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 Trident Technical College Mount Pleasant Campus 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?
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 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.
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 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.
Mt Pleasant, SC – Willow Ash Roofing, a leading roofing contractor in the Charleston and Mt Pleasant area, is excited to announce it’s expanding its metal roofing in Mount Pleasant, SC.With a typical lifespan of 50 years or more, Willow Ash Roofing’s metal roofs offer superior resistance to rot, mold, and mildew compared to traditional asphalt shingles while delivering enhanced protection against severe weather and requiring less maintenance over time. The company’s extensive range of durable, energy-efficient,...
Mt Pleasant, SC – Willow Ash Roofing, a leading roofing contractor in the Charleston and Mt Pleasant area, is excited to announce it’s expanding its metal roofing in Mount Pleasant, SC.
With a typical lifespan of 50 years or more, Willow Ash Roofing’s metal roofs offer superior resistance to rot, mold, and mildew compared to traditional asphalt shingles while delivering enhanced protection against severe weather and requiring less maintenance over time. The company’s extensive range of durable, energy-efficient, and adaptable metal roofs are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, style preferences, and budgets.
“Charleston’s coastal environment, characterized by high humidity, salt air, and seasonal storms, requires a roofing solution that can protect your home from the elements,” said a spokesperson for Willow Ash Roofing. “Metal roof panels are a reliable, long-lasting option that’s well-suited for this climate.”
Specialising in providing strong, durable, and low-maintenance roofing solutions, Willow Ash Roofing comprises an experienced team of roofing experts committed to delivering exceptional service by using only the highest-quality materials, offering competitive pricing, and providing long-lasting solutions that protect every home or business.
From roof repairs, replacements, and maintenance services, the company’s metal roofing services offer both performance and value, as well as an energy-efficient option that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it to lower energy bills and provide savings over time. The team combines skilled craftsmanship with personalized service to ensure a smooth, hassle-free process that will suit every home’s style.
“Every metal roofing project at Willow Ash Roofing starts with a detailed consultation. Our team will walk you through available options, assess your property, and answer any questions. You’ll get expert guidance at every step so that you can make informed, confident decisions,” added the spokesperson for the company.
Willow Ash Roofing invites home and business owners to visit its website for a free estimate today.
About Willow Ash Roofing
Founded in 2002, Willow Ash Roofing is a leading roofing contractor that has been providing reliable and professional roofing services to the Charleston community for more than 20 years. With an experienced team of licensed roofers and a wide range of services, including roof repairs, replacements, and maintenance services, the company has become locally renowned for its high-quality roofing solutions.
More Information
To learn more about Willow Ash Roofing and its metal roofing services, please visit the website at https://willowashroofing.com/.
https://thenewsfront.com/willow-ash-roofing-announces-expanded-metal-roofing-services-in-mount-pleasant-sc/
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A global cosmetics brand is changing the makeup of a Mount Pleasant shopping center.The region’s next Sephora outpost is scheduled to open in mid-March in the Walmart-anchored Wando Crossing, between T.J. Maxx and Crumbl. Other nearby tenants include Ashley Furniture, Marshalls HomeGoods, Petco, Five Below, Michaels and Total Wine.“...
A global cosmetics brand is changing the makeup of a Mount Pleasant shopping center.
The region’s next Sephora outpost is scheduled to open in mid-March in the Walmart-anchored Wando Crossing, between T.J. Maxx and Crumbl. Other nearby tenants include Ashley Furniture, Marshalls HomeGoods, Petco, Five Below, Michaels and Total Wine.
“It’s going to be a great addition at the property,” said Alec Boyle, director of leasing with Wando Crossing owner Ziff Real Estate Partners.
Sephora eased its way into the local market in 2010 with a kiosk inside the former JC Penney at Northwoods Mall. While that shop-in-a-shop has since shuttered, Sephora has largely expanded its Charleston area footprint.
In 2016, the cosmetics company opened a standalone at 289 King St. in downtown and another at Tanger Outlets in North Charleston in 2024. The brand also operates kiosks inside the Kohls stores in Mount Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley under a nationwide partnership between the retailers.
Sephora has been part of French luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE since 1997. The Paris-based parent opened a full-service Louis Vuitton boutique in what is now The Charleston Place in 2008 before buying the entire downtown hotel and retail complex in 2019 when it purchased Belmond Ltd. LVHM sold the property a few years later to a company led by Ben Navarro, the current owner, for $250 million.
