Get a Quick and Effective Oil Change at A+ Auto Service
843-380-7561
Schedule an Appointment
Oil Change in Charleston, SC
Despite what the Jetsons would have you believe, automobiles like cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans are still a necessity in modern times. Whether you use your vehicle as a daily driver for running errands or as a weekend canyon carver, you rely on your automobile to get things done. But what happens when, out of the blue, your car quits working?
Imagine this: Your spouse is tied up with work, so you've got to pick up your kids and their friends from soccer practice. Suddenly, you hear a loud noise under the hood of your car. A yellow light comes on in your car's dashboard near the speedometer. You step on the gas to accelerate a little but get no response. You're not sure what's going on, but you do know that you've got to find a safe place to pull over. After a few minutes, smoke starts coming out of your engine bay, and you know you've got a serious problem on your hands. What could it be? And then, it dawns on you - it's been years since you had an oil change. Because of that, you've got to have a friend take your children and their friends back home while you wait for a tow truck to haul your vehicle away.
Scenarios like these are quite common in South Carolina. The truth is that it's easy to forget about having your oil changed in our fast-paced society, packed full of work obligations and after-school activities. Fortunately, having an oil change service is easy when A+ Auto Service is right down the road.
The Premier Oil Change Auto Shop in Charleston, SC
As a family-owned, independent oil change provider, we're proud to have served drivers with reliable car service and oil changes for more than 20 years. We are a full-service automotive shop that does everything from routine maintenance to major car repairs to engine and transmission rebuilds. We started off in 2004 as a Major Repair Auto Shop and made it through the 2008 recession, though it hit us very hard. We were able to rebuild and come back stronger in 2010 by adding more services and becoming a true full-service auto shop.
After growing our North Charleston location for the past 16 years, we decided it was time to expand and better serve the Lowcountry. In January 2019, we bought our Summerville location on Old Trolley Rd. With a limited budget and three months of labor-intensive work, we opened our doors with a new slogan: "Your Dealer Alternative."
When we say we're your car dealer alternative, we mean it. Car dealerships are notorious for long waits, shotty repair ability, high prices, and poor customer service. That's why, at A+ Auto, we prioritize hard work, quality repairs, fair pricing, and excellent customer service. Because, at the end of the day, that's the way we'd want to be treated if we needed an oil change in The Palmetto State.
As a family-owned and operated auto mechanic shop in Charleston, we are proud to serve the Lowcountry. After all, you're our neighbors, and neighbors must look out for one another. Swing by our shop to see the A+ Auto difference. We think you'll like what you see!
Here's Why Cars Need Oil to Function
The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts in your engine. There are many intricate and high-speed components that make up an engine, many of which need oil. They need oil to operate smoothly and minimize the effects of friction and wear. It might sound hard to believe, but sometimes, the only thing preventing engine parts from grinding together is a small amount of engine lubricant.
Despite having proper oil levels, even a well-lubricated engine generates substantial amounts of heat. Another important function of engine oil is to help draw this heat away from your engine's components. By maintaining the correct temperatures, your vehicle will run smoothly. Without engine oil, the engine would rapidly seize and could potentially overheat.
Understanding why cars need oil to function is important. But you've also got to know how to check your oil levels to see if you need more. Consistent oil changes are essential for maintaining the reliability and optimal performance of your vehicle. Neglecting regular oil changes can result in severe repercussions for your car's health, potentially leading to complete engine failure if operated without sufficient oil. That's why, even if you can't do it on your own, it's smart to work with a professional oil change auto shop like A+ Auto for help.
When Do You Need to Change Your Car's Oil?
It used to be recommended to change your oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, but you might need to do it more or less often, depending on what your car manufacturer suggests. Always check your owner's manual for the recommended oil type, grade, and maintenance schedule. If a red oil light pops up on your dashboard, get your car checked right away because you could be dealing with low or no oil pressure or a serious oil leak.
