Oil Change in Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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.
Top 5 Reasons to Get an Oil Change in Summerville, 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 Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Azalea Park near Summerville, 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 Summerville, 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 Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing in Summerville, 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.
Latest News Near Me Summerville, SC
Summerville residents frustrated with bumpy Main Street construction project
Reese Thompsonhttps://www.live5news.com/2025/11/20/summerville-residents-frustrated-with-bumpy-main-street-construction-project/
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) — Residents and business owners are expressing frustration with the ongoing Main Street Resurfacing Project, saying the unfinished construction is disrupting daily commutes and creating hazardous driving conditions.Residents say the project has left drivers navigating bumps 2 to 3 inches high where old and new pavement meet.The South Carolina Department of Transportation, which owns and maintains the road, completed the first layer of pavement but has not finished the second layer, creating incons...
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) — Residents and business owners are expressing frustration with the ongoing Main Street Resurfacing Project, saying the unfinished construction is disrupting daily commutes and creating hazardous driving conditions.
Residents say the project has left drivers navigating bumps 2 to 3 inches high where old and new pavement meet.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation, which owns and maintains the road, completed the first layer of pavement but has not finished the second layer, creating inconsistencies in the road surface, the Town of Summerville says.
“They block intersections and I know they have to do that, but then when they leave it’s like nothing’s been done,” Barbara Dunning, a Summerville business owner at one of the intersections on Main Street, said.
Dunning said she drives slowly over the uneven sections to avoid tire damage.
“I drive very slowly over that hump because I don’t want my tires to bust,” she said.
Town officials say they have received numerous complaints about the project’s status and have contacted SCDOT to address residents’ concerns.
“We want to be excellent here at the town. And when a road is just not up to par, then people notice. And we love that. We want a community that says, ‘Hey, this isn’t up to par,’” Christopher Makowski, with the Town of Summerville, said.
Makowski said town officials had a productive conversation with SCDOT about the project’s problems and are using their partnership to expedite completion.
“We had a conversation with SCDOT, and we use that partnership that we have already built throughout all these years to be able to get a response and understand what’s going on and hopefully expedite the process so the project can get done,” he said.
SCDOT declined an interview but said they will continue working with their contractor and expect the project to be completed by the end of the year, weather permitting.
Publix’s newest Summerville store gains buzz; Ruby Tuesday shutters North Charleston location
Jenny Petersonhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/retail/publix--summerville-summers-corner-ruby-tuesday-shutters-location/article_67416030-ba27-4c1f-95b0-5ba67f9e4c95.html
A long-anticipated Publix supermarket is finally turning dirt in Summerville’s Summers Corner development at 1612 Beech Hill Road.First announced in January, the project generated new buzz Nov. 23 after the neighborhood posted the news on its Facebook page that the site is finally under construction. The post garnering 900 likes and more than 200 shares in just days.A spokesperson for the Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer said the store expects to hire about 140 employees.The Publix will...
A long-anticipated Publix supermarket is finally turning dirt in Summerville’s Summers Corner development at 1612 Beech Hill Road.
First announced in January, the project generated new buzz Nov. 23 after the neighborhood posted the news on its Facebook page that the site is finally under construction. The post garnering 900 likes and more than 200 shares in just days.
A spokesperson for the Lakeland, Fla.-based grocer said the store expects to hire about 140 employees.
The Publix will be the anchor tenant for the new retail center, with plans calling for a 50,800-square-foot supermarket and eight 1,200-square-foot suites.
At full buildout, Summers Corner is expected to exceed 7,500 homes.
On a related note, Publix will mark its return to Daniel Island next Wednesday at 7 a.m., after a nearly year-long absence that left DI without its own full-service grocery store. The chain closed its original location at 162 Seven Farms Road in late 2024 and rebuilt a larger supermarket in its place in less than 12 months.
Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday has pulled out of North Charleston leaving the chain with just one Lowcountry restaurant.
A sign on the door at 7400 Northside Drive directs customers to the West Ashley location at 1953 Savannah Highway. Company representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
Maryville, Tenn.-based Ruby Tuesday is owned NRD Capital, a private equity firm. The casual dining closed its Summerville location earlier this year.
Completely floored
Floor & Decor has opened its long-awaited warehouse store and design center at 1155 Holliday Farms Blvd. next to The Home Depot in Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant.
The new store employs about 50 workers and is led by Matthew Peiffer, whose title is chief executive merchant.
The Atlanta-based retailer specializes in flooring for homeowners and professionals. It operates more than 250 warehouse-style outlets nationwide, including South Carolina stores in North Charleston, Columbia, Greenville and Murrells Inlet.
A ribbon cutting is set for Dec. 2 at the Mount Pleasant store, featuring giveaways including a $5,000 floor makeover and 2026 Charleston Southern University football season tickets.
