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Oil Change in Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 University School of the Lowcountry in Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park near Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 The Artisan Mount Pleasant in Mount Pleasant, 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.
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Latest News in Mount Pleasant, SC
A Charleston highway project has dragged on for 8 years. It costs $100M more than when it started.
Madeline Quonhttps://www.postandcourier.com/news/mount-pleasant-sc-highway-41-cost/article_6b88ba48-fdc4-11ef-9438-a3ccd9d4afb9.html
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.In a ...
MOUNT PLEASANT — The price tag of a road widening project that has dragged along for years has ballooned by over $100 million.
The widening of S.C. Highway 41, funded by the 2016 transportation sales tax, has been in the works since 2017. The expansion will add two lanes to the highway from U.S. Highway 17 to Clements Ferry Road, doubling the number of lanes for most of the route.
In a transportation sales tax update at the March 6 Charleston County Council finance committee meeting, public works Director Eric Adams said the road projects the county is working on are on schedule. He said the county submitted right-of-way plans to the Army Corps of Engineers for the widening and expects to start construction in 2026.
The project was initially estimated to cost a little over $129 million in 2016 but has since gone up to $245 million.
Devri Detoma, county deputy public works director, said the dramatic increase in cost is largely due to inflation and impacts from COVID-19 pandemic. The project is still covered by the 2016 sales tax as well as funds from the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank despite the rise in costs, Detoma said.
In addition to the price increasing, the timeline of the widening project has extended, partially due to the permitting process which can take years. Adams said during the March 6 meeting construction is often the shortest component of a road project.
While the permitting process is tedious, progress was also impacted by controversy, Detoma said.
The historic Phillips community sits on both sides of Highway 41. Previous plans called to widen the road two lanes to five, which would have made the road come much closer to homes in the community, which residents opposed.
The county held over 150 public meetings from 2017 to 2020 so residents and elected officials could figure out a compromise. Detoma said the back and forth with the public must have taken a year.
County Council voted unanimously in 2021 to adopt the plan the county is using now which adds two lanes, adds a center turn lane in the Phillips community, and the includes the construction of Laurel Hill Parkway, a two-lane road that will run through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park.
Not all residents are happy.
Travis Korson, vice president of the Park West Master Association, said the Park West the community is concerned about the the construction of the Laurel Hill Parkway. Not only would it run through Park West, but it would result in the loss of 12 acres of wetlands. Korson said this would worsen flooding conditions and harm endangered species.
But residents of Phillips community, like Richard Habersham, support the plans. He said the project will both help reduce traffic and make turns into Phillips safer with an added center turn lane.
The county is still meeting with residents who may be affected by the widening as they progress with the project, county public information officer Chloe Field said.
In the meantime, the county has made some interim improvements. Construction project manager Cal Oyer said a signal at the intersection of Joe Rouse Road and Highway 41 was updated to allow southbound traffic to flow freely except when a pedestrian is crossing, and a left turn lane was added from Joe Rouse Road to Highway 41.
Improvements were also made to the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. Highway 17, by updating the timing of the signal, and restriping and reassigning the lanes to help traffic move more quickly, he said.
Oyer said officials estimate the project to be complete in 2030.
Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park project nearing completion after months of delays
Autumn Kleinhttps://www.live5news.com/2025/02/27/mount-pleasant-waterfront-park-project-nearing-completion/
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Project leaders behind the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park say that the park is finally nearing completion after experiencing some delays.The project was supposed to be completed in September of last year, but after some setbacks, Mount Pleasant leaders are excited to announce they are working on the very final pieces and should be able to open t...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - Project leaders behind the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park say that the park is finally nearing completion after experiencing some delays.
The project was supposed to be completed in September of last year, but after some setbacks, Mount Pleasant leaders are excited to announce they are working on the very final pieces and should be able to open the park in early May
Mount Pleasant Special Projects Manager Steve Gergick says that they have made significant progress in just the last month. Crews will be completing a major piece of the project on Thursday when construction workers will pour the last bit of concrete for the park’s splash pad, which will complete the major construction work of the project.
The concrete will require 30 days to cure before they have to put a final coat on which will also need some time to cure.
So far, they have made a lot of progress on the park, completing the two basketball and four pickleball courts as well as the quarter-mile walking trail. The park will also feature a dog park with accommodations for both small and large dogs, an outdoor fitness area featuring an obstacle course and a calisthenics fitness area, a small sensory area for children who may need some quiet time and a restroom facility, all of which have been completed.
The park will have many other features, including a structure showcasing a piece of the original Grace Memorial Bridge and a replica of the old water tower that used to stand in the Old Village will stand in the splash pad area. Town leaders say they are excited to get this $6,750,000 project complete as it has been in the works for four years now.
Gergick said the site of the park had been “just a big dirt area” under the bridge that was primarily used solely as an overflow parking lot.
“And this will still be used for overflow parking. You know, a lot of these features are strategically placed to allow cars to still park over here when there’s a big event here at the park, but it was just a big unused space and we were like, ‘Hey ‚let’s do something with that and make it a make it a good enjoyable park for the for the residents of Mount Pleasant,’” he said.
