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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Southeastern College Charleston in Isle of Palms, 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?
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.
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.
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.
Whether you're driving to see Isle of Palms County Park near Isle of Palms, 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.
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 The Palms of Mt Pleasant in Isle of Palms, 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.
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — As beach days return to the Lowcountry, a delicate balancing act is underway on the Isle of Palms, where efforts to combat coastal erosion must contend with Civil War history resting just offshore.About a mile out in murky Atlantic waters lie the remains of ships sunk more than 160 years ago. They were part of the Union Navy’s effort to choke off Charleston during the Civil War. Today, those same wrecks are shaping how engineers restore the island’s eroding shoreline.In a quiet bas...
ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC) — As beach days return to the Lowcountry, a delicate balancing act is underway on the Isle of Palms, where efforts to combat coastal erosion must contend with Civil War history resting just offshore.
About a mile out in murky Atlantic waters lie the remains of ships sunk more than 160 years ago. They were part of the Union Navy’s effort to choke off Charleston during the Civil War. Today, those same wrecks are shaping how engineers restore the island’s eroding shoreline.
In a quiet basement lab at the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, toothbrushes, teacups, ceramics, bullets and even bones sit carefully cataloged in boxes.
They are artifacts recovered from blockade runners and vessels connected to what became known as the First and Second Stone Fleets.
“During the Civil War, the Union Navy instituted a blockade of Southern ports. In South Carolina, that really manifested in Charleston trying to prevent blockade runners from coming in,” James Spirek, state underwater archaeologist, said. “The blockade runners are bringing military goods and then also commercial goods, consumer goods to the South and to keep the army going.”
To strengthen the blockade, the Union purchased aging whaling and merchant vessels, filled them with stone, and deliberately sank them in key shipping channels leading into Charleston Harbor. The first fleet obstructed the main ship channel. When runners adapted, a second wave of ships was sunk off what is now the Isle of Palms.
“It was an obstacle course,” Spirek said.
Smugglers still tried to slip through the shallow beach channels. Some didn’t make it.
“The Georgiana, in this case, it’s spotted and it’s chased by the Union by and the blockade was, you know, firing heavy cannons at it. And so apparently it did disable the vessel. And then the captain, the Georgiana, wrecked onto a shoal.”
A year later, another ship, the Mary Bowers, wrecked onto the Georgiana. On sonar scans, the two form an X on the seafloor.
“And so we, you know, like to say that X truly marks the spot,” Spirek said.
Divers who first documented the wrecks in the 1960s described murky water and cargo seemingly frozen in time. When archaeologists returned decades later, visibility remained limited, sometimes only a few feet.
But even in dark water, history is visible.
“There’s still information out there and it’s amazing what can be preserved,” Spirek said.
He calls the wrecks “nonrenewable resources.”
“We’re not going to get, hopefully, another American Civil War,” Spirek said. “So these things are never going to be made or anything of that nature. So that’s why we look to preserve them.”
While history rests offshore, erosion is eating away at the island’s shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Isle of Palms are planning a major beach renourishment project expected to begin this summer, with an estimated cost of $30 million.
“If we don’t restore the beaches, the erosion starts to threaten the critical infrastructure: homes, buildings, parking areas, public use areas. And then we end up with a lot of storm damage,” Steven Traynum, president of Coastal Science and Engineering, said.
Beach renourishment involves dredging sand from offshore and pumping it onto the shoreline. But not just any sand will do.
“Beach sand has to be a certain character. It’s got a certain grain size, certain color or certain texture. And we try it when we’re doing dredging projects and beach restoration. We’re trying to match the native sand as much as we possibly can,” Traynum said.
Some of the best beach-quality sand sits near the historic wreck sites.
“We’re trying to avoid the, the most critical area where we know most of the wrecks are, even though there’s some really good sand there,” Traynum said.
Removing too much sand near a wreck could destabilize it. Changing currents could scour away protective sediment, exposing fragile wood hulls to faster deterioration. To prevent that, archaeologists and engineers establish buffer zones, essentially invisible circles around known shipwrecks and magnetic anomalies.
“If it’s a known shipwreck where you know what the ship is, we put a very large buffer around that because we don’t want to get anywhere close,” Traynum explained.
Spirek says the process is rooted in federal law when federal funding is involved, requiring consultation and cultural resource surveys before dredging begins. If something significant is found, work can be adjusted.
For engineers, it’s about stewardship as much as construction.
“The worst thing we want to see is a historic artifact come through that dredge pipe,” Traynum said.
Ironically, ships once sunk to blockade Charleston are still influencing the coastline today.
Spirek notes that in previous debates over renourishment, headlines joked that the Stone Fleet was “still blockading” the coast.
More than 160 years later, the obstruction is no longer military; it’s historical.
“It’s really just a balance. I don’t see why we need to just blow through shipwrecks just because they’re in the way,” Spirek said.
Above water, waves continue their slow work of reshaping the shoreline. Below, wooden hulls rest in sand and shadow, remnants of a naval battlefield few beachgoers will ever see. The challenge for the Isle of Palms is not choosing between beach and history: it’s protecting both.
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