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Vehicle Maintenance

Are You Normal? Learn Which Oil Change Schedule is Best for You

If your vehicle doesn’t have an oil life monitor, it’s likely the owner’s manual includes two maintenance service schedules: one for “normal” driving and one for “severe”.

And, if you’re like most drivers, you probably consider yourself to be “normal”.

That’s where you could be making a big mistake in how you maintain your vehicle.
Are you a normal driver? Or severe?

American Automobile Association (AAA) research has shown that more than half of all motorists follow the wrong maintenance schedule for their vehicles.

“When polled by AAA,” the study states, “only six percent of motorists felt they did most of their driving under severe service conditions. But when asked about the actual driving behaviors that create severe operating conditions, 62 percent of motorists admitted they drive their vehicle that way all or most of the time.”

Findings from a February, 2011, poll of drivers in six Western states revealed even more startling numbers. More than 90% of respondents consider themselves “normal” drivers, yet 89% of those people have driving habits that define them as “severe”.

“Manufacturers provide differing sets of recommendations for severe driving conditions because of the increased wear they put on vehicle components and fluids,” said John Nielsen, director of AAA Approved Auto Repair and Auto Buying Services. “With increased traffic congestion and longer commutes becoming more common, many motorists do not realize what they think of as normal driving is actually severe when it comes to wear and tear on their vehicle.”

“Maintenance schedules for severe driving conditions,” AAA explains, “typically recommend having the vehicle’s fluids and filters changed on a more frequent basis, and more frequent inspections of some components.”

So, which maintenance schedule is best for you?

We recommend that you follow the “severe” maintenance schedule for your vehicle if:

  • The majority of your driving consists of short trips (five miles or less);
  • The majority of your driving consists of longer trips but includes a fair amount of idling (such as the stop-and-go traffic common in many people’s  morning and evening commute);
  • You often tow a trailer or haul heavy materials;
  • Frequently drive in extreme heat (more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Frequently drive in extreme cold (less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit); or
  • Frequently drive in humid conditions.

If none of the above apply, congratulations! You’re a “normal” driver.

Oil Can Henry's Centers

February Anniversaries: Old-Fashioned Quality in Sumner

Oil Can Henry's in Sumner, Washington
Oil Can Henry’s – Sumner, WA. 1313 Valley Avenue

Sumner, Washington is old-fashioned to the core — and it suits the charming community of 9,500 well.
“Full of old-fashioned friendliness, Sumner embodies all things Americana,” reads the state of Washington’s tourism website entry.  “Visit Main Street for shopping or stroll through Heritage Park near the historic downtown core. With the Daffodil Parade in spring, concerts in the gazebo in summer, scarecrows that come to life in fall and a bridge lighting with caroling and fireworks in winter, Sumner serves up every experience with an enthusiastic helping of old-fashioned fun.”
Sumner’s charming, old-fashioned Main Street has drawn national acclaim, too. John Larson of PBS once commented, “If you went looking for Main Street America, you’d be hard-pressed to find a prettier one than Sumner, Washington.”
This commitment to old-fashioned quality is undoubtedly why Oil Can Henry’s and Sumner are such a great fit.
We opened our Sumner service center six years ago (on February 13, 2010) and set about earning drivers’ trust with our commitment to providing old-fashioned quality they can trust. The hard work has paid off and we now happily greet repeat customers on a daily basis.
So, the next time you’re in Sumner — perhaps to enjoy a slice of rhubarb pie (after all, the area is renowned as the Rhubarb Capital of the World) — our team invites you to drop by Oil Can Henry’s and say, “Hi!”
Congratulations and an old-fashioned “Thank You” to the hard-working team of trained technicians at our Sumner center and the other five centers celebrating February anniversaries:

Keep up the great work!