Gergick says that while the project took longer than expected, they just wanted to ensure that they had the best final result, and he thinks what they have come up with is going to be great.
“It’s going to be a great, great, great park for everybody and we’re excited about it and I know I get a lot of calls. I do get a lot of calls from people saying, ‘When is it going to come, when is it going to be happening?’” he says. “And then, you know, different groups calling me and asking when it’s going to be ready and I say, ‘We’re getting close, we’re getting close. We just need to make sure we get it right and do the right thing and deliver great product for the residents.’”
He says once they pour the concrete, they just have to finish some landscaping and final touch ups. He says they should have the construction completed by April and the park will officially be open by the beginning of May, so it will be ready to use this summer.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Next steps voted on for Patriots Annex development project in Mount Pleasant
Carlie Bakerhttps://www.live5news.com/2025/02/12/next-steps-voted-patriots-annex-development-project-mount-pleasant/
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - A multi-million-dollar development project at Patriots Point that is planned to bring in hotels, residences, restaurants, office and retail space received initial approval for a specific zoning district and a five-year development agreement renewal.The Charleston-based real estate developer Bennett Hospitality leases about 30 acres of property from the Patriots Point Development Authority. That leasing money goes towards maintaining the ships and aircraft located on Patriots Point.Town officials sa...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) - A multi-million-dollar development project at Patriots Point that is planned to bring in hotels, residences, restaurants, office and retail space received initial approval for a specific zoning district and a five-year development agreement renewal.
The Charleston-based real estate developer Bennett Hospitality leases about 30 acres of property from the Patriots Point Development Authority. That leasing money goes towards maintaining the ships and aircraft located on Patriots Point.
Town officials say that the original zoning of the 30-acre section of land at Patriots Point is known as a waterfront gateway district, but on Tuesday night they approved the first reading for it to be changed to the Patriots Annex Planned Development District.
“We had an opportunity because that is the last piece of waterfront gateway in the town to convert to a planned development. The thing with the planned development is that it is a negotiated agreement with the developer and so there is an opportunity there to ensure that certain things the town wants to happen on this 30 acres, do indeed happen on the 30 acres,” Mount Pleasant Town Council Member Guang Ming Whitley says.
With the planned development district, the town is requesting some specific conditions for the project. These conditions were approved by the planning committee earlier this month before being brought to the council.
Some of the requested conditions include increasing the required amount of open or green space from 10 percent to 14 percent, capping the total number of residences at 80, restricting flat roofs, reducing the tree requirement from 160 trees per acre to 120 per acre, as well as reducing the building elevation closest to the waterfront from 50 feet to 35 feet.
James Wilson, a representative from Bennett’s Hospitality, spoke to the town council at Tuesday’s meeting expressing their willingness to collaborate with the town. However, Wilson requested some flexibility on the open space percentage in case an event required additional space but believed they could still meet the 14 percent goal, as well as some reconsideration of the residential unit number.
“This is a 30-acre project that will take time to develop. We’re eager to get busy on the first part and get busy on the waterfront and the first hotel as you know, but it will take time and so the current conceptual plan that we have, we need to preserve some flexibility in that. Everything is not going to be built you know later this year, so what we’ve shown you is a current plan, but there has got to be some flexibility,” Wilson says
During the meeting, it was said that the town council couldn’t make amendments during the first reading. However, when the ordinance is brought up again for its second and final reading next month, council members will have the opportunity to propose any changes.
“I think the town’s perspective is what we want to ensure is if this goes to a planned development is that we preserve what is important to the citizens of Mount Pleasant which is greenspace and trees,” Whitley says.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
‘Dine Where You Live’ campaign begins in Mount Pleasant
Jameson Moyerhttps://www.counton2.com/news/local-news/dine-where-you-live-campaign-begins-in-mount-pleasant/
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A campaign meant to encourage support for local food spots backed by Mount Pleasant town officials has returned for the month of February.The town of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce have teamed up for the 4th annual ‘Dine Where You Live’ campaign, which runs from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28.A winner will receive a $50 gift card each week to dine at one of the participating businesses.To enter, follow the chambers’ Instagram account ...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – A campaign meant to encourage support for local food spots backed by Mount Pleasant town officials has returned for the month of February.
The town of Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce have teamed up for the 4th annual ‘Dine Where You Live’ campaign, which runs from Feb. 1 until Feb. 28.
A winner will receive a $50 gift card each week to dine at one of the participating businesses.
To enter, follow the chambers’ Instagram account @mtpchamber and like any ‘Dine Where You Live’ posts. Next, tag one of the participating restaurants you want to try and two friends you want to dine with on the post.
Here’s the list of participating businesses:
Restaurants
Abbracci Italian Cuisine & Cocktails
Bon Banh Mi Southeast Asian Kitchen
Carolina Butcher & Beer Garden
Dulce Churros Ice Cream and Specialty Cocktails
Beverages
Catering/Grocery
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