Other Benefits of Engine Oil
Motor oil has evolved significantly since its initial use in the late 1800s. While its primary purpose remains to lubricate and cool engine parts, modern engine oils offer numerous additional benefits that enhance engine performance. Another role of motor oil is to help maintain engine cleanliness by filtering out dirt and other contaminants. Moreover, engine oil can contain various beneficial chemical compounds, known as additives, that can enhance its performance.
- A few common additives found in engine oil include
- Viscosity index boosters that improve oil performance under extreme temperatures
- Corrosion inhibitors that prevent rust from forming
- Dispersants to help remove sludge from your engine and prevent it from forming
A+ Auto Service Pro Tip
Despite what you may have heard, you can safely mix synthetic and regular (conventional) oil in your engine. That is, as long as they have the correct viscosity and meet the performance and quality specifications set by your vehicle's manufacturer. However, there are rare exceptions, such as some older Mazda rotary engines that do not allow the use of synthetic oils, so it's important to check your owner's manual first.
Regardless of the type of oil your car requires, it plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient engine operation. Plus, regular oil changes can help you save on gas by ensuring that engine parts are well-coated and protected from wear and tear.
Top 5 Reasons to Get an Oil Change in Charleston, SC
A recent survey conducted by the Car Care Council revealed that 22% of vehicles are equipped with either low or contaminated engine oil. Taking proactive steps to change a vehicle's oil and filter can help ensure that the engine continues to operate at peak performance and can prevent drivers from incurring costly repairs in the future. Try comparing the average cost of a year's worth of oil changes (about $200) to the cost of damage caused by neglecting them ($4,000+). It's clear to see that having your car's oil changed regularly is hugely beneficial for your bank account.
Proper lubrication is essential for moving parts to prevent the creation of friction, which leads to the generation of heat. To avoid excessive friction and engine overheating, it is crucial to ensure that the oil is clean and at the right levels.
Imagine all the moving parts of your car's engine: its valves, pistons, and other parts moving at high speeds. If these parts are not properly lubricated with oil, they will generate a lot of heat and cause significant wear and tear on the engine. Consult the owner's manual to find out the exact viscosity and quality of oil that your vehicle needs, and make sure to maintain it at the recommended level.
When your engine isn't properly lubricated, it can consume more fuel than normal, so it's a good idea to ensure that your engine has enough clean oil. When you get an oil change to replace your dirty oil, it can improve your gas mileage by 1-2%. That doesn't sound like much, but for the average driver, it can mean big savings over time.
Dirt can be extremely harmful to engines. With time, dirt can lead to corrosion and reduce an engine's lifespan. Furthermore, as time passes, oil deteriorates and transforms into "sludge." The key is to maintain a clean engine. Regular oil and filter changes aid in eliminating particles and sludge, ensuring that engines remain in optimal condition.
You don't have to be a graduate from College of Charleston in Charleston, SC to know that routine car maintenance makes your vehicle last longer. Contaminant buildup from old oil reduces a car's fuel efficiency and performance and causes its internal parts to experience increased strain. Plus, an overworked engine is more likely to develop issues and have a shorter lifespan in the long run. Why deal with those problems when you can help prevent them with an oil change from A+ Auto Service?
The Right Oil at a Price You Can Afford
Now that you understand why oil and oil changes are so important, you may be looking for reliable oil change services. Head to your local A+ Auto Service for a quality oil change and learn why so many South Carolina drivers trust our professional technicians to service their vehicles.
Oil Change Myth #1: Thicker Oil is Best for Your Engine
During the 1960s, when classic Camaros and majestic Mustangs dominated the drag strips, there might have been some truth to this. The clearances between engine parts were not as precise as they are today, and a thicker oil might have assisted in reducing certain types of engine wear. However, back then, it was mainly the anti-wear additives in the oil that offered proper protection in other types of engine wear - such as in the valve train - rather than the viscosity itself.
Using motor oil that is too thick nowadays could, at best, lower engine efficiency. At worst, it could impede proper lubrication (especially on cold mornings), affect the performance of certain engine parts that depend on oil pressure as a hydraulic fluid, and result in even greater engine wear. Some vehicles may display an illuminated check engine light if the wrong viscosity oil is used. This means that many newer vehicles necessitate lower viscosity grades to accommodate tighter tolerances and deliver improved fuel economy.