Palm pleasant
Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant, a mainstay luxury boutique that plans to open a second location in downtown Charleston, has unveiled five holiday window displays with a 1967-era Palm Springs, Calif. theme.
The department store’s inspiration this year is “A Holiday on Holiday” concept, capturing “the golden glow of a retro holiday.”
The mid-century-inspired vignettes include glittering garments, glowing pink flamingos and rotating disco balls that channel holiday department-store spectacles in major cities.
Market to market
A food truck is opening a brick-and-mortar downtown.
Luther’s Market & Eatery, known for its pastas, casseroles and sauces, will take over 227 Rutledge Ave., formerly home to Pinot & Provisions, which closed Oct. 31.
The new tenant is expected to open in January and will offer global comfort foods from the mother-and-son duo of Kiki Luthringshausen and Hudson Luthringshausen. Until then, their pastas and sauces are currently available via their food truck and at Corner Store, a grab-and-go market that opened this summer in West Ashley in the former home of Taco Bartina.
3rd First Watch
First Watch, a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, will open its third Lowcountry restaurant on Dec. 15 at the Market Place at Carnes Crossroads in Goose Creek. Founded in 1983, the Florida-based chain operates more than 620 restaurants in 32 states, including locations in Summerville, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant.
Mall market
The Joy Market has returned to Citadel Mall in West Ashley with a rotating lineup of local vendors selling holiday goods. It runs Nov. 26–Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with gift-wrapping available.
Very neighborly
Park Circle home-decor shop Neighborly will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a holiday market on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 with live music, food trucks and 18 vendors.
The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.
Let it snow
Tanger Outlets in North Charleston will bring winter magic to shoppers with “snow flurries” every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. from Nov. 29 until Dec. 20 near the shopping center’s 40-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Kids can also leave messages for Santa via the mall’s “Santa Hotline.”
No. 1 pick
A national indoor pickleball club operator that's opening in North Charleston next month has announced a partnership with a fashion brand created for the sport's “court-to-cocktail” lifestyle.
2025 SC high school football state championship schedule is set: Game, ticket info
Lou Bezjakhttps://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article313161304.html
The schedule is set for the South Carolina High School League’s 2025 state football championships. The games will be held Friday-Saturday (Dec. 5-6) at S.C. State’s Oliver Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg.State Championship ScheduleFriday, Dec. 5——Class 3A——Oceanside Collegiate vs. Belton-Honea Path, 12:06 p.m.——Class A——Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. Lamar, 4:06 p.m.——Class 5A Division II——...
The schedule is set for the South Carolina High School League’s 2025 state football championships. The games will be held Friday-Saturday (Dec. 5-6) at S.C. State’s Oliver Dawson Stadium in Orangeburg.
State Championship Schedule
Friday, Dec. 5
——Class 3A——
Oceanside Collegiate vs. Belton-Honea Path, 12:06 p.m.
——Class A——
Bamberg-Ehrhardt vs. Lamar, 4:06 p.m.
——Class 5A Division II——
Irmo vs. Northwestern, 7:36 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
——Class 4A——
South Florence vs. South Pointe, 12:06 p.m.
——Class 2A——
Hampton County vs. Strom Thurmond, 4:06 p.m.
——Class 5A Division I——
Summerville vs. Dutch Fork, 7:36 p.m.
Ticket, spectator information
Tickets are $20 can be purchased at gofan.co or through each of the schools before gameday. Tickets are good for the entire day. Everyone must have a ticket — except a toddler or infant who can sit in a lap.
Gates will open for spectators at 11 a.m. each day. Home fans with tickets will enter through Gate 1. Visiting fans with tickets will enter through Gates 1 and 2 and walk across behind the endzone. Upper State schools are the home teams for this year’s games.
A clear bag policy in place for all spectators. No outside food or drink, or coolers allowed into the stadium.
Parking lots open 10 a.m. both days and cost is $10 per car. Parking passes are available through Gofan.co. Vehicles with trailers, pull behind grills and RV’s will cost $50. Restrooms and Power access available.
Entrance for all traffic is Entrance 5 off Highway 21 (Chestnut St) and Entrance 4 (Goff Avenue).
How to Watch: TV and streaming
All six games will be carried on Sinclair Broadcasting stations across South Carolina. Affiliates are WMYA (My40 Asheville-Greenville), WACH Fox digital channel (57.2/1250/Columbia), WCIV (MyTV Charleston) and WWMB (CW21, Florence/Myrtle Beach).
All six games also will be streamed on www.nfhsnetwork.com. A subscription ($11.99) is required but is good for all of the games and a month’s subscription.
High school football: Final scores from this week’s SC playoff games
Lou Bezjakhttps://www.thestate.com/sports/high-school/article312902410.html
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.SCHSL Class 5A Division IUpper StateDutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21Dorman 44, Blythewood 13Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21Lower StateCarolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27James Island 42, Sumter 35Stratford 40, River Bluff 35Nov. 21Upper State(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork(3) Ridge View at (2) D...
