hero
Oil
Change
Gearbox
Service
Transmission
Services
Radiator
Service
Wiper Blade
Replacement
Air Filter
Replacement
Air
Conditioning
Fuel System
Cleaning
Henry's Hints

10 Essential Tools for a Memorable Road Trip

163751226-300x227Summer officially begins on June 20! If you’re like us, you’re itching to hit the road and see some of the beautiful land that makes up this great country of ours.

While researching and daydreaming about potential adventures, we found ten fantastic resources for planning and enjoying a memorable road trip. From the practical to the whimsical, these tools are sure to help you enjoy your summer adventures.

GasBuddy is a great resource for sleuthing out low price gas near you. The website also features a cool Trip Cost Calculator. Enter your starting point, destination and vehicle information and GasBuddy will provide the cheapest fill-up locations on your route and an estimated total cost.

Roadtrippers is a treasure trove of road trip resources. Plan your trip by entering a starting point and destination and selecting from a variety of features, including hotels, attractions, food and drink, and “weird stuff”. Looking for some inspiration? Peruse their collection of road trip ideas and city guides.

Road Trip America provides a variety of easy-to-use planning tools. Select the state you want to explore to get a list of potential itineraries, complete with maps and points of interest.

While there will never be consensus on the best road trips in America, quite a few websites are willing to share their opinions. Check out the lists on Lonely Planet, National Geographic,  Outside, Travel and Leisure, and USA Today.

Are offbeat attractions at the top of your list? Don’t miss Roadside America, a fantastic guide to oddities and unique destinations that often fly under the radar. Here are a few highlights to whet your appetite:

 

As you plan your summer travels, check to find the Oil Can Henry’s centers along your route. With convenient locations throughout Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, chances are there will be one near you.

Remember, our Famous 18-Point Full-Service Oil Change includes Free Fluid Refills: Get one free oil top-up within 3 months or 5,000 miles of your last oil change. Come in anytime to top-up other fluids and tires. 

Have a favorite road trip? How do you ensure a great travel experience? Share your ideas, experiences and tips.

From Our Customers

From Our Customers: Getting the Job Done Accurately and Efficiently

Oil Can Henry's in Soquel, California
Oil Can Henry’s – Soquel, California: 2878 South Rodeo Gulch Road

Oil Can Henry’s – Soquel, CA:
The staff was courteous, informative and friendly and I love that you get to stay in your car for service.
I especially appreciate that they have a monitor next to the driver’s side window where you can watch the technician do the work and see for yourself that they’re getting the job done accurately and efficiently.
The old school outfits topped it off for me and made me smile, thus the 5 stars wasn’t a question for me.
~ Gina R.
Santa Cruz, CA

Uncategorized

Weird Traffic Laws You Have to See to Believe

Weird Traffic LawsWhile most of us can cite a traffic law or two that just rubs us the wrong way, we understand that those laws were enacted with good intentions.
There are, however, a few that have clearly outlived their original purpose, didn’t make sense to begin with or are oddly specific. For example, it’s apparently illegal to read a comic book while driving in Oklahoma (no word if you’re OK cracking open a copy of War and Peace) or to frown at a police officer in New Jersey.
We’ve navigated the Internet and collected the following examples from the states where drivers do, fortunately, have the right to enjoy oil changes and other fast, friendly preventive maintenance services at their local Oil Can Henry’s. Enjoy!
CALIFORNIA:
It’s against the law for women to drive in a housecoat.
In Glendale, it’s against the law to jump out of a car traveling more than 65 MPH.
In Chico, you’re not allowed to plant rutabagas in the street.
COLORADO:
Denver prohibits driving a black car on Sunday. (While that sounds restrictive, Minneapolis traffic law goes even further by prohibiting the driving of a red car on Lake Street at any time.)
IDAHO:
Nonagenarians with an affinity for motorcycles may want to avoid Idaho Falls, where it’s illegal for anyone over the age of 88 to ride a motorcycle.
OREGON:
Drivers who are driving on a sidewalk (we thought for sure there would be a law against that) are required to yield to pedestrians.
It’s also against the law to use your vehicle to “prove your physical endurance”.
WASHINGTON:
In an admirable attempt to keep its citizenry safe, Washington state requires that motorists with criminal intentions stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police prior to entering town.
 
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about Arizona. Our research uncovered references to a law in the city of Glendale that prohibits driving vehicles in reverse, but we also found numerous posts disputing its existence. So, it appears lawmakers in the The Grand Canyon State are on the ball.
Reflecting on the  above list, our everyday traffic laws seem downright reasonable. So, get out there and enjoy the open road.
Safe motoring from all of us at Oil Can Henry’s!
 