The bottom line is that thicker oil doesn't equal better. If your engine is stock, you should read your owner's manual to find out your oil recommendations.
Oil Change Myth #2: Black Oil = Immediate Oil Change in Charleston, SC
It's a common belief that you should change your oil when it turns black, but it might not always be necessary. The darkening of engine oil occurs naturally due to oxidation from heating cycles. The detergents and dispersants in engine oil work to clean the engine by absorbing soot, carbon, and other combustion byproducts, which also darkens your oil.
Although changing your oil before it's time to do so isn't inherently harmful, it could hurt your wallet. Ultimately, black engine oil can be a natural occurrence and a sign that it's doing its job effectively. The best course of action is to change your engine oil and oil filter according to your vehicle manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule.
Oil Change Myth #3: You Must Get an Oil Change Before Road Tripping
Whether you're driving to see Hampton Park near Charleston, SC or you're traveling to see family, road-tripping is one of the most fun and exciting ways to enjoy your vehicle. According to some drivers, though, you've got to change your oil before embarking on a long road trip. While it is important to ensure your vehicle is in good condition before a lengthy drive, changing your oil beforehand isn't always needed.
If your oil change interval indicates that there are still many miles left before needing service, you should be OK. However, it's still a good idea to check and make sure your oil levels are where they should be before road-tripping. If your car is scheduled for an oil change shortly after you return, you can probably wait until you get back from your trip. In any case, there's really no downside to getting your oil changed early - if it gives you peace of mind, go ahead and do it.
Superb Oil Change Service in Charleston, SC, Starts with A+ Auto
You may be on the fence about getting an oil change, but the consequences of not doing so can be horrible. At best, you'll experience diminished performance and gas mileage. At worst, you or a member of your family could end up in Indigo Hall Assisted Living and Memory Care in Charleston, SC because your engine failed and you got in a car wreck.
Why risk your safety when you can swing by A+ Auto every few thousand miles for a quality oil change? You'll benefit from a healthier car, and you won't have to wait for hours on end like you would at a dealership. Plus, you'll be treated with the care, compassion, and professionalism that only a local auto repair shop can provide. Contact A+ Auto to schedule your oil change service and learn more about why we're the Lowcountry's top choice for reliable auto repairs.
Automotive Shop for Yasmine Spence
Auto Mechanic for Richard Burns
Repair Auto Shop for tiffany smalls
Auto Maintenance for Lori Pitman
Auto Repair Shop for Kelli Hill
Auto Body Shop for GolfPrincessCL
Car Shop for Lucas
Auto Repair for Pamela Kelley
Auto Mechanic for Luis Charriez
Auto Service for Faith Davis-Taylor
Automotive Shop for Myra Jamison
Auto Mechanic for Octavia Johnson
Repair Auto Shop for Mike Fagan
Auto Maintenance for John Harmon
Auto Repair Shop for Debra Orsini
Auto Body Shop for Ron Roumillat
Car Shop for Billy Petty
Auto Repair for Charlene Brown
Auto Mechanic for Linda Newberry
Auto Service for Kimberly Haskins
Automotive Shop for Will Dixon
Auto Mechanic for Sharon Hensley
Repair Auto Shop for Deborah Reeves
Auto Maintenance for Suzie stepanian
Auto Repair Shop for Roe Reardon
Latest News in Charleston, SC
Pier pressure: Are private docks cluttering, and harming, Charleston's public waterways?
Jonah Chesterhttps://www.postandcourier.com/environment/charleston-sc-waterways-docks-public-private/article_cea43fc2-81b3-11ef-b347-4f050a3b971d.html
As he puttered his boat past the docks and multimillion-dollar homes of Daniel Island, Gates Roll recalled an odd encounter with a new resident."(He told) me that I wasn't allowed to fish around his dock," said Roll, who owns and operates Tall Tide Fishing Adventures. "And I thought to myself, 'Well, a year ago, your dock wasn't here, sir, and you weren't either.'"NewsIn Roll's view, the incident illustrates a clear tren...