There’s something hot brewing in West Ashley.
Rambler Coffee will be serving cups of joe on the go from its new café trailer at 624 Dupont Road.
Classic coffee, espresso drinks, lattes and teas are on the menu, in addition to an array of pastries.
Owner Neelie Carroll has not announced the official opening date, but she shared on social media that her shop is nearly ready to open. It will operate in a trailer that stays in West Ashley aside from select events.
“I’m happiest with a cup of coffee in hand, so I hope Rambler brings warmth to your day and provides a space rooted in connection, comfort, and community,” Carroll posted to Rambler’s website.
The coffee beans will be sourced locally through Carolina Coffee Works with hot teas from Charleston Tea Garden.
Bareo is a new concept by Nikko Cagalanan and Paula Kramer, known for their Filipino restaurant, Kultura.
Four months ago, the duo moved Kultura from 73 Spring St. to 267 Rutledge Ave. — and now they’re returning to the original spot with a menu that specializes in dumplings and kakigori, which is a shaved-ice dessert that’s been served in Japanese homes and restaurants for hundreds of years.
Cagalanan’s dumplings, which he often serves during Kultura’s family meal, will be filled with local ingredients, such as the Peculiar Pig Farm pork and Miss Paula’s shrimp shumai slated for Bareo’s 10-item menu.
The Dime, a Daniel Island market and eatery, temporarily closed effective Feb. 8 while renovations get underway.
The neighborhood pop-in spot at 30 River Landing Drive will be getting a fresh look. The update is expected to take about two weeks, the business said on Facebook.
In the meantime, the neighboring Kingstide restaurant “will continue regular operations and we’d love to see you there while we’re working behind the scenes,” The Dime said in the post.
The Dime opened on the island in 2021. It serves up coffee, croissants and sandwiches by day and a nighttime menu of pizza, ice cream and libations.
After more than two years of pop-up experiences, retreats and events, The Drop In is opening its first physical studio.
The Charleston-based movement studio, co-founded by Gillian Zettler and Chandler Frisbie, announced it will open this month at 1118 King St.
The Drop In is known for its hybrid fitness experience, prioritizing mind and body with a blend of rhythm-based indoor cycling, somatic mat-based movement and dancing.
All fitness levels are welcome, and the studio is Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account eligible.
Outdoor events tend to slow down for the winter, but inside there’s still some fun goings on.
The Joy Market is open daily through Feb. 15 at Citadel Mall in West Ashley from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The seasonal pop-up supports local vendors with gift baskets and stuffed animals for Valentine’s Day, as well as unique finds.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., January 29, 2026 (Newswire.com) - As Mount Pleasant's housing market continues to reward decisive offers and well-prepared listings, Ashley Graham of Carolina One Real Estate is increasingly recognized as the for buyers and sellers who want contract-level precision, high-end marketing, and steady negotiation from start to finish. Buying or selling in Mount Pleasant, SC? Call Ashley Graham at Carolina One Real Estate on (843) 708-5295.Why Is Ashley Graham the Best Realtor in Mount Pleasa...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., January 29, 2026 (Newswire.com) - As Mount Pleasant's housing market continues to reward decisive offers and well-prepared listings, Ashley Graham of Carolina One Real Estate is increasingly recognized as the for buyers and sellers who want contract-level precision, high-end marketing, and steady negotiation from start to finish. Buying or selling in Mount Pleasant, SC? Call Ashley Graham at Carolina One Real Estate on (843) 708-5295.
Why Is Ashley Graham the Best Realtor in Mount Pleasant, SC?
In a market where a single inspection clause, appraisal gap, or timeline mismatch can change the outcome, Graham's advantage is simple: she treats every transaction like it has to survive scrutiny. Her background as an attorney and corporate alliance professional shows up in the details-stronger contract analysis, cleaner strategy on terms, and fewer surprises between "offer accepted" and closing.
She also brings perspective from outside the Lowcountry, including experience in the competitive Greenwich, Connecticut market-helpful when luxury buyers expect a white-glove process and sellers want a pricing plan that protects leverage. "In Mount Pleasant, preparation isn't a nice-to-have-it's the whole game," says Graham.