From Our Customers

From Our Customers: I Trust Them With My Car

Oil Can Henry's - Redmond, OR
Oil Can Henry’s – Redmond, OR
2184 S. Highway 97

Oil Can Henry’s – Redmond, OR:
Yes, it literally is as good as it gets. Great people. I trust them with my car.
Recently, I had a very minor problem and they made sure I got taken care of. Their customer service is indeed 5 Star.
It’s so refreshing to go to a business where they actually give a hoot about me and my car. I’m so tired of ho-hum customer service. In this day and age, it seems that customer service is getting worse in so many ways. But not at this place, they’re bucking the trend and giving FIVE STAR service all the way.
~ Calvin A.
Redmond, OR
via Yelp

Featured, Oil Can Henry's Centers

January Anniversaries: Soaring in Eagle, Idaho

Oil Can Henry's - 3088 E. State Street in Eagle, Idaho
Eagle, Idaho, is soaring.
The beautiful community of 22,000 has grown steadily as people make the move  to enjoy its wonderful quality of life.
Close to seemingly endless outdoor recreation opportunities, Eagle is also just minutes from Boise’s thriving arts,  culture and food scenes.
Oil Can Henry’s is proud to be a member of the Eagle community, and to help local drivers ensure their vehicles run better and last longer.
When our  Eagle service center (3088 E. State Street) opened on January 28, 2009, residents welcomed us with open arms. They enjoy our stay-in-your-car service and appreciate that our quick, yet thorough service gets them back on the road — and back to enjoying all that Eagle and Boise offer — fast.
The Eagle service center is one of three Oil Can Henry’s locations in Idaho; we also serve drivers in Boise and Coeur d’Alene.
Congratulations to the team of hard working, trained technicians in Eagle and to the teams at the four other Oil Can Henry’s service centers celebrating January anniversaries:

Featured, From Our Customers

From Our Customers: A Great Experience

Oil Can Henry’s – SW Portland, OR:
Oil Can Henry's - 10030 S.W. Capitol Highway, Portland, OregonI had a great experience here this morning. Super nice people, and very efficient.
At first it was a little weird to have the oil changed while I was still in the car, but it’s actually nice to be right there for them to ask questions and explain what they’re doing as they go, rather than waiting until the end.
This will be my oil change place for as long as I’m in Portland!
~ Jennifer J.
Portland OR
via Yelp

Featured, Henry's Hints, Vehicle Maintenance

Stay Safe! 17 Tips for Winter Driving and Vehicle Maintenance

Whether you’re headed over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house for the holidays or planning a family weekend on the ski slopes, ’tis the season for driving in snowy, icy and rainy conditions.
To ensure you and your passengers enjoy a safe trip, we’re sharing 17 important winter driving and vehicle maintenance from our friends at AAA.
We also recommend you read two informative and free AAA brochures: “How to Go in Ice and Snow” for tips on driving on icy and snowy roads and “Get a Grip” for tips on driving in rain and on wet pavement.
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent your gas line from freezing.

  • Avoid using your parking brake in snowy, rainy and wet conditions. If it gets particularly cold, the brake can freeze in place.

  • Carry an emergency road kit. Your kit should include a snow scraper, shovel, gloves, flashlight and batteries, warning flares, jumper cables, water, food, extra clothing, first-aid supplies, a bag of cat litter or sand, basic tools, and a mobile phone and charger.

  • Don’t warm up a vehicle in a garage or other enclosed space.

  • Share your travel plans, especially if you’re traveling through isolated areas. Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

PREPARE AND MAINTAIN
Spend a little time on your vehicle before your trip to ensure a safe, worry-free journey.

  • Check your tire pressure and tread depth. Having the right pressure and traction in winter weather is a must. Don’t mix radial tires with other types of tires.

  • Replace wiper blades. If your blades leave streaks or miss spots, it’s time for new ones. Also make sure you have enough washer fluid that won’t freeze in the reservoir.

  • Ensure the battery is working properly. Check all cable connections and make sure there’s no corrosion on the terminals. You may want to replace the battery if you haven’t done so in the last three to five years.

  • Check that all your lights are clean, bright and working properly. This includes your headlights, brake lights and turn signals. If your plastic lens headlights are dull or don’t provide enough light, consider a Headlight Restoration.

  • Check your antifreeze — both the amount of fluid and the fluid’s freeze protection level. Worn-out fluid may not protect against freezing or overheating and can lead to costly engine damage. Learn more about your vehicle’s cooling system and the benefits of Cooling System Flush service.

  • Have your vehicle inspected. Take the time to service your car before a road trip, especially if you’re close to scheduled maintenance.

Oil Can Henry’s Famous 20-Point Full-Service Oil Change is an exceptional value that includes a complimentary safety inspection to help keep your vehicle at peak operating efficiency. We check your lights, battery, wipers, brake fluid, air filters, PCV valve, and Serpentine Belt. We also check and fill your windshield wash, coolant, transfer case fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, and tires.
If you need a Cooling System Flush, Headlight Restoration or Automatic Transmission Flush, trust the trained technicians at your local Oil Can Henry’s. All our services meet manufacturer warranty requirements, so you don’t have to hassle with appointments and drop-offs at the dealership. Learn about the wide variety of preventive maintenance services we offer here.
 