As he puttered his boat past the docks and multimillion-dollar homes of Daniel Island, Gates Roll recalled an odd encounter with a new resident.
"(He told) me that I wasn't allowed to fish around his dock," said Roll, who owns and operates Tall Tide Fishing Adventures. "And I thought to myself, 'Well, a year ago, your dock wasn't here, sir, and you weren't either.'"
In Roll's view, the incident illustrates a clear trend: Docks are becoming more numerous along the edges of tidal creeks, sometimes making it more difficult to navigate and fish. And as the homes on Charleston's coast have grown in size and cost, so have the docks attached to them, he said. Once-simple piers stretching out to a modest platform with a tie-up point have been supplanted by large structures that include boat lifts, roofs and other additions.
"This is everyone's resource — a public trust resource," Roll said. "You put a dock in, and to me it feels like a private encroachment on a public resource."
Chris DeScherer, who leads the South Carolina office of the Southern Environmental Law Center, alleged that the permits dock owners submit aren't examined closely and are typically rubber-stamped by officials.
Dock owners in coastal waters — whether in Charleston, Beaufort or Myrtle Beach — need to meet design standards set by the state's Department of Environmental Services.
"SCDES encourages joint-use and community-use docks in lieu of private docks to reduce proliferation and environmental impacts; however, the agency can't prevent a waterfront property owner from pursuing a private, recreational-use dock," an agency spokesperson wrote in an email.
For large developments, the department requires a Dock Master Plan to prevent overcrowding and to protect coastal ecosystems. Daniel Island has such a master plan, a DES spokesperson confirmed.
An attorney for Point Hope, a sprawling project on the Cainhoy Peninsula that's currently the subject of a pitched legal battle brought by the law center and several conservation groups, also has implemented a master plan in its first completed neighborhood, an attorney for the developer said. DI Development Co. is responsible for both Daniel Island's development and Point Hope.
Rhett DeHart, the group's attorney, wrote that he's unsure whether the other Point Hope neighborhoods will have similar plans, noting that much of the new housing is too far inland for homeowners to have access to the water.
A critical mass of docks can cause ecological effects. A 2021 study from Massachusetts found that private docks can alter ecosystems by introducing new habitats for invasive species, altering and destroying marshland through initial construction and increased shading, and by introducing leachate pollution through chemically-treated wood piles and human activities such as the use of cleaning chemicals.
As new homes are built, so are protective barriers — and those can harm the shoreline, DeScherer said.
Sea levels in the region are set to rise about a foot over the next 25 years, and the marshes of coastal South Carolina will attempt to move inland to adapt. But too much development on the shoreline can lead to an effect called "coastal squeeze" — where the marsh gets stuck between a proverbial rock (rising seas) and a literal hard place (such as a storm-surge wall in front of a home). The critical ecosystem then gets choked out of existence.
"Cainhoy is one of the great remaining opportunities for marsh migration in this part of the coast," DeScherer said. "If these homes move in and armor the shoreline, the opportunity for marsh migration goes away."
That's an issue Charleston city leaders identified in the city's recently released Water Plan, which aims to guide Charleston through the next several decades of global warming and rising seas.
"For development (on Daniel Island and Cainhoy) to continue without creating downstream impacts, the function of the natural system must be preserved," the plan notes. Wetlands play a critical role in capturing and controlling floodwater, something that will be increasingly critical as the Lowcountry is battered by a new generation of wetter, stronger hurricanes fueled by climate change.
On the recent outing, fisherman Roll puttered on in his boat. The flora and fauna of the Lowcountry's salt marshes unfolded.
A blue heron peered at him from a dock. Dragonflies flitted past. Cordgrass rustled in the wind.
And construction crews hammered away at new homes just off the marsh's edge.