What Is Ashley Graham's Experience in Mount Pleasant?
Graham is a top-producing Realtor associated with Carolina One Real Estate, representing buyers and sellers throughout the Charleston Lowcountry with a focus on Mount Pleasant and nearby coastal and in-town markets. Her work spans luxury residential sales, historic preservation considerations, and corporate relocation-often for clients balancing timing, school-year logistics, and cross-state coordination.
Experience proof points:
What Do the Mount Pleasant Market Numbers Say Right Now?
Mount Pleasant's median sale price was $837,500, median days on market were 89, and 145 homes sold in the most recent reported month. Sale-to-list price was 97.5%, with 9.0% of homes selling above list price and 17.4% showing price drops.
For sellers, those figures reinforce a key truth: the market still pays for strong positioning, but it also penalizes overreach-especially when buyers have alternatives and price drops are part of the landscape. For buyers, longer timelines can create openings, but only if financing and terms are built to compete when the right home hits. If you're evaluating timing, strategy, or what a strong plan looks like with the best Mount Pleasant real estate agent, Graham's process outlines how she approaches pricing, offers, and negotiation in today's conditions.
Who Are Ashley Graham and Carolina One Real Estate?
Ashley Graham is a top-producing Realtor with Carolina One Real Estate, serving buyers and and the Charleston Lowcountry, including Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, and downtown Charleston. With over $122 million in career sales volume and an attorney background that strengthens negotiation and contract strategy, she delivers a process built for clarity, leverage, and clean closings-learn more about working with the top Mount Pleasant, SC realtor when results and risk management both matter.
SOURCE: Ashley Graham
Source: Ashley Graham
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — Mount Pleasant is getting close to breaking ground on a $37 million project after town leadership met Tuesday to review the plans for Gary Santos Park on Rifle Range Road.The new Gary Santos Park will feature three and a half outdoor rectangular sports fields, an indoor gymnasium, a playground area and additional amenities. The project also includes running paths and a scenic boardwalk overlooking the existing wetlands. Some tree removal will be necessary to accommodate the development.&ldquo...
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — Mount Pleasant is getting close to breaking ground on a $37 million project after town leadership met Tuesday to review the plans for Gary Santos Park on Rifle Range Road.
The new Gary Santos Park will feature three and a half outdoor rectangular sports fields, an indoor gymnasium, a playground area and additional amenities. The project also includes running paths and a scenic boardwalk overlooking the existing wetlands. Some tree removal will be necessary to accommodate the development.
“The total amount of inches per caliber on the trees is going to be more than four times what the requirement is. We are developing a small part of a 100-acre park for active recreation and then having passive trails throughout and really preserving the nature that’s there,” said Jake Rambo, a Mount Pleasant council member.
A significant portion of the council’s discussion focused on comparing natural versus synthetic surface options. Town leaders are weighing whether the outdoor courts should utilize natural grass or artificial turf.
“Variance between the injuries, unnatural grass and injuries on artificial turf are virtually the same. Actually, there are some studies that show more injuries on regular grass than artificial turf,” said TJ Rostin, recreation director for Mount Pleasant.
However, Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie raised concerns about the potential health effects artificial turf could have on young children’s development.
“There is not enough data and research to correlate any type of health concerns or environmental concerns with artificial turf,” Rostin said.
Haynie emphasized that the community needs more opportunities for public feedback on this decision. According to Rostin, artificial turf provides durability benefits for fields in constant use.
“We have about a 65-team tournament coming into town this weekend and we have potential wintry weather, this that and the other, well any of that moisture dissipates on an artificial turf within minutes so we’re able to play,” Rostin said.
Rostin said events like these tournaments generate additional economic benefits through hotel stays and spending at local dining and entertainment venues.
Last month, the council voted to name the park for Gary Santos, a longtime council member whose advocacy was instrumental in advancing recreation throughout the town.
“Gary Santos has been in this community his whole life. He served on council for almost 30 years. In addition to that, he was a prominent coach within the community. He coached thousands of kids throughout his career, including myself, so I had the pleasure of being a player under him as a child and then serving with him on council and he was my mentor, and he is just the most amazing person,” said Jake Rambo.
Rostin anticipates groundbreaking will occur within the next 30 to 60 days, with an expected completion timeline of 18 months following the start of construction.
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