BE IN THE KNOW
Make sure you’re familiar with basic techniques necessary to drive safely in winter conditions. Specifically:

  • Stopping distances are significantly longer on snow, ice and wet pavement, so increase your following distance from the 3-4 seconds recommended for dry roads to 8-10 seconds.

  • Drive in the lane that has been most recently cleared and avoid making turns through areas with built-up snow.

  • Don’t use cruise control on slippery surfaces.

  • Brake gently; don’t pump the brake pedal.

  • If you find yourself in a skid, don’t panic. Look and gently steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

  • Watch for frost. Cold night time temperatures can lead to frost on vehicles and on the roads. Slow down or brake gently when approaching bridges or overpasses, where frost is more prone to accumulate and create hazardous conditions. Also watch for shaded areas that could create black ice, especially during early morning or late night hours.

 
Safe travels from all of us at Oil Can Henry’s!

Oil Can Henry's Centers

December Anniversaries: 25 years of World Class Service in Milwaukie

Oil Can Henry's in Milwaukie, Oregon
Milwaukie, Ore., city leaders and residents like to note that their community offers the “best of both worlds: a small town feel and easy access to Portland and regional activities and services”.
While that’s certainly true, it’s also interesting to note that this town of 20,500 people is the birthplace of several world-class brands.
For example, the Bing cherry — the most produced variety of sweet cherry in the world — was “born” in Milwaukie way back in 1875. It was created by local horticulturalist Seth Lewelling and his foreman, Ah Bing (for whom it is named).

More recently, Milwaukie has seen innovative, homegrown businesses like Bob’s Red Mill and Dark Horse Comics grow into world-renowned companies.
Oil Can Henry’s is proud to mark 25 years as a member of this remarkable community. Since opening its doors on December 14, 1990, our Oil Can Henry’s-Milwaukie service center has earned a loyal following of drivers who trust us to help their vehicles run better and last longer.
We appreciate the hard work of our friendly, trained technicians and look forward to many more years of service to local drivers.
Our Milwaukie center is one of 12 celebrating December anniversaries. Our congratulations also go to:

Oil Can Henry's Centers

Anniversaries: Blooming in Washington’s Wenatchee Valley

Wenatchee-BlogStrategically located at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers, the charming community of Wenatchee, Wash., is an outdoor and agricultural paradise offering residents and visitors a menu of seemingly never-ending adventures to enjoy.
Home to a wide variety of scenic orchards and mouth-watering farm stands, Wenatchee has earned the moniker, “Apple Capital of the World” and hosts Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, an annual 11-day  celebration of all things apple.
The Wenatchee Valley is also home to a vast array ofoutdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, cycling, paddling, and golfing.
So, it should come as no surprise to learn that the area continues to grow as new residents make the move to enjoy the quality of life and take advantage of the strong economic climate.
For years, Wenatchee Valley residents travelled 115 miles to Yakima for Oil Can Henry’s quick, convenient and thorough vehicle maintenance. Recognizing the growing demand for our trusted service (and, let’s be honest, looking for an excuse to spend more time in this awe-inspiring area), Oil Can Henry’s opened aWenatchee service center at 142 East Street on May 20, 2009. We opened an East Wenatchee center three weeks later, at 159 Valley Mall Parkway.
Congratulations to our hard-working teams in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee; they do a wonderful job helping drivers maintain their vehicles. And, a tip of our Gatsby cap to the other five centers celebrating anniversaries this month:

Featured, Manufacturer Recalls / Updates

Airbag Recall Rises to 34 Million; How to Check If Yours Is Affected

OCH-Air-Bag-Blog
Japanese airbag maker Takata announced in mid-May that it is almost doubling the size of its recall for faulty airbags to a total of about 34 million vehicles — equal to roughly 1-of-7 vehicles on U.S. roads.
According to CNN, it’s now the largest auto recall in history and one of the largest consumer products recalls ever.
While most of the recalled vehicles were manufactured by Honda, dozens of models are on the recall list.
To see if your vehicle is affected, check the special website created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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