son Max on a cross-country bonding trip, and all the misadventures they encounter along the way.

9. MADAGASCAR 2—

You can’t really go wrong with either Madagascar movies, but you might find this one tickles your funny bone as the formerly captive animals attempt to return to New York, and crash land in Africa where they encounter animals like themselves!

8. COLLEGE ROADTRIP—

This might be a pick more for the parents of teens getting ready to go off to college. Martin Lawrence plays an overbearing father whose antics make parents feel a little less embarrassed, and teens feel a little less anxious about being seen with their comparatively normal parents.

7. THE MUPPET MOVIE—THE ORIGINAL—

An oldie but goody, this family-friendly flick is entertaining for every member of the family! Released more than 35 years ago, Kermit the Frog and the entire Muppet gang travel across the country in hopes of making it big in Hollywood.

6. MINIONS—

Following the lovable henchmen made famous by the Despicable Me movies, this movie follows the minions as they evolve from little yellow organisms to the creatures we know and love. After failed attempts of finding a master in the likes of Napoleon or T. Rex, the minions travel far and wide in the hopes of serving the worst villain on earth. 

5. UP—

This Disney must-see about Carl, the neighborhood curmudgeon, and his unexpected travel buddy Russell follows the duo as they make their way on a trip that is so fantastic, you have to see it to believe it. Make sure the car is packed with plenty of tissues; this one is as heart-wrenching as it is humorous.

4. RV—

Starring the late Robin Williams, there is no way you won’t find yourself chuckling as the comedic genius entertains you and your family. Williams plays an overworked dad tired of not being part of his children’s lives. In an attempt to reconnect with the family, he rents an RV. The hijinks that ensues is nothing short of classic Robin Williams and will leave you and your family laughing the whole way through.   

3. TANGLED—

You can’t forget about the little princesses out there, that’s why we think Tangled is the perfect movie to include on your next road trip. The bubbly and quirky Rapunzel embarks on the trip of a lifetime as she seeks to find the true meaning the mysterious floating lanterns she sees from her tower window, unexpectedly finding her true self along the way. 

2. FINDING NEMO—

Every parent’s greatest nightmare turned into a heartwarming story of a father and son, and a little blue fish named Dory. This movie includes endearing characters and plenty of hilarious misadventures as the little orange fish comes to realize what really matters in life.

1. CARS—

Of course, our top pick for road trip movies is none other than Cars! This film follows a car who is unexpectedly thrown into a road trip along one of America’s most famous roads. This charming Route 66 adventure is perfect for passing the time, counting cars all along the way. 

See our full inventory of road trip safe vehicles at any of our Larry H. Miller Used Car Supermarket, and start making memories for you and your family more timeless than any movie.