Resources:

Oil Can Henry's Centers

Anniversaries: A History of Success on Route 26

Oil Can Henry's in Tanasbourne, Oregon
Oil Can Henry’s – Tanasbourne, Oregon: 2055 N.W. Town Center Drive

U.S. Route 26 is rich with history.
Portions of the highway retrace the original Oregon Trail as it travels from Ogallala, Nebraska, through Wyoming and Idaho on its way west to the Oregon coast.
The stretch of highway that runs from Downtown Portland to the coast was nicknamed Sunset Highway for the sunset emblem worn by the Portland-based 41st Infantry Division, which, according to the Oregon Historical Society, was among the  first U.S. troops to deploy in WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In the late 1970s, a large retail development named Tanasbourne was established along the highway, 11 miles west of downtown Portland. As detailed by Wikipedia, the name is “a hybrid of the Middle English term bourn and tenas from the Chinook jargon. The latter term translates as small and the former as creek, giving the term tanasbourne the meaning of small, pretty creeks.”
The Oil Can Henry’s – Tanasbourne service center opened its doors two decades ago, on May 13, 1996, to serve local drivers and employees of burgeoning nearby companies such as Intel and Nike.
The center has grown with the community and today is renowned for the quick, convenient and thorough service provided by its friendly, trained technicians.
Congratulations to the fantastic crew at Oil Can Henry’s in Tanasbourne, Oregon. Thanks for your hard work!
And a tip of our Gatsby to the five other centers celebrating May anniversaries:
* Corvallis, OR. 14 years (5/4/02)
* Florence, OR. 8 years (5/23/08)
* Newport, OR. 14 years (5/13/02)
* Sierra Vista, AZ. 27 years (5/18/89)
* Wenatchee, WA. 7 years (5/20/09)

Oil Can Henry's Centers

From Our Customers: Good People. Great Work.

Oil Can Henry's in Albany, Oregon
Oil Can Henry’s – Albany, Oregon: 1757 Pacific Blvd. S.E.

Oil Can Henry’s – Albany, Oregon:
First time at Oil Can Henry’s since I moved to Oregon.
I’m cheap and usually go for whatever I can find that’s fast and inexpensive.
Not only were these guys reasonably priced but I loved that they communicated with me about all aspects of my car. They looked at everything I was curious on and I left fully satisfied.
I highly recommend this spot. Good people. Great work. I’ll be back for sure.
~ Josh N.

From Our Customers

From Our Customers: Exceptional Communication

Oil Can Henry's in Antioch, California
Oil Can Henry’s – Antioch, California: 2749 Hillcrest Avenue

Oil Can Henry’s – Antioch, California:
What a slick little place to get your oil changed!
I’d brought a book to read in a waiting-room but I didn’t even get out of my car, as they have you drive into the garage and stay in it while they change your oil and complete inspections.
It’s a neat process and there’s exceptional communication going on in that garage which is not only entertaining to listen to, but confirms what’s being serviced and inspected.
It’s a fun little time-warp feeling with the older era clothing. The whole time I wished I had my nephews with me; they would have been ecstatic to watch it all.
I went first thing in the morning and was in and out in record time.
~ Courtney D.
San Diego, CA

Henry's Hints

April Showers: 9 Tips for Safe Spring Driving

April Showers: 9 Tips for Safe Spring DrivingWhile it’s true April showers bring the promise of beautiful May flowers, the often rainy Spring weather we “enjoy” in April can also create treacherous driving conditions.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are more than 1.2 million weather-related vehicle crashes every year. The overwhelming majority of those crashes occur on wet pavement (73%) or when it is raining (46%).
Here are nine vehicle maintenance and driving tips to help you enjoy safe driving during the wet Spring months ahead:
 
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Over-inflated and under-inflated tires are unsafe, can reduce fuel economy and increase the likelihood of hydroplaning on wet roads.
Check your tire tread. Most new passenger car tires have a tread depth of 10/32″ or 11/32″. While tires with 2/32″ or less tread should definitely be replaced, keep in mind that tires can begin to lose their effectiveness before that point. Learn more, including how to test your tire tread with a penny, with this informative post from Les Schwab.
Make sure you can see and be seen. Improve visibility by replacing worn wiper blades to help ensure you can see the road and other vehicles. Check that your headlights, brake lights and turn signals are operating correctly so other drivers can see you. Wipe off your headlights occasionally; you may be surprised how much that can improve their effectiveness.
Test your brakes. Watch and listen for signs your brakes are wearing out. If your vehicle pulls to one side or if you hear grinding or squealing when you brake, have your vehicle inspected right away. It may be time for a brake repair.
 
ON THE ROAD
Increase the distance between you and other vehicles in rainy conditions. Stopping on wet pavement can require two to three times more distance than on dry pavement. So, be sure to leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you.
Know what to do if your vehicle hydroplanes. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water gets between the tires and the road and the tires lose contact with the road. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane,  the Oregon Department of Transportation recommends that you take your foot off the gas pedal,  gently apply the brakes and steer straight ahead until your vehicle regains traction.
Turn your lights on. Drive with your low-beam headlights on, day and night, to increase your visibility to other drivers.
Be careful of standing water, which could flood your engine and do significant harm to your vehicle. If you can, drive around large puddles, running water and flooded streets. If you can’t, proceed slowly so you can stop and back out if needed.
Watch for potholes. Winter weather can be particularly tough on our roads. Keep your eyes open for potholes that, if you hit them, could damage your vehicle. But don’t swerve suddenly to avoid a pothole; by doing so, you could cause an accident of a different sort.
 