BermudAir launches direct flights from Charleston to Bermuda starting April 2025
ABC NEWS 4 STAFFhttps://abcnews4.com/news/local/bermudair-launches-direct-flights-from-charleston-to-bermuda-starting-april-2025-wciv-abc-news-4-2024
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — BermudAir is set to launch a new direct service from Charleston International Airport to Bermuda, beginning in April.The Saturday-only route aims to provide Charleston travelers with a refreshing escape to the island's pink sand beaches, world-class golf, and vibrant culture starting April 19, 2025."We’re thrilled to offer our passengers a new and exciting way to explore Bermuda," said Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO of Charleston International Airport. "This nonst...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — BermudAir is set to launch a new direct service from Charleston International Airport to Bermuda, beginning in April.
The Saturday-only route aims to provide Charleston travelers with a refreshing escape to the island's pink sand beaches, world-class golf, and vibrant culture starting April 19, 2025.
"We’re thrilled to offer our passengers a new and exciting way to explore Bermuda," said Elliott Summey, executive director and CEO of Charleston International Airport. "This nonstop service further strengthens CHS as a hub for travel to and from some of the world’s most beautiful and popular destinations and reinforces the airport’s role as an economic driver for the Lowcountry and state."
Tickets for the new route, along with BermudAir’s full summer schedule, will be available starting Nov. 14. Bookings can be made directly at flybermudair.com or through travel agents, with fares starting at $239. All flights are subject to regulatory approval, and economy and business-class seating options will be available.
READ MORE | "Charleston International Airport to alter traffic patterns amid construction."
Flights are scheduled to depart Charleston International Airport at 5:45 p.m., arriving in Bermuda in just over two hours. Passengers will be greeted by BermudAir crew in traditional Bermuda shorts and can enjoy complimentary beverages, including premium spirits and soft drinks, as well as Bermuda-inspired snacks served on real glassware.
"Charleston and Bermuda share a unique history steeped in maritime culture, and both are known for their warm welcomes, rich traditions, and vibrant arts and culinary scenes," said Adam Scott, CEO and founder of BermudAir. "We’re excited to offer travelers a seamless journey from Charleston’s cobblestone streets to Bermuda’s pink sand shores, inviting guests to enjoy an experience that’s as charming as it is unforgettable."
Helen Hill, Chair of the Aviation Authority and President and CEO of Explore Charleston, expressed enthusiasm for the new service.
"It is an honor to welcome BermudAir to the Lowcountry and add a second international destination to our ever-expanding route map," she said. "We know how selective airlines are when choosing where to place their resources and are proud to earn a spot in their lineup alongside larger metropolitan areas."
With this new service, Charleston residents can easily escape to Bermuda’s luxurious resorts and iconic golf courses, while Bermuda travelers will find Charleston’s historical charm and celebrated cuisine waiting to be explored.
Which locations around Charleston deserve a historical marker?
Jessalin Heins-Nagamotohttps://chstoday.6amcity.com/culture/historical-marker-charleston-sc
Hey, history buffs. Submit your unofficial historical locations around town.Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations – many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, business...
Hey, history buffs. Submit your unofficial historical locations around town.
Have you ever looked at a local spot and thought, “This place deserves to be commemorated?” Our city is full of legendary locations – many of which are indicated by historical markers. Historical markers reveal significant places, streets, neighborhoods, buildings, businesses, and cultural events from the past or present. Think: the Charleston City Market + Fort Sumter.
But not all significant areas get the attention they deserve. What about the Coburg Cow? Which has become Charleston’s favorite weather forecaster. Or the Folly Beach Boat which is known for being painted regularly. We want to put these places on the map — literally.
Submit your historic place for a chance to be featured nationwide on our historical marker map. Our favorite submissions will then be featured in our newsletter, where we’ll put it to a vote. Who knows? Maybe it will receive an official historical marker.
Submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in our newsletter. These finalists will then go head-to-head in a vote for our readers’ favorite. The winner will be announced later in December. No promises that it will get an actual historical marker, but it will be one in our hearts.
Want to know more about official historical markers around town? Check out the Historical Marker Database.
Disclaimer:
