If you own a car, odds are you’ve probably heard at one point or another that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. Right? Wrong. That may have been the case thirty years ago, but times are changing, and so is your vehicle. So, are you changing your oil too soon? Keep reading to find out.

When Should I Change My Oil?

As mentioned, it was once believed that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. However, newer vehicles have proven to go longer distances without an oil change. The trick is synthetic oil. This high-quality substance can keep these high-tech vehicles going for longer. So, what happens when you do eventually need to change your oil? Many cars have oil-life monitoring systems, which will alert you when it’s time to change your oil. If you want to be even more precise, check your owner’s manual for the vehicle. It will tell you how many miles you can go between oil changes. Depending on the car and driving conditions, you can go as far as 5,000 to 15,000 miles before making a pit stop. Regardless, we recommend that you get an oil change at least once a year to help protect your engine. There’s nothing worse than old oil! If you don’t change your oil enough, the entire engine will shut down, and you’ll have to replace it.

What Driving Conditions Affect My Oil Change Date? 

Typically, your owner’s manual will give you an interval based on “normal driving conditions,” but what are normal driving conditions? According to the Filters Manufacturers Council (FMC), normal driving conditions refer to ideal driving environments. These include highway driving rather than short, around-the-town- driving. It’s essential to point out that only about 20% of vehicles are regularly driven under “normal conditions.”

So, we know what’s considered normal. So, what does the FMC consider to be severe?

• Extreme temperatures (below 10˚F and above 90˚F)
• Extreme humidity
• Driving in dusty conditions (dirt or gravel roads)
• Regularly driving on steep hills or mountains
• Towing a trailer
• Hauling heavy materials
• Primarily short trips (five miles or less)
• Extensive idling
• Stop-and-go traffic

According to the FMC, if you drive in one or more of these conditions at least once a week, you may need to change your oil more often.

Why Should I Wait Longer to Change My Oil?

There may be several reasons you would want to wait to change your oil. However, there are two that might make you think twice about abandoning the 3,000 miles rule. The first and most obvious reason is that it saves you money. As mentioned, many modern vehicles take synthetic oil, which is more expensive. Suddenly, an oil change that once cost $40 is now $79. Say, over two years, you drove 30,000 miles. Suppose you changed your oil every 3,000 miles. That comes to $790 just in oil changes. Upping the mileage to 10,000 miles would reduce your cost to $237.

The second reason you should avoid changing your oil too much is that it’s not good for the environment. According to EPA, oil from a single oil change can contaminate one million gallons of drinking water if not properly disposed of. Going longer in between oil changes will not only ensure that you’re not wasting good oil but that you’re not causing unnecessary harm.

A little tip: if you want to make sure you’re changing your oil at the right time, manually check your oil each month. This way, you avoid computer error with the oil-life monitoring system, and it will give you a better sense of when to change your oil compared to the owner’s manual, which is dependent on normal driving conditions.

Find Your Oil Through Home Service Oil

Are you looking for a reliable bulk fuel and oil supply company? You’ve found the right place with Home Service Oil. We offer a variety of services. One of which is the bulk supply of many different types of oils. Need synthetic oil for your store? We’ve got it! Visit our website today to request a service. You’ll be glad you did.

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Fuel delivery is a great way to get exactly what you need at the prices you want. From increasing productivity to saving you money, what’s there not to love about bulk fuel delivery? With Home Service Oil, all you need to do is contact us about a delivery, and we’ll get you set up with a program that will change the way you look at fuel. 

There are many advantages to using a fuel delivery system. If you want to help your company grow efficiently and seamlessly, we highly recommend that you use our fuel delivery system. Here are a few reasons why.

It’s Customizable

From a farmer needing 300 gallons for a tractor to a gas station needing 8,000 a day, Home Service Oil can customize the amount of oil you need. That means you won’t be wasting your money or time on incorrect amounts of fuel. You’ll have exactly what you paid for.

Improves Productivity

You can have trained professionals handle your procurement and logistics, so you have one less thing to worry about. Your focus should be on your company and customers, not where you’re going to find affordable fuel every day.

High-quality Products

Traveling to pick up gas or diesel from multiple sources can leave you with low-quality options. Working with a reputable company, like Home Service Oil, will give you the reassurance that you need that your supply is top shelf.

Eliminates Work

When you or staff has to stop en route to fuel up, it’s just one more thing you have to worry about. Managing receipts is another thing that adds to your expenses. Receipts are easy to lose too. Data loss can make reporting difficult and inaccurate, and matching up credit card statements is time-consuming.

Security

There’s a lot that can go wrong and a lot that influences how you get fuel and how much you pay for it. With fuel delivery, you don’t have to wait in line at the pump or worry about trouble due to bad weather and rising gas prices. Go with fuel delivery and reduce risk and solve problems before they even happen.

Home Service Oil

Pick Home Service Oil for all your bulk fueling needs. Whether you need to fill a tractor or a gas station, we have you covered. Need to rent a tank? We can help with that too! For more information call us today at 1-800-467-5044. To learn more about what we offer and to schedule a delivery, contact us here.

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With the rise in gas prices, gas-saving products like fuel additives are being rushed to the marketplace, claiming to be the next best product. Fuel additives have all sorts of benefits for your engine, and some say they can increase gas mileage. If you’ve ever wondered if fuel additives can increase gas mileage or if this is just a myth, you’ve come to the right place!

Can Fuel Additives Increase Gas Mileage?

Some manufacturers of fuel additives make bold statements about improving a car’s gas mileage, and yet, do they actually make a difference? The short answer is no. In fact, the FTC recommends a buyer-beware approach. Green Foot Global settled charges with the FTC in 2013, agreeing to pay $800,000 in refunds for making false, misleading, or unsubstantial claims about their fuel additive EnviroTabs.

Marketers said this product would increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and save consumers money and falsely stated they were scientifically proven to be effective. This warning from the FTC tells consumers they should be skeptical of any gas-saving or environmental claims for fuel additives. Even for gas-saving products that do work, the difference is minimal.

How Fuel Additives Work

Luckily, fuel additives are beneficial in other ways! If you only ever put gasoline in your fuel tank, you may be missing out. They improve engine performance, maintain fuel quality, prevent breakdowns, and reduce carbon emissions. Here is a list of the different types of fuel additives to consider.

• Cleaners contain detergent to help remove carbon buildup and other gunk from your engine. While improvement doesn’t happen overnight, your car may run more smoothly over the course of a few months.
• Fuel stabilizers prevent fuel from breaking down over time. If you know you won’t be driving a specific car or truck for a while, you can add a fuel stabilizer to keep the water and chemicals from separating.
• Fuel enhancers improve your vehicle’s engine while it’s in use. Octane boosters help ensure that fuel will properly ignite. These enhancers increase the octane rating in your fuel, creating a more stable environment for combustion to occur.
• Diesel additives are beneficial in winter. Since diesel fuel can gel when temperatures drop, diesel additives unclog fuel filters, reduce hard starts, and prevent engine damage.

It’s all about finding the right fuel additive for your vehicle’s needs. While it’s a myth that fuel additives can increase gas mileage, a fuel additive can keep your engine working well and prevent costly repairs.

Purchase Your Fuel Additives From Home Service Oil

HSO believes in delivering more than just fuel for customers. So, we carry high-quality products for convenience stores and repair shops. Whether you’re looking for name brand solvents, degreasers, fuel additives, or diesel exhaust fluid, we’ve got you covered! Talk with our team of professionals by calling 1-800-467-5044 or requesting a service today!

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In this competitive economy, convenience stores are struggling more than ever to compete with large companies that have endless supplies to help supplement large workforces and cutting-edge technology. However, if you own a convenience store, you’re not helpless. You can do countless things to make yourself a competitor, even with the big guys in the ring. In this blog, we’ll be discussing eight ways to run a successful convenience store.

Keep It Clean 

Keep everything clean. From floors to counters and even the parking lot, employees should clear everything of dirt, dust, or trash. First impressions are everything and a significant part of the buying experience. Make sure everything is well stocked, too. Do the bathrooms have enough toilet paper, paper towels, and soap? We know it’s hard to keep up with each location in your store, so you may need to set an alarm or create a chart to ensure that each area of your store is addressed promptly.

Place Displays Intelligently

You don’t want to overload the checkout counter with displays. There’s a fine line you want to walk. Add too little, and there won’t be enough variety for a customer to feel like they have a choice in what they buy but add too many, and the customer will feel overwhelmed and won’t touch a thing. The checkout counter is prime real estate for impulse items or small items that can be bought quickly because they’re cheap and have a purpose.  Once you learn which items are the best sellers, make room for a clean display of those products. All other displays can go in high traffic areas of the store.

Keep It Convenient

Your goal is to provide a streamlined experience that allows customers to walk in and purchase whatever product they’re looking for quickly and straightforwardly. To do this, you need to ensure that you have ample stock of various drinks, snacks, candy, and other items that people can purchase with ease. Think about how the aisles are stationed around the store to allow for easy movement. And don’t be afraid to invest in what you have. If creating a streamlined experience means investing in more human resources, remember a return on investment. The more people talk about the convenience of your store, the more people will visit. By gifting your customers time, they’ll feel much more compelled to give you their business as they feel like they’ve already won.

Work With Your Suppliers

In the convenience store game, suppliers are your key to success. You’re dependent on their products and support, but they also depend on your business. Piggyback off their efforts and marketing assets because your success is their success. As for in-store material, possible promotions, or any public relations initiatives you can support will do wonders. A customer associating you with a brand they already know and trust builds up your credibility. This associating will also improve your relationship with your supplier, making your relationship smooth and profitable.

Know The Trends

Convenience stores often lose shoppers by failing to establish loyalty and deliver what the customers want. Be aware of changes in your customer’s lifestyles and new trends that they may be following. This mindfulness means keeping up to date by researching what your average customer is looking to purchase on a day-to-day basis. For example, Americans are more health-conscious than they’ve ever been. Many customers are looking for healthier food and drink options and lifestyle products that make them feel like they’re taking care of themselves. Find a way to work this trend into your brand. To do this, you’ll have to partake in market research, not just by observing your sales but by dipping your toe into several different industries simultaneously. This will give you an edge on the game and help make your convenience store more successful.

Use Retail Fuel & Diesel Services

Did you know that 80% of the total fuel sold in the United States comes from convenience stores? By partnering with a fuel service provider, logistically, you’ll be helping yourself manage and stabilize costs. This management and stabilization of expenses will help you meet the customers’ needs without breaking the bank.

When you think about all the positive reasons, partnering with a retail fuel service seems like the obvious choice. A practical and high-quality fuel distribution program will meet the customers’ needs, which means that your tanks won’t run out of gas when your customers need it the most. Retail fuel services can also provide emergency deliveries and rerouting services. These services ensure that you get the fuel you need even outside of regular operating hours.

Invest In Your Store

A clean and functional store design, security cameras, electronic door systems, and attractive displays will ensure people return to your convenience store. Store aisles should be broad and shelves organized, so shoppers don’t have to hunt for what they want. Again, you’ll want to keep everything clean and well-lit to ensure the safety of all your customers and employees. Speaking of employees, invest in a qualified crew that is open to training, on time, friendly, and knowledgeable about your convenience store’s stock. Also, provide a fair wage and reward above-and-beyond customer service. This incentive will keep employees motivated, and a motivated employee works harder and drives sales through the roof in the process! Investing in your store may seem a little scary when you’re first starting. Still, it’s worth creating a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who interacts with the location.

Do More with Less

In today’s increasingly competitive retail environment, brands can’t afford to misunderstand their customers. As we already mentioned, many convenience stores lose traffic because they don’t take a close enough look at what the customer wants. Simply acquiring new stores isn’t enough to boost a company’s market share. Improved operations start with honing current processes. Doing things wrong on a larger scale doesn’t fix the problem; it only makes it worse. Store brands must recalibrate their approach to earn everyday customers’ attention. Create a best practices protocol that places the happiness of customers at the top of the list. Whether you have one store or ten you need to manage; having a best practices protocol will help ensure that, on a base level, you are doing what you’re supposed to do to ensure success. Once you’ve mastered this, then you think about expanding your brand or implementing new technologies.

Partner With Home Service Oil

Do you or someone you know own a convenience store? Do you need a reliable bulk fuel supplier? As mentioned in this blog, there are many different reasons why you should use a bulk fuel supplier. If you need any more convincing, check out our blog on why bulk fuel supply benefits businesses. If you are interested in learning more about what we offer, visit our website today!

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Long story short, most heating oil is good for 18 to 24 months before it is considered old. No. 2 heating oil is the most commonly used type of heating oil in homes across the country. It’s important to remember that additives should be added to the oil upon delivery to your home. Once your oil starts degrading, there is nothing you can add to slow or stop the process.

If your oil is nearing the end of its shelf life and you’re wondering if you can still use it, don’t worry; you can. However, it will be less combustible, which means that it will produce less heat than usual. Remember, if the heating oil can’t reach your furnace’s minimum temperature range when it’s burned, the furnace will automatically shut off, and you’ll need to call for service.

Ultimately, if you’re unsure about the age of your heating oil, the best thing to do is err on the side of caution and have a professional drain and refill your tank.

So, by now, you think you’ve learned everything you’ve needed to learn about the shelf life of heating oil, and you’d be wrong. There’s much more you need to know. So, stick around and find out.

What Degrades Your Heating Oil?

Several factors go into how your heating oil degrades over time. The most common cause of oil degradation is bacterial actions. Some bacteria are always present in your oil that will actively spoil it. So, there’s not much you can do to stop it from happening. 

Water can also cause heating oil to go bad prematurely. Pure water is terrible as is because it impedes combustibility. However, there are chemicals and minerals in most water that will remain in your oil tank even after the water itself has been removed. These chemicals and minerals will continue to degrade your oil.

Rust, sludge, and other contaminants present in your oil tank can also contribute to oil breakdown.

Finally, heating oil can congeal in extremely low temperatures. This can clog your filters and lines. However, once the oil is warmed back to above-freezing temps, the oil should become usable once again.

Proper Equipment for Your Heating Oil

If you believe something else is inhibiting your oil’s shelf life, it may be the overall condition of your oil tank.

First things first, it’s essential to know that your oil tank has never been used for motor oil storage. You may save money buying a used tank, but a contaminated tank will drastically reduce your heating oil’s shelf life.

You should also have your heating oil tank periodically inspected. A corroded or leaky oil tank will pose some problems. It will degrade your oil faster as outside contaminants can penetrate your oil.

Believe it or not, you should also listen and smell for normal sounds and smells, as others are cause for concern. If you hear a loud bang instead of a roaring sound, it means oil is collecting in the ignition chamber. When it finally ignites, it’s causing a more significant combustion event than the system is designed to handle. If this occurs, call a service professional immediately, as this could be a sign that your furnace has become unsafe.

Going hand-in-hand with the sound, call a service professional immediately if you smell a new or strong odor, especially if it’s accompanied by smoke or soot.

In conclusion, several factors can reduce the shelf life of your heating oil. However, if you have the proper service professional deliver your oil and fill your oil tank, and your oil tank is in the appropriate condition to contain your oil, then your oil should have a shelf life of anywhere between 18 and 24 months.

Home Service Oil

Contact Home Service Oil for all your oil and fuel needs. We provide bulk fuel and oil delivery to those who need it. Our professional team ensures that you’re getting the best money can buy. So, make your life easier and submit a delivery request today!

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In this economy, everyone’s looking to save money where they can. So many of us use cars in our day-to-day life that thinking about how much you’re spending on gas is a must. Without the proper knowledge, you could be wasting hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a year on gas. Now that fall has rolled around, so has the infamous holiday season. With that comes more travel to see friends and family. Now, more than ever, you should be focused on how you can save money at the pump.

Keep Your Tires Inflated

Always inflate your tires to the recommended pressure shown either on the decal inside the driver’s side door or the driver’s side door pillar. Surveys have shown that about 60% of cars on the road have underinflated tires by 30%. That can cost you almost 7% of wasted gas. If your vehicle doesn’t have an electric pressure gauge installed, you can always buy a digital pressure gauge to check all four tires.

Replace Your Spark Plugs

It’s best to replace your spark plugs early. Spark plugs typically last about 100,000 miles, but misfires and incomplete combustion occur more frequently during the last 20,000 of the spark plugs’ lifespans. A faulty spark plug can cost you around $562.50 in wasted gas. You’ll have to replace them, anyway, so why not do it early and save the cash. Even if you have to replace them an extra time in your car’s lifetime, you’ll still come out ahead. Also, don’t assume that your car’s spark plugs will last 100,000 miles. Some four-cylinder cars’ spark plugs can only last anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.

Replace Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter on an older car, 1999 or older, can increase fuel usage by 10%. Newer cars tend to have a smart computer to detect the lower airflow and automatically cut back on fuel, which means your engine will lack power and pick-up. You should check your filter when you change your oil or replace it every year. If you drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you may have to change it more often. 

Keep Your Car Aligned

If your tires are not appropriately aligned is could cost you upwards of $187.50 every year in wasted gas. You see, according to familyhandyman, “if your tires are bowed out of alignment by just .017 inches, it’s the equivalent of dragging your tire sideways for 102 miles for every 20,000 you drive.” Use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth on both edges of all four tires. If you notice one side of the tire is more worn than the other, your car needs to be aligned.

Drive Slower

Keep your speed around 55 miles per hour.  By increasing your speed by 10 miles an hour, you increase your drag by 36%. If you drive on the highway frequently, you could be wasting around $510 a year just to shave off a few minutes.

Hard acceleration in stop-and-go driving can also cost you 20% in gas mileage. That’s wasting around $750 a year.  

Check Warning Lights

If your check engine light goes on, that means there could be an issue with your emissions. Typically, problems with the emissions occur when there is an incomplete burn, which means you’re not getting the most out of your money. The important that to take away from that is that if your check engine light has come on, it means you’re wasting gas.

Lose Excess Weight

It’s crazy to think, but as little as 100 pounds can reduce your fuel efficiency. Get rid of the junk (sports bags, blankets, etc.), and you’ll be surprised how much weight you can ditch from your car.

It would be best to avoid too many add-ons that increase wind resistance. We’re talking about things like roof racks, cargo boxes, and bike racks.

Limit Idling

Believe it or not, idling uses more fuel and causes more pollution than turning your car on and driving. Nowadays, most new vehicles will automatically turn off when the vehicle comes to a stop, and the engine will reignite once you release the brake.

You should also avoid warming your car up. It only takes 30 seconds for fluids to travel through the engine to lubricate components. You don’t need to turn your vehicle on for prolonged periods to “warm it up.” By running your engine like that, your car can consume up to a gallon of gas every hour!

Get Gas in the AM

Typically, the temperature is cooler in the morning than later in the day. That means that the gas sitting in the underground fuel tanks will be more condensed in the morning than in the afternoon. In the afternoon, the gas has gotten a chance to heat up and expand. So, while you’ll be paying the same amount of money in the morning and afternoon, you may be getting less bang for your buck in the afternoon than in the morning.

Create A Good Seal

Your car’s gas cap has a thick rubber ring on the outside that helps create a tight seal to prevent air from entering the fuel tank. Like most rubber products, this seal deteriorates with time and begins to fail. If your car is newer, a failed seal will trigger the check engine light or emissions light to come on. If your vehicle does not have a way of telling you the seal has failed, make sure to check it periodically.

Home Service Oil

At Home Service Oil, we care about all your fuel needs. We believe that everyone should have access to affordable fueling options. If you or anyone you know is interested in our bulk fueling options, please visit our website to request a service. We do more than offer fuel as well. For more information about our services, click here!

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Every time you fill your vehicle with gas, you pay a gas tax rate. The money from this tax rate typically goes towards fixing roads and bridges within your state. In July of this year, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a state gas tax increase. Said increase went into effect as of October 1, 2021, but what does the Missouri gas tax rebate mean for you? Read our blog to find out!

How Much Is the Tax Increase?

This raise is the first gas tax increase in the state of Missouri since 1992. However, it may have been a long time coming. Missouri holds one of the lowest gas tax rates in the country, at just 17 cents per gallon. Since October 1, the state’s residents have been paying an additional 2.5 cents per gallon of gas. The tax will increase yearly between now and 2025. Once done, the gas tax rate will sit at 29.5 cents per gallon. That might not seem like a lot, but these taxes could raise about $500 million for the state of Missouri.

Why The Increase in Taxes?

The state of Missouri plans to split the money from these taxes between the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and local governments to help cover the costs of road and bridge repairs. Yet, this may not be enough for all the maintenance that needs to be done. The state of Missouri faces a $745 million gap for high-priority road and bridgework. Unfortunately, rising material and equipment costs have reduced the purchasing power of the MoDOT to under 50% of what it used to be in the mid-1990s.

What is the Rebate?

Missouri is offering a rebate for those who do not wish to take part in this tax raise. This rebate is available to both residents and businesses within the state of Missouri. Gain access to the rebate form here. Anyone interested in applying must track individual purchases starting October 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022 (to the end of the fiscal year). The ultimate consumer or retailer can then apply for refunds starting July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022 (the first three months of the new fiscal year). However, tracking how much gas you’re buying is just the start of this process.

How Do I Get My Rebate?

To fill out the rebate form, you will need some information:

• The vehicle identification number of the vehicle the fuel was delivered to
• The date of sale
• The names and addresses of the purchaser and seller
• The number of gallons purchased
• The number of gallons purchased and charged Missouri fuel tax as a separate item

You also need to maintain purchase records that include invoices, original sales receipts marked paid by the seller, bills of lading, or other pertinent records, for up to three years as the Department of Revenue has the right to carry out an inspection of your documents within that period. Remember to sign and date the form. Claims unsigned will be returned. If you have any questions about completing the form, you can call (573) 751-7671 or email excise@dor.mo.gov.

What Will You Do?

So, will you be participating in the rebate program? Several state reps have announced their distaste for the confusing paperwork needed to avoid the additional taxes. In contrast, others praise the fact that the option to participate is there to begin with. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what to do.

Home Service Oil is Here for You

Home Service Oil is here to help you with all your fuel supply needs. We deliver gasoline and diesel fuels to farms, homes, construction sites, and commercial accounts. We also supply racing gas, jet fuel, and other specialty fuel products. Call us today at 1-800-467-5044 or visit our website to learn more!

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It is essential to know that the oil tank gauge only measures the level of oil remaining in the tank, not the number of liters you have left. Once that is understood, you’ll realize that, in general, most oil tank gauges aren’t remarkably accurate.  However, their level of accuracy depends on which kind of oil tank gauge you decide to use. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the different types of oil tank gauges and how accurate they are to decide which one is best for you.

Sight Gauge

A sight gauge is a small tube connected to the bottom of the tank in the oil feed pipe. The tube runs on the side of the tank and is clear, usually with a float inside. When you operate the push button, the valve opens. This action allows fuel to travel up the tube. Due to gravity, the fuel in the tube will measure at the same level as the fuel left inside the tank.

Oil Tank Float Gauge

An oil tank float gauge includes a float that goes up and down with the oil level inside the tank. You can locate the oil tank float gauge on top of the tank. It is connected to the float with a string wound around the instrument in the gauge that will turn the dial depending on the oil level. These gauges are relatively inexpensive but not as reliable.

Hydrostatic Gauge

The hydrostatic gauge is more accurate than a float gauge, and you can find it on commercial sites. Mounted at the end of the tube in the tank is a probe. A small hand pump then pumps air into the probe. Once there is air in the probe, it will measure the pressure of the fluid at its current depth and calculate a reading. You are to read this as the “percentage full of the tank.”

Electric Gauges

Electric gauges are handy because they can connect to a computer or a mobile device. That way, you can check your oil levels from the comfort of your own home. The sensor gauge uses a battery to power it and transmits the sonic reading to a “paired” display, customarily plugged into a socket in the home nearby. Typically, the reading is in the tenths and will have a flashing display if the tank is low. The only downside of electric gauges is that they can be pricey, and the battery only lasts about five years or so.

A highly recommended electric oil tank gauge is the Smart Oil Gauge. The Smart Oil Gauge cannot give a precise reading in the top eight inches of the oil tank because the oil is too close to the sensor. However, below eight inches, the Smart Oil Gauge is exceptionally reliable. You can also leave the float gauge installed if you still prefer to have a visual aid.

Which Oil Tank Gauge Is Right for You?

In this blog, we went over the four main types of oil tank gauges. These include sight, oil tank float, hydrostatic, and electric gauges. Overall, the sight and the oil tank float gauges are the cheapest but not the most reliable. The hydrostatic gauge is more reliable than the last two but is more suited for commercial sites. If you’re looking to get the most out of your money, we suggest you go with an electric gauge. Yes, they do cost more to install and maintain, but their readings are far more accurate, saving you time and money when it comes to refilling your oil tank.

Home Service Oil

Visit Home Service Oil for all your oil tank needs. We deliver heating oil to homes, farms, construction, and commercial sites. All you need to do is to contact us here, and we’ll get back to you with a quote and information about the next steps you need to take to receive your order.

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Viscosity

Viscosity is a fluid’s resistance to flow. When picking out the right oil for your car, viscosity is a key characteristic that can’t be overlooked. The type of viscosity depends on the type of vehicle you are driving, and the climate said vehicle is in. Typically, a car manufacturer will recommend two or more motor oil viscosities (5W-20 or 5W-30)

The number preceding the “W” is the rate of the oil’s flow at 0˚F. The lower the number, the less it thickens in the cold. That being said, a vehicle that drives in cold weather would benefit from a 0W or 5W viscosity.

The numbers following the “W” rates the oil’s viscosity at 212˚F. This represents the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures. The lower the number, the faster the oil will thin out at high temperatures.

Different Types of Oil

Just how there are different viscosities, there are different types of oil that are dependent on the age of your vehicle, your driving style, and the climate you are driving in. Below are the different types of oil and what type of vehicles they should be used on.

Conventional Oil

Conventional oil is made from petroleum and is the most common type of oil used in older passenger vehicles. This oil is good for owners that change their oil every three months or 3,000 miles. The pros of this oil are that it’s the most affordable oil out there. The cons are that it contains impurities and doesn’t perform as well at extreme temperatures.

Premium Conventional Oil

This is your standard, new-car oil. Most of these oils are available at the typical viscosities (5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30). These three viscosity ratings will cover just about every light-duty vehicle on the road.

Synthetic Oil

According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, synthetic oil “goes through additional chemically engineered processes to create more uniform molecules with fewer impurities. The pros of this oil are that it performs better at more extreme temperatures, and it’s ideal for high-tech engines. While this oil is excellent for specific vehicles, it is notably more expensive, about three times more expensive than conventional oil.

Synthetic-blend Oil

This oil is premium conventional oil with a dose of synthetic oil. This oil is popular with trucks and SUVs because it offers better protection during heavier engine loads and the associated higher temperatures.

High-mileage Oil

High-mileage oil is designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on them. It contains additives, like seal conditioners, that are designed to help older engines last longer. These additives can restore seals, prevent leaks, enhance engine performance, and reduce smoke and emissions in older engines. Unfortunately, it costs more per quart because of all of the additives.

Choosing The Right Type of Oil

As mentioned earlier, the type of oil you pick is dependent on certain factors. Those factors include the age of your vehicle, your driving style, and the climate you’re driving your vehicle in.

If your vehicle has more than 75,000 miles on it and you see oil spots in the driveway, consider changing to high-mileage oil. However, if you are using synthetic oil and your vehicle seems to run fine, don’t worry about it.

There are typically two types of drivers—ones who drive short distances at moderate speeds and those who drive long distances at highway speeds. If you are doing a lot of city driving, consider high-performing oil that will last longer. Here’s where you’ll want to use synthetic oil

Consider your climate and owner’s manual to determine the proper viscosity grade, specific oil type, and oil drain interval. Climate does play a factor in the type of viscosity you need your oil to be.  However, the vehicle’s manufacturer will always have recommendations.

Home Service Oil

Home Service Oil carries all types of oils for all types of vehicles.  You name it, we supply it. From VP Racing fuels and oils to Mobil Motor Oils, we have what you’re looking for. If your bulk supply of oil is starting to lack, call us today at 1-800-467-5044 to schedule a delivery.

The post How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Car appeared first on Home Service Oil Company.

Every car has four different filters: air filter, cabin filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. All of these filters enable flow and catch impurities to ensure that your engine is running efficiently and safely.

Air Filter

To begin to think about getting your car started, you need to think about airflow to the engine. Your car engine requires air for combustion. Without proper combustion, you risk losing fuel milage and overall power to your vehicle.

An air filter prevents insects, dust, particles, and debris from reaching the engine. As mentioned, air is necessary for combustion. Without this filter supporting your cars performance, you’d be lost.

When To Replace the Air Filter

It’s ideal to change the air filter at least once a year (preferably sooner) if you drive in dusty areas. Luckily, the air filter is one of the most accessible parts to clean or change. Simply, remove the intake hose attached to the air collection box and lift out the filter. If you hold the filter up in front of the light and see any light peeking through, that means it’s time to change the filter.  If your car is emitting black smoke or the check engine light has come on, that means you’ve waited much too long to change your filter.

Air filters can come in various shapes depending on your vehicle. The most commonly seen are panels, circular and cylindrical, all of which are pleated materials made of cotton, synthetic paper, or foam.

Cabin Filter

Not only does the filter keep the interior air of the car clean of contaminants and debris, but it also prevents all of that debris from clogging up your car’s AC system. It’s essential to keep a clean cabin filter because it keeps allergens, like pollen and dust, out of the air you breathe. Carbon activated cabin filters can even absorb exhaust gasses and odors.

When to Replace the Cabin Filter

The lifespan of a cabin filter is dependent on the make and model of a car, but generally speaking, it’s best to change between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If you’re noticing any reduced airflow, lingering odors, or increased dust within your car, these may be signs that it’s time to get a new cabin filter.

The cabin filter can be found under the hood, behind the glove compartment, or under the dashboard. Depending on where it is located, it may be difficult to change it on your own.

Oil Filter

Without oil, the engine would overheat, and parts would wear out prematurely. The oil filter maintains continuous oil flow and removes particles that may appear in the motor oil due to engine wear. Ultimately, the oil filter is critical to maintaining smooth operation, engine life, and fuel mileage.

When to Replace the Oil Filter

You’ll want to replace your oil filter to avoid ruining your new oil.  In general, you should change your oil filter every other time you change your oil, which is about every 5,000 miles. You should also keep your eye on the check engine light. Some newer cars even have an oil change indicator or oil pressure warning light. DON’T IGNORE THOSE.

Fuel Filter

Like all the other filters, this filter also catches impurities and contaminates. In this case, the fuel filter catches things like dust, rust, grit, and water that can be found in fuel. It’s important to change out the fuel filter when needed, because without one that properly works or you risk letting contaminants cause expensive damage to your car. It could even cause the fuel pump and injector to fail!

When to Replace the Fuel Filter

Most manufacturers suggest that you change your fuel filter every two years or after 30,000 miles. Again, these numbers are dependent on the type of vehicle you drive. It’s always best to check your owner’s manual for the right information for your car.

Home Service Oil

When it comes to your car, you’ll want to make sure everything from the engine to the gas pump is working efficiently. At HSO, we efficiently deliver gasoline and diesel fuel to commercial companies, construction sites, and farms. If your bulk fuel supply is starting to dip, call us at 1-800-467-5044 to schedule a delivery.

The post The 4 Car Filters and When to Replace Them appeared first on Home Service Oil Company.