Resources for this article:
Oregon Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
AAA
 

Oil Can Henry's Centers

Anniversaries: Leaving Their Hearts in San Francisco

Oil Can Henry's in San Francisco, California
Oil Can Henry’s – San Francisco, California: 300 7th Street

Judging from all the glowing reviews on Yelp and other social media, many drivers are leaving their hearts at Oil Can Henry’s in San Francisco after falling in love with the center’s fast, friendly service.
Chris and Scott Allen opened their Oil Can Henry’s-San Francisco service center eight years ago, at the corner of 7th Street and Folsom Street.
The brothers and their team of friendly, trained technicians promptly set about earning drivers’ trust — and gratitude — by providing quick, convenient and thorough service that’s a great value. The response has been overwhelming, with heartfelt compliments such as:

This location is great! They are super friendly, do a great job of explaining everything without making me feel overwhelmed or like I’m being “sold” to get something I don’t need. Best oil change experience I’ve had in a long time!

Allison T.
Chicago, IL
via Yelp
 

“Who would have thought getting an oil change would be a fun and pleasant experience?
Pulled into the garage and we’re greeted by an attendant. He was incredibly friendly, joking around with us. They help you choose the type of change you need, then you can wait in the car while they do the service. We sat in the car and they got us changed in less than twenty minutes. You can even watch them doing it via a monitor by the driver window.
Guaranteed we’ll go again for our next change. Never felt hustled or rushed, just a pleasant experience.”

Patrick T.
San Francisco, C
via Yelp
 

I have always got a great service in this place. The guys just seem (a) little more on it than the local competition, and it doesn’t hurt that they seem almost Trader-Joe giddy about the job.  I usually take this as a sign that the place treats the employees well, and is pretty savvy about hiring the right set of folks–which cannot be easy in this market. Nicholas was so helpful today I left there thinking…”why don’t I do this every week”.

Lucy Z.
San Francisco, CA
via Yelp
 
A tip of our Gatsby cap to Chris, Scott and the entire team at Oil Can Henry’s in San Francisco. Keep up the great work!
Our congratulations also go to the other six Oil Can Henry’s centers celebrating April anniversaries:

 

From Our Customers

From Our Customers: The Best Experience

Oil Can Henry's - 1646 Pace Street in Longmont, Colorado
Oil Can Henry’s – Longmont, Colorado: 1646 Pace Street

Oil Can Henry’s – Longmont, CO:
Just got my oil, filter, differentials and serpentine belt replaced this morning. All I can say is that it was the best experience I’ve had getting my oil changed ever.
I’m 47 and will not spend a dime on any service if the human interactions are poor. I might go back and just hang out with those guys. They get it.
~ Matt L.
Longmont, CO

Oil Can Henry's Centers

Anniversaries: Delivering Trusted Service in Gresham, Oregon

Oil Can Henry's in Gresham, Oregon
Oil Can Henry’s – Gresham, Oregon: 750 N.W. Eastman Parkway

Walter Quintin Gresham, the namesake of Oregon’s fourth largest city, boasted quite a resume. In less than 30 years, he served as:

  • An Officer in the Union Army during the Civil War;

  • Republican candidate for President (1884 and 1888);

  • United States Secretary of State;

  • United States Secretary of the Treasury;

  • United States Court of Appeals judge; and

  • United States Postmaster General.

In 1884, present day Gresham, Ore., was known as both “Camp Ground” and “Powell’s Valley”. Community leaders, lobbying for a local Post Office, petitioned to rename their town Gresham in honor of the Postmaster General. Their efforts were successful on both fronts, delivering a new name for their town and a new Post Office.
Today, Gresham delivers a comfortable quality of life for its 109,000+ residents. Downtown Gresham offers unique shopping and dining; Portland is a short 15 miles to the west; and, to the east, Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge beckon with seemingly endless, yet easily accessible scenic and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Oil Can Henry’s has been delivering trusted vehicle maintenance to Gresham residents since 2001.
Local owner/operator Charlie Schwab and his team of friendly, trained technicians have established the Oil Can Henry’s at 750 N.W. Eastman Parkway in Gresham as a popular destination for oil changes and other preventive maintenance services.
Our congratulations to Charlie and his fantastic Gresham team on 15 years of earning drivers’ trust. And a big shout out to the other five Oil Can Henry’s service centers celebrating anniversaries this month:

 
 
 

logo text
logo

Oil Can Henrys