It is Week 2 of the SCHSL and SCISA high school football playoffs.
SCHSL Class 5A Division I
Upper State
Dutch Fork 42, Boiling Springs 7
Byrnes 37, Rock Hill 21
Dorman 44, Blythewood 13
Ridge View 29, Spartanburg 21
Lower State
Carolina Forest 49, Fort Dorchester 0
Summerville 48, Ashley Ridge 27
James Island 42, Sumter 35
Stratford 40, River Bluff 35
Nov. 21
Upper State
(4) Byrnes at (1) Dutch Fork
(3) Ridge View at (2) Dorman
Lower State
(5) Summerville at (1) Carolina Forest
(6) James Island at (2) Stratford
SCHSL Class 5A Division II
Upper State
Northwestern 42, Catawba Ridge 7
Gaffney 38, Greenwood 31
Indian Land 40, Hillcrest 10
TL Hanna 38, Greenville 14
Lower State
Irmo 41, Lugoff-Elgin 16
White Knoll 14, Lucy Beckham 10
Myrtle Beach 24, West Florence 21
Berkeley 48, Westwood 20
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Gaffney at (1) Northwestern
(3) Indian Land at (2) TL Hanna
Lower State
(4) White Knoll at (1) Irmo
(3) Berkeley at (2) Myrtle Beach
SCHSL Class 4A
Upper State
South Pointe 49, Fountain Inn 0
AC Flora 34, Seneca 21
Westside 55, Wren 20
Camden 52, Daniel 14
Lower State
South Florence 43, Bishop England 0
North Augusta 35, Gilbert 7
Gray Collegiate 49, Hartsville 28
Hilton Head 31, Wilson 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) AC Flora at (1) South Pointe
(7) Camden at (3) Westside
Lower State
(4) North Augusta at (1) South Florence
(3) Gray Collegiate at (2) Hilton Head Island
SCHSL Class 3A
Upper State
Powdersville 30, Pendleton 7
Mountain View Prep 50, Crescent 49
Belton-Honea Path 52, Southside Christian 6
Woodruff 40, Christ Church 37
Lower State
Oceanside Collegiate 24, Marlboro County 7
Dillon 42, Silver Bluff 7
Loris 56, Orangeburg-Wilkinson 20
Newberry 41, Hanahan 21
Nov. 21
Upper State
(5) Mountain View Prep at (1) Powdersville
(3) Belton-Honea Path at (2) Woodruff
Lower State
(4) Dillon at (1) Oceanside Collegiate
(3) Loris at (2) Newberry
SCHSL Class 2A
Upper State
Clinton 35, Saluda 26
Fairfield Central 36, Andrew Jackson 0
Chester 42, Batesburg-Leesville 28
Strom Thurmond 48, Liberty 21
Lower State
Hampton County 28, Cheraw 10
Manning 46, Timberland 24
Central 49, East Clarendon 28
Philip Simmons 17, Atlantic Collegiate 7
Nov. 21
Upper State
Fairfield Central at Clinton
Chester at Strom Thurmond
Lower State
Hampton County vs. Manning
Central at Philip Simmons
SCHSL Class A
Upper State
Lewisville 29, Abbeville 28
CA Johnson 28, Blackville-Hilda 0
Hunter-Kinard-Tyler 36, Ware Shoals 12
Lamar 36, Wagener-Salley 6
Lower State
Cross 38, Bethune Bowman 0
Johnsonville 38, Scott’s Branch 14
Carvers Bay 56, Lake View 8
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 49, Latta 6
Nov. 21
Upper State
CA Johnson at Lewisville
Hunter-Kinard Tyler at Lamar
Lower State
Johnsonville at Cross
Carvers Bay at Bamberg-Ehrhardt
SCISA Class 4A
Northwood 34, Porter-Gaud 20
Heathwood 16, Hammond 13
SCISA Class 3A
Wilson Hall 50, Hilton Head Christian 29
Pinewood Prep 45, Florence Christian 6
SCISA Class 2A
Pee Dee Academy 34, Hilton Head Prep 33
Bethesda 32, Greenwood Christian 14
SCISA Class A
Colleton Prep 22, Dorchester Academy 16
Williamsburg Academy 37, Thomas Heyward 20
SCISA 8-Man
WW King 74, Jefferson Davis 28
Laurens Academy 30, Holly Hill 24
SCISA Championships
Nov. 21
At Calhoun Academy
8-Man: WW King vs. Laurens Academy, 7:30 p.m.
At South Carolina State
Nov. 21
Class 4A: Heathwood Hall vs. Northwood, 7 p.m.
Nov. 22
Class 2A: Pee Dee Academy vs. Bethesda, noon
Class A: Colleton Prep vs. Williamsburg Academy, 3:30 p.m.
Class 3A: Wilson Hall vs. Pinewood Prep, 7:30 p.m.
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